Are you a new streamer who's looking for something to jazz up your bare-bones streaming setup? A webcam is a crucial tool that helps you showcase your personality and connect with your audience by revealing the person behind the screen.
AVerMedia has introduced the Live Streamer Cam 313 as an option for entry-level streamers. Priced at RM367, it's relatively affordable when compared against popular options like the Logitech C922, which currently retails for RM485 - and that's not including the inflation it experienced when the MCO caused a surge of demand as people hastened to adapt to new work-from-home arrangements.
Unboxing and setup
Unboxing is an extremely straightforward affair - all you'll get is the webcam itself nestled in a foam cutout, as well as the quick start guide. The cable length is 1.5m, which is taller than some of y'all Asian shorties out there, so you shouldn't have a problem hooking it up to your PC.
It's pretty much plug-and-play, so just stick it into a USB-A port and you're good to go. There's no special software required, but you can always install AVerMedia's own RECentral software to record and stream if you wanna try something other than the usual go-to's like OBS and XSplit.
Also, if you download their very own CamEngine software and use that as the video source input instead, you will have an array of Snapchat-esque filters for you to play with as well.
The webcam's base is similar to the C922's - it's a plastic foam-padded clip that you clamp onto the edge of your monitor with.
Notably, it can be attached to a tripod via the quarter-inch screw on the bottom if that's how you roll.
Other handy features include a physical privacy shutter and a 360° swivel that allows you to direct the webcam wherever you want it to.
Picture quality
The Live Streamer Cam 313 runs at 1080p/30fps, which is decent enough for most basic streamers. In terms of quality, here are a few comparison photos between the LSC 313 and the C922 that I've asked my friend to take (I'm camera shy.)
On the left is the AVerMedia LSC 313, while on the right is the Logitech C922.
Daylight - Default settings
Daylight - Tweaked settings
As you can see, the LSC 313 produces higher contrast images that are less natural than the C922's. The blacks on the LSC313 are pretty harsh, while the C922 managed to capture the texture of her hair better.
In terms of colour, the LSC 313 is definitely more saturated, which some may like due to its eye-catching nature, but I personally prefer the more subdued and natural tone of the C922.
After some tweaking, it definitely looks a lot better, and may appeal to those who prefer a more vibrant and colourful look.
Low light - Default settings
Low light - Tweaked settings
Under low lighting, the LSC 313 performed decently, though the contrast between her skintone and the blacks of the chair and shirt is now even more stark. You can definitely see her face more clearly than in the C922 after some tweaking though.
Do note also that it's a fixed focus lens, but I didn't have any problems with it even when I moved around quite a bit. It also has a built-in mic - the quality is mediocre but serviceable in a pinch. Most streamers would already have a dedicated mic, so I don't consider it to be a deal-breaker, but more of a nice-to-have bonus when broadcasting on the go.
Buy or no buy?
At RM367, it's a decent entry-level webcam that provides vibrant (albeit artificial) picture quality at 1080p/60fps. Lowlight performance is pretty decent if you enjoy gaming in dark, monitor-lit rooms. The privacy shutter is a huge plus for paranoid freaks like me, while its small form factor and plug-and-play nature is definitely convenient if you need to bring it around.
If you're interested in purchasing one, you can head over to the official links here:
