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Elgato Facecam Pro vs Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000: Comparison
What is the difference between Elgato Facecam Pro and Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000?
Start with frame rate, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Elgato Facecam Pro 60 fps against Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 30 fps, 50% in favour of Elgato Facecam Pro. Elgato Facecam Pro also leads on field of view, 91 deg on the Elgato Facecam Pro versus 66 deg on the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000. There is a split on resolution as well, 4K60 on the Elgato Facecam Pro versus 720p30 on the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000. They differ on primary use case too, Professional Streaming on the Elgato Facecam Pro versus Everyday Video Calls on the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000.
Which should you buy, Elgato Facecam Pro or Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000?
Buy the Elgato Facecam Pro for professional streamers wanting true 4K60 capture and creators who prefer manual focus control, though it is not built for casual users wanting plug-and-play autofocus and systems without spare USB 3.0 bandwidth. The Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 suits desktop PCs with no built-in webcam needing basic video chat and budget-conscious buyers who don't need HD sharpness, though it is the wrong buy for streaming or content creation and video conferencing in professional or client-facing settings. Our rating of the Elgato Facecam Pro (8/10): the best image quality in Elgato's lineup for streamers who can feed it real USB 3.0 bandwidth and don't need autofocus. Our rating of the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 (4/10): bare-minimum 720p hardware that succeeds only because it's cheap and truly plug-and-play.
What Elgato Facecam Pro and Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 have in common
Where they agree, they agree completely, autofocus type and privacy shutter included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Resolution
- Elgato Facecam Pro
- 4K60
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
- 720p30
Brand
- Elgato Facecam Pro
- Elgato
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
- Microsoft
Model Number
- Elgato Facecam Pro
- Facecam Pro
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
- LifeCam HD-3000
Frame Rate
- Elgato Facecam Pro
- 60 fpsBest
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
- 30 fps-50%
Autofocus Type
- Elgato Facecam Pro
- Fixed Focus
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
- Fixed Focus
Field of View
- Elgato Facecam Pro
- 91 degBest
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
- 66 deg-27%
Primary Use Case
- Elgato Facecam Pro
- Professional Streaming
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
- Everyday Video Calls
Privacy Shutter
- Elgato Facecam Pro
- No
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
- No
Which one should you pick?
Choose Elgato Facecam Pro if you want the higher frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps) and the higher field of view (91 deg vs 66 deg).
Choose Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Elgato Facecam Pro | Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Elgato Facecam Pro
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The best image quality in Elgato's lineup for streamers who can feed it real USB 3.0 bandwidth and don't need autofocus.
Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
4 / 10 Expert Rating
Bare-minimum 720p hardware that succeeds only because it's cheap and truly plug-and-play.