HyperX Vision S 4K Webcam Review: Certainly Meets the Expectations!
Just like NZXT and some other brands, HyperX is renowned for producing a variety of PC accessories. What they aren’t known for, however, is webcams! This changes now with the introduction of their first webcam, bearing the impressive name HyperX Vision S. But how does it perform in a rather saturated market? That’s what I intend to summarize in this review.
The Vision S is primarily designed for streamers, offering 4K resolution at over 30 fps, or, for those who prefer higher fps, 1080p at over 60 fps. Having options is always a plus!
But what comes in the package? Firstly, we get the Vision S webcam, a 1.8m USB-C to USB-A cable, and a magnetic privacy cover. With plug-and-play functionality, this streaming-friendly camera ensures instant access. You can also unlock more customization options by downloading the NGENUITY software.
Design
In terms of design, it comes in an all-black compact aluminum body with a detachable magnetic lens cover, also known as a privacy cover. It’s a design that stands out from the majority of the webcams we’ve reviewed, as most are designed in landscape orientation, whereas this one is elongated in depth. This might be due to the fact that this webcam doesn’t come with built-in microphones. Whether the lack of an integrated microphone is a significant drawback, not really, as it is aimed at streamers who likely already have a high-quality microphone in use. Personally, it doesn’t bother me, especially since I don’t have to worry about settings potentially glitching out, causing my voice to be picked up by the webcam instead of my dedicated microphone.
It’s a webcam that doesn’t stand out or draw attention to itself, which, in my opinion, is a good thing since it’s meant to be functional and discreet. Holding the webcam, you can feel the solid construction with its aluminum body, giving it a premium vibe. The build quality doesn’t come across as flimsy or cheap, avoiding the lightweight plastic feel often associated with some webcams.
Image quality
When it comes to image quality, it’s really impressive. I don’t think I’ve seen myself in such high resolution, which brings out all the details in my face and surroundings quite well. The webcam provides a 90-degree field of view, offering a good width for the image you want to present. Additionally, in the NGENUITY software, you can adjust whether you want a full, medium, or close-up shot of yourself.
The color depth, or how well the colors around me or on me are represented by the webcam, is excellent. I do have a very strong light source (more on that below), which can slightly affect the color vibrancy from how they truly are. However, when I’ve tried adjusting the white balance or exposure, I find that what I see on my monitor accurately reflects the good color saturation of my surroundings and my skin, albeit a bit brighter due to the strong light I have on me.
In the NGENUITY software, you have the option to set the framing, as mentioned above, to full, medium, or close-up. You can also enable autofocus or manually choose where you want the webcam’s focus to be in the image. Exposure settings can be managed by the software, or if you prefer, you can manually adjust it to suit your lighting conditions best. Automatic white balance options are also available; I choose to let the software handle it, but you can also make manual adjustments for more control. There are a few more settings like HDR (High Dynamic Range), background light compensator, or even low-light compensator.
Price
However, if we come to something that might make potential users take a step back, it’s probably the price. The MSRP or suggested retail price is 259.99 €. It’s a high price for a webcam, but considering we’re talking about a 4K 30 fps webcam aimed at streamers, it naturally comes with a higher price tag—especially given the quality and customization options available in the settings. The challenge, though, is that for this type of webcam, the price is in line with many other brands that also fall within the 2000 to 3000 SEK range—not to mention the proximity (in terms of price) to actual DSLR cameras.
Verdict
HyperX Vision S is a solidly built webcam with a touch of premium in its design. Primarily aimed at streamers for its impressive image quality and software that provides customization options, though it can be a bit finicky at times. The price is in line with other 4K webcams (I use the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra myself), but there are cheaper alternatives on the market. I can recommend this webcam for what it offers, but there are also similar, more affordable cameras out there. Kudos to HyperX, though, for their first webcam that certainly meets the expectations!