Razer’s new webcam says blurry Zoom calls are beneath you

Razer has upgraded its Kiyo V2 webcam with the Kiyo V2 Pro, adding 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, a more capable imaging sensor, and several AI-powered features for streamers, remote workers, and creators. Priced at $300, the new webcam is already available through Razer and other retailers.

The upgrade comes as dedicated webcams face competition from compact cameras and increasingly capable smartphone cameras. Razer’s answer is to focus on image quality while adding software features designed to make the camera easier to use without constant manual adjustments.

4K at 60fps is the big upgrade

The Kiyo V2 Pro’s headline feature is its ability to capture 4K video at 60fps. The higher frame rate should result in smoother footage and less motion blur during video calls, livestreams, and other recordings.

Under the hood, the webcam uses Sony’s 8.3-megapixel STARVIS 2 sensor, paired with a lens with an f/1.9 aperture. Razer says the combination is designed to improve low-light performance while also producing a stronger background-blur effect.

Razer has also focused on dynamic range. The company says the webcam can capture ultra-high dynamic range, allowing it to preserve more detail across different lighting conditions. Interestingly, the Pro model has a narrower 86-degree field of view, compared with 93 degrees on the standard Kiyo V2. Razer says the reduction helps maintain image quality at 4K and reduces fisheye distortion around the edges.

AI handles framing and image adjustments

The Kiyo V2 Pro also adds AI features that can take some of the work out of setting up a shot. Its auto-framing system uses intelligent pan, tilt and zoom to keep the user in the frame as they move around.

There is also a one-click output enhancement feature that automatically adjusts exposure, white balance and noise based on the surrounding environment. That could be particularly useful for users who switch between rooms or lighting conditions without wanting to manually tweak camera settings every time.

For users who prefer manual control, the webcam works with Razer Synapse, allowing adjustments to settings including ISO and shutter speed. It can be attached directly to a monitor or laptop using the included clamp, while a universal mount supports tripod setups. Razer has also built in a physical privacy shutter with a camera-shutter-style mechanism.

At $300, the Kiyo V2 Pro is positioned as a premium webcam rather than a basic video-call accessory. It is now on sale through Razer and other retailers.