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Razer’s new Kiyo Pro webcam uses surveillance camera tech to improve lighting

Luke Larsen
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Webcams have never been more important, and Razer has a new option that’s geared toward both streamers and remote workers. The Kiyo Pro, which costs $199, is a spruced-up version of the company’s popular Kiyo webcam, though some significant changes have been made to earn the “Pro” designation.

Most notably, the Kiyo Pro doesn’t include a built-in ring light like the Kiyo does. Instead, it uses a new “adaptive light sensor” technology, which Razer says negates the need for a direct light to brighten up your face during video calls.

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The image sensor, called the Sony IMX327 CMOS with Starvis Technology, is the star of the show. It is currently used in security and surveillance cameras for the purpose of operating in extreme lowlight scenarios. It’s not hard to see how that could benefit the makeshift offices your co-workers occupy these days.

Razer showed off comparison photos between the Kiyo Pro and competitors like the Logitech Brio and Logitech StreamCam. Across the board, the Kiyo Pro appears to give a more nuanced and balanced picture, rather than blowing out whites.

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Razer representatives also made special note of the more accurate and lifelike colors represented in the Kiyo Pro’s camera. In some of the comparisons, such as the one below, the Logitech StreamCam (bottom right), provides a brighter image that Razer admitted some might prefer. Fortunately, the lighting is adjustable in Razer’s Synapse software, so you can save profiles and select between different presets.

The Kiyo Pro shoots in 1080p at 60 frames per second (fps), compared to the 30 fps of the original Kiyo. The Logitech Brio costs the same amount, though it can also shoot in 4K at 30 fps. The $170 Logitech StreamCam, meanwhile, matches the Kiyo Pro in resolution and frame rate.

The Kiyo Pro also features an adjustable field of view, ranging from 80 degrees to 100 degrees. This can be adjusted within Razer Synapse.

Razer says the Kiyo Pro has some unique tuning and customization for streamers as well. The camera better handles harsh background lights often found in streamer setups. And, of course, the emphasis is always on making sure faces and skin tones appear crisp and bright in the frame.

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