Logitech is a household name when it comes to computer accessories. The company has been making high-end webcams for quite a while, and now ups their game with the Mevo Core, their first interchangeable lens camera. The Mevo Core has a minimalistic, box-shaped design. At its core is a fully compatible Micro Four Thirds mount with all the perks – autofocus (contrast-detect), exposure control, and electronic zoom with compatible lenses. The camera can record 4K30P and stream up to 1080p at 60fps. It seems to be just the right tool to elevate your streaming quality, but is it really?
With a large sensor, interchangeable lens system, compact, minimalistic design, and streamlined user experience, the Logitech Mevo Core brings together quality and ease of use. The new webcam is set to elevate streaming quality while maintaining hassle-free operation. All this sounds great, as all promotional texts do, but we’ll dive in a bit deeper and try to understand this webcam’s position in our field as compared to other options.
Is it a camera? Is it a webcam? What is the Mevo Core?
Coming from a filmmaker or hybrid content creator perspective, the Logitech Mevo Core may seem like a “baby BGH1“. It has the sensor and lens mount, it’s boxy, and it’s based on external connectivity. How different could it be? Well, the short answer is “a lot”. While it does tick some camera boxes, the Mevo Core is still primarily a supercharged webcam aimed almost entirely at streaming rather than filming. Perhaps the most obvious indicator is the bitrate. The Mevo Core tops at 40Mbps for 4K30P. With no other specifications regarding bit depth or sample rate, we’ll just have to assume the worst (or the best for the bitrate. Not a big difference). So, while it may be enough for a limited variety of filming scenarios – it won’t be my first choice.
Body and design
With minimalism at its core, there’s not too much to say. It’s a 700-gram plastic box with a Micro Four Thirds mount on the front. The camera also has four tripod mounts, one on each facade. An internal battery will provide up to six hours of 1080p at 60fps streaming, and there’s the USB-C power option, which I personally prefer. An array of three internal microphones is also available, and while not up to professional sound recording standards, these will probably satisfy the target user.
Connectivity
A fundamental part of a webcam, the Logitech Mevo Core is relatively well-equipped with external connections. All are located on the bottom back side of the camera and include the following:
- UVC-USB-C
- USB-C-PD
- HDMI-A
- 3.5mm audio input
The camera also includes a Micro-SD card slot and impressive wireless connectivity with WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1. This system allows for various connecting options as well as multi-cam functionality.
Who is it for?
The Logitech Mevo Core aims to be both a high-end webcam and an acceptable camera. Theoretically, it has the specs for both with 4K30P recording, good connectivity, and 1080p 60fps streaming ability. The streamlined, easy-to-grasp user interface should help make it an easy system to slide into. Use cases that follow these lines might benefit from such a webcam – gamers, live-streamers, independent broadcasters, houses of worship, educators, lecturers, or teachers may find this solution attractive. For us professional or high-end content creators, filmmakers, etc., I believe this solution will prove sub-par.
Alternatives
Many cameras these days offer some webcam/streaming functionality. The best option is to check the gear you already have before buying into new solutions. Furthermore, an advanced smartphone, mainly the iPhone 15 Pro and above, provides a similar solution in most use cases. For a multi-cam system, I would go for the likes of the Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 or Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2, which offer superior professional features.
Logitech Mevo Core – a jack of all trades? A master of none?
We may be easily tempted by the prospect of an all-in-one solution that will provide both high-end streaming and a nice recording option. But every jack of all trades is also a master of none, and in my opinion, the latter is the case with this supercharged webcam. As close as it might get, I struggle to call it a camera. I also struggle to justify investing $1000 in a webcam when my ancient iPhone 11 Pro can perform the same task adequately. Instead, I would likely opt for a dedicated camera with better recording options and controls for anything beyond streaming. Also, these days most professional cameras offer some sort of webcam functionality. I may not be the target audience, but I still find it pretty hard to justify.
Price and availability
The Logitech Mevo Core UHD 4K Mirrorless Streaming Camera will set you back $999 for the camera body. Other kits are available as well, and the webcam is in stock.
Do you see yourself getting into this system? What are the advantages you see for this unique offering? Let us know in the comments.
