Logitech Mevo Core review: A first-of-its-kind 4K mirrorless webcam (2024)

Regarding webcams andlivestreaming, Logitech consistently releases products that push the field forward— and the new Logitech Mevo Core doesn’t break that streak. This upgraded version of the original Mevo Start mayhave similar capabilities as its predecessor, but witha larger sensor and an interchangeable lens mount, theLogitech Mevo Core streaming camera adds a refreshing new (internal) coat of paint to the Mevo line.

With 4K video recording, an interchangeable lens mountandthe ability to wirelessly stream directly to platforms like Twitch and YouTube, this camera simplifies professional-level livestreaming. But is it worth the upgrade? In this review, we put the Mevo Core to the test to see if itreallylives up to the hype. But first, let’s look at what it can do on paper.

Features to know

Video recording

The Mevo Core records at 30 frames per second in all recording modes, which isa commonrate for broadcasting. Below are the resolution options for recording directly into the camera, as well as the options for video streaming:

While the camera is called a 4K mirrorless streaming camera, it cannot stream 4K video. For streaming, the resolution maxes out at 1080p.Thisisn’t bad.In fact,it’s in line with industry standards. Mostlivestreamsrun at either 1080p or 720p to keep bandwidth usage low. T

However, the Core can simultaneously stream in 1080p and record in 4K, so you still can retain a higher-res copy of the stream for content repurposing. So, we’ll give it a pass onbeing called a 4K streaming camera, even though it technically isn’t.

An interchangeable lens camera

Being an interchangeable lens camera, you can attach your preferred Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens. Though any lens of this type will work, Mevo has a list ofcertified lensesthat have been pre-tested for optimal performance.This list includes:

• Olympus 14-42mm EZ
• Lumix 14-42mm PZ
• Lumix 45-175mm PZ
• Sigma 16mm

Battery

The Mevo Core features a rechargeable and replaceable lithium-ion battery, although you’ll need to unscrew it to get it out. Battery life is sufficient for most uses, with up to six hours of continuous streaming on a single charge.However, you can power it through USB-C indefinitely in any of its recording modesif needed.Recharging the battery takes a little over two hours, whichisn’t badfor the battery life you get in return.

Camera mounting

The Logitech Mevo Core is impressively compact, featuring a lightweight cube-shaped body. All sides have a ¼-20 mount, so if you rig it, you will have lots of flexibility without needing cages or special plates.

Connectivity

For connectivity options, youhave access totwo USB-C ports (input and output), an HDMI output, and a 3.5 mm TRS audio input. As for storage, the Mevo Core has a microSD slot. However, you can use the camera completely wirelessly with the Mevo Multicam app.Thismeans you can stream video and input audioallthrough your phone through Wi-Fi. Another thing to note is that the camera supports NDI/SRT protocols and can be used with an Ethernet power adapter to provide both power and data in just one cable.

Putting the Logitech Mevo Core to the test

Camera performance

Overall, the Mevo Core fires on all cylinders on the video recording front. For picture quality, we found it to be surprisingly good. It was easy to fine-tune the image as needed. On top of that, the low-light resolution was decent. When using the camera in a dimly lit room, we were stillclearin the frame and didn’t experienceapparentnoise until around 3200 ISO. Also, the camera’s autofocus did well most of the time. We found the highlight feature useful; in the app, you can tap where you want the autofocus to home in on. The optional focus peaking overlay and the ability to manually adjust the focus if needed was also helpful.

Since control is entirely supported by the Mevo Multicam app,all you needisto mount the cameraasneededto get your desired framing.However, since there’s no screen on the camera body, you need to depend on the app to see where you’re shooting. We also experienced somedelaysome of the time when using the app. Our experience with the delay varied fromreal-timeto 1.5 seconds.Consequently, ittook usa bitlonger to get our framing the way we wanted it.But this is a common experience with webcams — nothing unique to the Mevo Core.

Audio test

As expected, the Mevo Core’s built-in microphone delivers the level of quality you would expect from a camera/webcam — it leaves a lot tobe desired. It’squitehardto innovate built-in camera microphones to come anywhere close to the quality of external, directional microphones, so this isn’t a knock on the Mevo Core. With that said, we were impressed with the camera’s auto-gain control. We sounded clear when speaking at close range, and the ambient noise wasn’t too bad when recording at a distance. There are two modes to choose from: Music and Speech. You can adjust the camera and overall output levels individually in the audio tab and monitor the sound live through your phone’s audio output. But it’d be impractical to do so throughout your stream, mainly due to the delay. It has little handling noise, but we experiencedprettyloud clicks when adjusting the aperture.

Connectivity testing

Connectivity wasn’t an issue. Our Mevo Core stayed connected to the app, even when we moved to the other side of our building while using cellular data. However, as with any wireless system, it’s advised that you have a good connection to avoid any interruptions in the stream. Also, one thing to note: If you leave the app, it will take a few seconds for the camera to reconnect.

Mevo Multicam App

The Mevo Multicam appserves as boththe camera controller and video switcher for your stream.With it,you can perform live edits, switch cameras and apply graphics inreal time.

Connecting to the cameras via the Mevo Multicam app wasprettyeasy.All we had to do was hold the power button for a few seconds, and after a few more seconds, the cameras appeared in the app, ready to use. When connecting wirelessly, you can use your Wi-Fi network or cellular data, the latter of which turns themaincamera into a hotspot that additional cameras and devices can connect to.

We were surprised at how much control you get when using the app. Beyond the white balance, zoom, aperture, focus, exposure and shutter speed control, there were plentymore options to fine-tune and customize your stream. Othercontrolfeatures we took note of were:

• Picture-in-picture (PnP), whichallows you to take a second camera source (such as yourself as a talking head) and overlay it on top of themaincamera source.Thisis good to use if you want your viewers to see your reactions to what’s going on in real time.
• Custom graphics, such as lower-thirds elements
• Brightness, contrast, saturation and sharpness
• Custom presents, as well as included presets to accommodate stage lighting, backlit subjectsandmore
• Anti-flicker (50 HZ, 60 HZorauto) and HDR modes
• Electronic stabilization

Is the Logitech Mevo Core worth the purchase?

The Logitech Mevo Core isdefinitelyneat and can be super helpful for those looking to stream with freedom from all the cords, hardwareandsoftware traditionally neededfor the task.But you will pay for this convenience, as the Mevo Core body startsoutat $1,000 for the body alone. And, if you don’t have one already, you’ll need to purchase an MFT lens (preferably a Mevo-tested one). Plus, if you want to stream multiple platforms at once, use other devices as a stream source, or take advantage of the NDI functionality in the Mevo Multicam app, you’ll need to subscribe to Mevo Pro ($19/mo).

While it comes with a premium price tag, the investment is justifiable if it fits your budget and intended uses.You’reessentiallygetting a whole streaming setup for $1,000,which ischeaper than the hardware and software needed to achieve the same functionality.This is especially true whenyou includethe otherwise-required cameras, switchers, cabling and more.

Is the Mevo Core necessary for simplelivestreamsfrom the bedroom? No.But if you want to deliver dynamic or otherwise remote streams, such as cooking tutorials or concerts, the Mevo Core canget the job done. If that’s the case, just be sure to have access to a strong internet connection, ideally through Wi-Fi or strong service through your cellular data plan.

Tech specs