Elgato Facecam MK.2 & Stream Deck + – -.

If you’re in the content game – whether it’s Twitch, YouTube, podcasting or just Zoom calls that need to look and feel like a Netflix production – you’ve probably already crossed paths with the Elgato brand. They’re kind of the go-to for streamers who want professional-level gear without mortgaging their setups. Two of their latest offerings, the Facecam MK.2 and the Stream Deck +, are more than just shiny upgrades. They are legitimate tools that can take your content creation game to the next level in very different but equally important ways. So let’s break it down and see how these gadgets fit into different workflows, and more importantly, are they worth your money?

Elgato Facecam MK.2
Yes, the glow-up is real. This is the next iteration of Elgato’s original Facecam, which already had a solid reputation for sharp images and plug-and-play simplicity. This time, however, they’ve added a few things creators have been begging for: HDR support, variable frame rates and yes: a wide-angle lens that won’t make your face look like it’s been stretched in Photoshop.

Some of the specs:

• 1080p60 HDR video (finally!)
• 1/2.5″ Sony STARVIS sensor (this thing loves low light)
• 24 mm full-frame equivalent lens (wide, but not fish-eye)
• 82° field of view
• USB-C connector
• Built-in flash memory for storing your settings

So what does that all mean in the real world? In a nutshell, your camera won’t blow your face out every time a white screen appears on stream, and you’ll look semi-decent even if you’re filming at 2 a.m. with a single desk lamp. HDR helps deal with harsh contrast, while the Sony STARVIS sensor does a great job of managing low-light situations without turning you into a grainy mess.

Use Case #1: The Twitch streamer
Let’s say you’re grinding Apex Legends late at night. Your room is dark, lit only by your monitor and maybe some RGB strips. Normally you would look like a shadowy blob, but with the Facecam MK.2? You look bright, colorful and not like a cave troll.

Use Case #2: The YouTube reviewer
If you’re shooting product unboxings or reaction videos, you want that wide-angle lens to show more background flair – LED shelves, posters, whatever makes your setup “you. Plus, you can adjust everything in Elgato’s Camera Hub software, so if you want that cinematic depth or a cooler tone, you’re covered.

Use Case #3: Business Zoom God
If you use this for work calls? Bless your colleagues. They’ll wonder if you hired a production team. Pro-tip: lower the sharpness and contrast for meetings, unless you want to be that guy.

Now let’s talk about the Stream Deck + – Elgato’s perhaps most underrated tool. And no, this is not just another macropad. Yes, it has buttons (eight to be exact), but it also introduces four rotary buttons with tactile pressure function and a touchscreen strip. This thing is a control freak’s dream – and I mean that in the best way.

Some of the key differences with the plus version compared to previous decks:

• 8 customizable LCD keys (like the OG Stream Deck)
• 4 rotary knobs with push buttons
• Dynamic touch screen with swipe support
• Haptic feedback on dials
• USB-C interface
• Full support in Elgato’s ecosystem and beyond (think OBS, Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve)

In short, it’s a Stream Deck with reach. It’s no longer just about muting your microphone or starting your stream overlay. You can control the volume level, adjust the brightness of the lights, scroll through timelines in your editor – all on one device.

Use Case #1: The Multi-Cam Streamer
Running OBS with two cameras, a gameplay feed and a microphone? Use the rotary knobs to adjust the gain of each audio source in an instant. Press the dial to mute the audio, turn to adjust the volume – no need to tab out halfway through the stream and fiddle with sliders.

Use Case #2: The video editor
Editing in Premiere Pro or DaVinci? Assign knob 1 to zoom in on the timeline, turn 2 to jog through frames, turn 3 to adjust clip coverage and turn 4 to control audio gain. It’s like giving your mouse and keyboard a sidekick that really pulls its weight.

Use Case #3: The music producer
Yes, you can use it with Ableton, FL Studio or Logic. Assign EQ bands to the dials. Adjust synth filters, scrub through loops or trigger samples. The physicality of the dials makes a HUGE difference for music work – it’s just more intuitive than dragging sliders with a mouse.

But as with anything Elgato related, the real cream lies in the ecosystem as a whole and how the tools interact with each other. Both the Facecam MK.2 and Stream Deck+ shine even brighter when you reside in the Elgato ecosystem. Do you have a Key Light or Wave microphone? You can manage your entire setup from the Stream Deck+. Adjust your lights while changing scenes and muting your microphone, all without even alt-tabbing. It’s a control center for your entire digital stage. And with the Facecam MK.2, those tweaks based on exposure, ISO and white balance? You can assign them to the Stream Deck +. yes. You can literally tune your camera while you’re on the air, without clicking through software menus. It’s the content creator’s equivalent of adjusting mirrors while driving – smooth and smart.

If you’re just starting out, isn’t the Facecam MK.2 a bit excessive? The clear and simple answer is no. It’s miles ahead of any built-in webcam, and you won’t have to upgrade in six months and it’s a sure future-proof investment. The Stream Deck + is more niche. If you are an experienced user, this is a must. It is without a doubt one of the most satisfying and flexible control surfaces for streamers, editors and even general productivity nerds. But if you only stream occasionally and just need to change scenes, you might be better off with the regular 15-key Stream Deck.

TLDR – Best combo use? Running a YouTube channel or streaming setup with dynamic lighting, multiple microphones and camera angles. Set your dials for each element, fine-tune your Facecam live settings and control the whole show like a digital wizard. Elgato leans hard on tools that put the creator first, and this duo proves it. If you’re serious about improving your content, this is the gear to beat.