Elgato Facecam vs Facecam MK.2

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Quick Summary

Elgato’s Facecam MK.2 is a massive improvement over the original Facecam. The image is sharper, the colors are far more natural, and the contrast is less extreme.

Image Quality

Both webcams record in up to 1080p 60 FPS. The Facecam records in the UYVY format, while the MK.2 is YUY2.

The first thing that stands out in a side by side comparison is that there’s simply far too much emphasis on reds in the original Facecam. The contrast is also very strong which hides detail. The Facecam MK.2’s only real weakness in image quality is that it’s perhaps too washed out. Otherwise, for a midrange device, it looks stellar.

Detail in darker colors is present, grain has been significantly reduced in lower light, and overall it’s a great image.

Build Quality

Both webcams are light in weight and have excellent adjustment mechanisms to tilt them up and down and twist horizontally. I find the MK.2’s to be more intuitive, but they will both get the job done. The privacy shutter of the original Facecam is detachable (and easy to lose). The MK.2’s privacy shutter is right over the lens itself. Just make sure not to smudge the lens while opening and closing it…

It’s important to note that neither webcam has a built in microphone.

Verdict

MK.2 is on the right.

I recommend Facecam MK.2 over the original Facecam if you don’t have one already. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily worth upgrading from the original, but it’s a fantastic improvement.