Prime Day 2022 Best Picks [Mics, Webcams, Headsets, Lights, Capture Cards]
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These are some of the best tech products you can get on Prime Day 2022 which goes through July 12-13, 2022.
Unlike most other blogs, I bought and own each product, so I have personally tested them all. Some demonstrations of them in use are included.
Microphones
Shure MV7
The best USB microphone on the market that I’ve used is the Shure MV7. It also functions as an XLR device for added versatility. When used in USB mode it gains access to the Shure Motiv app that adds additional features such as equalizer adjustments.
The clarity is excellent, and the dynamic coil inside and frequency response of the device isolates voices and instruments from background noise. As an additional protection against plosives, the Shure RK345 windscreen can be added onto this mic, but even without it, the stock windscreen rejects puffs of air when used off axis.
Samson Q2U
HyperX SoloCast
The HyperX SoloCast is a capable USB condenser microphone. It won’t reject background noises or bumps as well as a dynamic mic like the Shure MV7, but its sound quality rivals devices that are much more expensive like the HyperX QuadCast S.
It has a warmer sound signature than many other USB condensers, which is why it’s one of my favorite budget devices.
Webcams
I have an entire webcam buyers guide on my YouTube channel if you want to see an even more detailed breakdown of each webcam.
Nexigo N970P
Of the 20+ webcams I own, the Nexigo N970P is the best. It records at up to 4K 30 FPS. At lower resolutions, it was initially only capable of 30 FPS, but a firmware update now allows it to also do 1080p 60 FPS as well.
Some of my favorite aspects about this webcam are its sharpness, bloat-free software controls with the remote, and noise reduction filter.
Logitech Brio
As a worthy runner up (and previously my favorite device for years), the Logitech Brio is an excellent webcam also capable of recording 4K 30 FPS footage.
Its colors are more accurate than the N970P, but the grain is a bit too intense and you have to reconfigure its settings every single time you unplug the device or restart your computer. Still, it’s an excellent device for its price.
Logitech C920
While the C920 has become dated, it still crushes in the value department. I’m eagerly awaiting a webcam that can outperform it at its price range. If you just want something that works and looks unoffensive, the C920 (or any of its variants) is it.
Gaming Headsets
I have a full headset buyers guide YouTube video for an even greater breakdown on the top headsets on the market.
While I’ve included mic tests for those interested, none of them can compare with dedicated USB or XLR mics, so scroll up to see my best microphone picks if you want to sound great. But the best headset mic I’ve heard so far is the Corsair HS80.
Audeze Penrose
Unmatched in sound quality, the Audeze Penrose uses planar magnetic drivers that offer insane sound separation and clarity.
While the tuning is pretty bright and harsh out the box, the drivers stand up to the Audeze HQ equalizer app very well and they can be adjusted to your liking.
Drop + EPOS PC38X
For those looking for an open-back device, the Drop + EPOS PC38X is a great choice. The sound signature is much more balanced than most gaming headsets, and the soundstage is quite wide due to the open ear cups.
HyperX Cloud II
An FPS player staple, the Cloud II has a sound signature tuned perfectly for games like Halo and Call of Duty. It’s comfortable for long periods of time due to its faux leather ear cushions with soft memory foam.
Lights
Elgato Ring Light, Key Light, and Key Light Air.
Shot using the Elgato Ring Light + Key Light.
Webcams and even DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are nothing without good lighting. The light I recommend is the Elgato Ring Light. It mounts to a desk but can also but attached to a traditional tripod.
It provides bright, even lighting at 2500 lumens, and its diffusion and form factor still make it easy on the eyes. It has adjustable color temperature and brightness that can be controlled wirelessly by a free app or by physical buttons on the device.
Elgato sells other great lights that I use as well such as the Key Light, Key Light Air, and Key Light Mini.
Capture Cards
My #1 capture card pick is the Elgato 4K60 Pro. I use it for almost all of my videos for recording my Sony ZV-1. However, its advertised design is for recording 4K 60 FPS HDR footage from consoles like the PS5.
Be aware that HDR capture does not work with the AMD graphics cards on this, so you’ll need the AVerMedia GC573. And even that is limited to the AMD Radeon RX 5700 and beyond. I haven’t used that device as much due to its high bandwidth limitations, so look into that before getting the GC573.
Laptop users will have to consider the Elgato HD60 X as it’s an external capture card that uses a USB 3.0 connection, but I haven’t tested that device myself yet so I can’t fully recommend it until I do.
