Grabbing the best webcam could help you set up an illustrious streaming career, or at least prove to your employer that you're really getting ready in the morning while working from home. And thankfully, as we've all been doing this for a long time now, webcams are slowly filtering back into stock after a very strong demand last year due to the pandemic. That means that when we start the year, there's a bit more variety in the market.
If you're trying to find a phone, laptop, or tablet without a front-facing camera, there's only one device that doesn't have one: a desktop PC. That's a shame because as more of us use Skype and related services to stay in touch, a webcam is starting to feel necessary. What's more, some of us are now supposed to engage in video calls and workplace chats. And if you're going to start broadcasting, a proper webcam is just as important as a microphone.
Fantech LUMINOUS C30 is the company's first camera in the webcam arena. This webcam delivers high-quality video up to 2K and features a compact and light form factor that is perfect for video chatting or streaming on the go.
Small and light form factor
The LUMINOUS C30 comes in the form of an extension that you can conveniently connect to the top of your laptop or desktop display. It is mounted on a double hinge device that allows you to settle it comfortably on the monitor while at the same time allowing you to change the vertical and horizontal angle so that it is ideal for your actual position. When you place the C30 on top of your monitor or laptop lid, you'll find the black-plastic frame and a friendly, oval shape centered around the 4K lens. That makes it smaller than the 5.1-inch Razer Stargazer. Outside the form of the unit, the C30 is pretty plain, where the Fantech logo is written in white and not much else.
The lozenge-shaped webcam is a classy and reassuringly well-designed webcam with a glossy black front section and a black metal shell. The front is made of glass with a camera lens in the middle and a set of omnidirectional microphones on the left and right. Being glass, the surface allows for much better light transmission and visual quality but also draws fingerprints like a magnet. The lens cover provided helps you to cover the webcam if not in operation to prevent the lens from being stained or scratched.
Decent performance with 2K for video calling
The LUMINOUS C30 provides a respectable 1440p with an optimal frame rate of 25 frames per second (fps) as an alternative for a good webcam, whether you're calling or recording, to be viewed in clear details and vivid colors.
The installation couldn't be smoother, attach the super long USB-A cable, and you're done. While it's easy to use, the lack of dedicated software for more sophisticated configurations could be a deal-breaker for some.
Using the C30 is such a pleasant experience, without ever mentioning the sharpness and resolution of the 2K, just the efficiency of the sensor and the light that can be captured is amazing. You can get a better picture with a ton more light. Faces were well-lit, and there's no dark zone in the frame.
The field of view is fantastic at 106°, allowing you a full angle of recording. The microphone produces clear sound. It was nice and loud during our tests.
Key features of LUMINOUS C30:
- Camera 4MP
- Great Lowlight Performance
- Optimal Frame rate 2K
- Field of view C30 106°
- Microphone included
- Hotshoe included (for tripod mounting)
- Easy adjustment
- Lens cover included
The verdict: Fantech LUMINOUS C30
Fantech LUMINOUS C30 is the perfect mix of specs and affordability. Right now, although there're a wide variety of 4K webcams in the market, the high resolution and HDR functionality may be an overkill for some. The issue is that Ultra HD has yet to make a dent in the computer market that it has in home entertainment. This webcam delivers crisp and detailed videos in most conditions and it is an excellent choice if you are looking for quality with a limited budget.
