There was a time in home computing when a webcam was as commonplace as the keyboard and mouse — these days, with the rise of mobile platforms and laptops with capable, built-in cameras, finding a solid webcam can be a tricky prospect. Thankfully, the Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K webcam sits comfortably as a middle-of-the-road solution that gets the job done without any frills or gimmicks.
The Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K webcam utilizes an 8MP sensor with an f/2.2 lens, which offers a wide-angle shot, allowing for a broader output than a traditional laptop camera. The wider-than-average lens does a great job of framing subjects when in use, giving ample room for the user to play with when finding angles that work best for their setup. The $60 price tag nets you 4K at 30FPS and 1080p/1440P at 40 or 30FPS for recording or conferencing purposes.
The difference between 1080, 1440P, and a full 3840 x 2160 is noticeable, particularly in low light or ambient light situations, which cause significant grain due to the camera’s iso. The lack of fidelity at 30FPS isn’t a big deal, particularly if you want to use the Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K webcam for video conferencing or remote work, easily outpacing most built-in solutions available on the market.
The Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K’s chassis is of a rectangular design, which helps distribute weight, coupled with its adjustable mount, making setup a breeze, even for someone like myself, who uses a TV instead of a traditional monitor and desk configuration. The camera also features a rubberized cap, providing an extra layer of comfort while keeping things clean and dust-free when not in use.
“The Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K’s chassis is of a rectangular design, which helps distribute weight, coupled with its adjustable mount, making setup a breeze…”
The top of the Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K features a mic button and a ring light compensation switch that adjusts the image for those who use additional lights for their streams. In terms of the mic quality, the Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K gets the job done, even at a distance, when sitting 3-4 feet away from the camera. As far as negatives go, the Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K only features a manual focus, which can be adjusted by turning the dial on the lens.
It is a minor complaint, but paired with its paltry and barebones software, it can ultimately make the whole experience feel under-baked. Finally, the Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K does not feature a removable USB, which, again, isn’t a deal breaker but can severely limit the camera’s reach or make it unusable if the cable were to be damaged or broken.
There is a balance here with great features and some minor issues. If you’re in the market for something a cut above from a built-in camera solution and don’t want to break the bank, the Creative Live! Cam Sync 4K webcam is a solid choice, providing users with a camera perfectly suited for video conferencing, chatting or streaming.
