Razer announces its juggernaut Kiyo Pro full HD webcam packed with low-light tech

Razer Kiyo Pro Hand
Razer Kiyo Pro Hand (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The Razer Kiyo Pro is a high-end full HD webcam with low-light abilities.
  • It has a 1/2.8 CMOS sensor with STARVIS technology.
  • Kiyo Pro is aimed at game streamers but also for productivity and the office.
  • Kiyo Pro is available now through Razer for $199.

Web cameras have taken on a whole new level of importance since 2020 with the ongoing pandemic. That need for work from home (WFH) and study from home (SFH) only crunched demand for game streamers, who also need high-quality cameras for their vocation.

Today, Razer introduces the Kiyo Pro, a step up from its current Kiyo webcam. While it ditches the creative ring light, it gains in superior STARVIS low-light sensor technology. The full HD camera looks to take on Logitech's popular BRIO, which is also priced at $199, but you may be able to find this new one in stock.

Here's what makes the Kiyo Pro more than just your ordinary pro-level webcam.

Powerful CMOS sensor with STARVIS technology

Razer Kiyo Pro Press

Source: Razer (Image credit: Source: Razer)

Razer is using STARVIS back-illuminated pixel technology for the CMOS sensor. If that sounds familiar, it's because it is often used in high-end security cameras like the EufyCam 2 I recently reviewed.

It's a decent-sized sensor, too, at 1/2.8 CMOS sensor with a full F/2.0 aperture with a range of fields of view ranging from 103°, 90°, or 80°. Razer notes that the 103° is wide enough for group video calls or to show more of your background for "live activities." In contrast, the 80° narrower field of view is for single-person webcam usage or "professional headshot view."

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CategoryRazer Kiyo Pro
Connection typeUSB 3.0
Image resolution2.1 MP
LensF2.0 with Gorilla Glass 3
Video Resolution1080p @ 60/30/24FPS720p @ 60FPS480p @ 30FPS360p @ 30FPS
Video encodingH.264 codec
Still Image Resolution1920 x 1080
Image Quality Settings CustomizationYes
Diagonal Field of View (FOV)103°, 90°, 80°
Focus TypeAuto
Mounting OptionsL-shape joint and Tripod (Not included)
Cable Length1.5 meters braided cable
ChannelsStereo
Audio Codec16bit 48KHz
Polar patternsOmni-directional
Sensitivity-38dB
Windows HelloNo

The Kiyo Pro is capable of uncompressed full HD 1080p at 60 frames-per-second (FPS). Enabling HDR at 30 FPS "ramps up the dynamic range, correcting under or overexposed areas on the fly, eliminating silhouetting if the subject is lit from behind, for vibrant colors and even lighting, across the whole image."

Positioning is also more sophisticated than Logitech's BRIO as the mount can be configured for a computer monitor, tabletop, or direct tripod mounting.

Other bonus features include a lens cap for privacy, support for USB 3.0 to pass the 5GB/s signal, and 16bit, omnidirectional stereo microphone array. The included 1.5-meter braided cable is a Type-C to Type-A.

See Razer Kiyo Pro in action this Friday

Razer Kiyo Pro Side Cable

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

For those who want to see the new Razer Kiyo Pro in a real-world example, you can tune into the Windows Central Podcast live this Friday on YouTube at 2:30 PM ET. On the podcast, I'll be switching between the Logitech BRIO and the new Razer Kiyo Pro so you can decide which one you feel looks best.

See our best webcams for PCs for even more options.

Price and availability

The Razer Kiyo Pro is available now from Razer.com for $199. It'll also be launching in various retailers in the coming weeks.

Look for my full review of the Razer Kiyo Pro to see how it stands up to regular usage next week.

Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.