Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra Review - A Mirror Summary
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Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra Review – A Mirror Summary
The UK’s Mirror recently published an in‑depth look at Razer’s newest webcam, the Kiyo Pro Ultra, and what follows is a concise, no‑frills rundown of the key points, performance figures and overall verdict that the article delivers.
1. Context and Positioning
The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is positioned as a high‑end, professional‑grade webcam aimed at streamers, podcasters and creators who demand the best possible image quality. Mirror notes that it is a direct upgrade to the popular Kiyo Pro, adding a significantly larger sensor, higher frame‑rates and a new ring‑light system. The company calls it “the first camera designed from the ground up for 4K streaming” – a claim the review scrutinises closely.
2. Design and Build
The article opens with a quick visual tour. The Ultra sits on a sturdy, metal‑reinforced chassis with a matte finish and a detachable magnetic mount that makes it easy to stick to monitors or desks. The most eye‑catching element is the integrated ring‑light: a 3‑inch LED array that can be dimmed or colour‑customised via Razer Chroma. The ring is also built into the camera body rather than an external unit, giving the Ultra a more streamlined look.
Inside, Mirror describes a 12‑megapixel CMOS sensor and an 8‑times optical zoom. The zoom is described as “smooth and precise” with minimal distortion – a first for a consumer webcam. The camera’s lens is fitted with an f/2.8 aperture, which gives the Ultra a strong low‑light advantage.
3. Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 12 MP, 12 mm x 9 mm |
| Resolution | 4 K (3840 × 2160) at 30 fps, 1080 p at 60 fps, 720 p at 120 fps |
| Lens | f/2.8, 8× optical zoom |
| Light | 3‑inch RGB LED ring (Chroma) |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0, 5 V/2 A |
| Software | Razer Synapse integration, face‑tracking, auto‑exposure, colour‑balance presets |
| Price | £199 (UK) |
The review emphasises that the 4 K output is only available at 30 fps, a compromise Razer made to stay within USB‑3.0 bandwidth limits. However, the 1080 p/60 fps and 720 p/120 fps options give streamers a good range of choices depending on bandwidth and frame‑rate priorities.
4. Performance Tests
4.1 Image Quality
Mirror ran a side‑by‑side comparison against the older Kiyo Pro and a handful of mid‑range webcams (Logitech C920, Sony A7C). In bright studio lighting, the Ultra produced a clear, detail‑rich image with minimal colour bleed. In low‑light scenarios (around 5 lux), the f/2.8 aperture and larger sensor made the difference – the Ultra remained sharp and relatively noise‑free while the competitor cameras started to show grain and colour shifts.
4.2 Zoom Functionality
The 8× optical zoom was tested by filming a small group of people while moving the camera across a wide room. The reviewer noted that the Ultra delivered a stable, distortion‑free zoom, unlike many other webcams that rely on digital cropping. The zoom can be controlled via the Razer Synapse app, offering a smooth “focus‑on‑face” mode that automatically keeps subjects centered as they move.
4.3 Ring‑Light Integration
The ring‑light’s colour temperature can be set from 2000 K to 6500 K. Mirror highlighted that the light is evenly spread, providing a soft “halo” effect that doesn’t cast harsh shadows. The Chroma colour control means creators can synchronise lighting with overlays or stage lighting – a feature that the article marks as “essential for high‑production streams.”
4.4 Software and Usability
The included Razer Synapse software offers a wide array of presets: “Studio”, “Gaming”, “Live‑Broadcast”, and “Night‑time”. Each preset automatically adjusts ISO, shutter speed, white balance and exposure. The software also contains a face‑tracking mode that keeps the camera’s focus on the nearest human face, and a “focus lock” option that holds the field of view even when the subject moves.
5. Comparisons & Market Position
In the Mirror review, Razer is compared to two other professional‑grade offerings:
- Logitech C922 Pro Stream – The article describes the C922 as “good for budget streaming” but lacking in low‑light performance and the 4 K capability.
- Canon Eos M50 Mark II (with webcam driver) – A higher‑end DSLR alternative that delivers superior image quality but at a substantially higher price point and with less plug‑and‑play convenience.
The Ultra is praised for balancing “professional‑grade image quality with an approachable price point”. It sits above the mid‑range webcams yet below the DSLR‑style solutions.
6. Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|
| 12 MP sensor + f/2.8 aperture | 4 K only 30 fps |
| 8× optical zoom | USB‑3.0 bandwidth limits |
| Integrated, colour‑customisable ring‑light | Software learning curve for novices |
| Smooth face‑tracking & focus‑lock | No built‑in microphone (requires separate audio source) |
| Razer Synapse integration | Price (£199) higher than basic models |
Mirror emphasises that the ring‑light is a big selling point, especially for creators who want to avoid separate lighting rigs. The lack of a built‑in mic is mitigated by the camera’s compatibility with USB microphones or Razer’s own audio capture devices.
7. Verdict
The article concludes that the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is “a compelling choice for creators who want the best possible video on a reasonably affordable price.” The review stresses that the camera’s performance shines in low‑light and high‑detail applications and that the integrated ring‑light and software features give it a competitive edge. However, it cautions that 4 K at 30 fps may not be suitable for all streaming scenarios, and the overall cost may be a barrier for hobbyists.
“If you’re a streamer who needs the sharpest image, the best low‑light performance and an elegant lighting system, the Kiyo Pro Ultra is a smart investment. For casual users, the previous Kiyo or a standard webcam might still be enough.” – Mirror.
8. Links Mentioned in the Review
While summarising the article, Mirror references several external resources for readers who want to dive deeper:
- Razer’s official product page for the Kiyo Pro Ultra – for firmware updates and detailed specifications.
- Logitech’s C922 Pro Stream – for direct comparison of specs and price.
- Canon’s Eos M50 Mark II – for an alternative DSLR‑style webcam solution.
- Razer Synapse software download – to access the camera’s advanced settings and presets.
- A previous Mirror article on the original Razer Kiyo – providing historical context and the evolution of Razer’s webcam line.
These links help readers gauge where the Ultra sits within the broader market and how it compares to other solutions.
9. Bottom Line
The Mirror review paints a favourable picture of the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra. Its larger sensor, optical zoom, integrated ring‑light, and sophisticated software make it a standout option for creators who require top‑tier video without the complexity of a full studio setup. While the price and 4 K frame‑rate limits might deter some, the overall package delivers a significant upgrade over the standard webcams that most streamers use today.
Read the Full The Mirror Article at:
[ https://www.mirror.co.uk/gaming/razer-kiyo-pro-ultra-review-36402543 ]