BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro review: "A great product but I just don’t know who would buy it"

GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict TODAY’S BEST DEALS$199.99at Amazon TODAY’S BEST DEALS$199.99at Amazon TODAY’S BEST DEALS$199.99at Amazon TODAY’S BEST DEALS $199.99at Amazon $199.99at Amazon $199.99at Amazon Pros+Unmatched Macro Performance+Versatile Stand+Magnetic Convenience Unmatched Macro Performance Versatile Stand Magnetic Convenience Cons-Limited Appeal-Software Reliance-Image Quality Shortcomings Limited Appeal Software Reliance Image Quality Shortcomings Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. I love it when companies like BenQ go out of their comfort zone and release products like the IdeaCam S1 Pro. BenQ should be commended for trying some new things with this webcam, especially since it’s mainly known for creating gaming displays. With so many similar webcams on the market, it’s refreshing to find a truly unique one with magnetic adapters, a macro lens, a remote, and a great stand. The issue is that this webcam is such a niche product that I’m not sure who it’s for. Against thebest webcamsalready available, an option from a new brand in the space at $199 / £187.99 is asking a lot. So have BenQ’s innovations done enough to make this recommendable? Design & Features Image1of2(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing)(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) Image1of2(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing)(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) Image1of2 (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing)(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing)(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) The macro lens attachment is amazing and easy to use as the plastic cap is the exact length for whatever you want to look at so you can just jam it up against the attachment and you know it’ll be in focus. You can also tweak the focus using the EnSpire Software. As well as fine-tuning the macro focus, it allowed me to switch to a fixed-focus mode that provided an additional layer of control that significantly improved the overall experience. Overall, to fully unlock the potential of the IdeaCam S1 Pro, I found it necessary to utilize BenQ’s EnSpire software. While that’s understandable for webcams these days, having yet another companion app for thebest gear for streamingis somewhat frustrating. (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) In terms of image quality, the S1 Pro boasts a respectable resolution of 3264x1836 pixels, but the overall quality doesn’t quite measure up to other webcams in its price range. The integrated light, while a thoughtful addition, leaves much to be desired. It’s clear that its primary purpose is to enhance macro photography, but in practice, it often overexposes images rather than improving them. A slider to adjust the intensity of the light would have been a welcome addition, providing users with more control over their lighting setup. Using the light in a dark room to light myself for a meeting doesn’t improve the quality much at all. Not being able to use the light in any meaningful way left me pondering why it had been included. Anyone taking lighting scenarios seriously should think about investing in one of thebest ring lights for streaming. Performance (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) The detachable macro lens attachment is undoubtedly the standout feature of this webcam, but it begs the question: who is this product really for? While it may cater to niche audiences such as product engineers or content creators, its utility for the average user is questionable at best. When these features work, they’re great to have. Unfortunately, they often don’t work reliably and are far too dependent on proprietary software. When these features work, they’re great to have. Unfortunately, they often don’t work reliably and are far too dependent on proprietary software. One of the more frustrating aspects of the S1 Pro is its tendency to hunt for focus randomly. I also found that in office lighting, the image can flicker which can be rather distracting. Neither of these are huge issues but considering the price point of the device it’s not ideal. In my experience of using the webcam with various applications such asGoogleMeet for work, I encountered some limitations. Integrating EnSpire with other platforms required keeping it open in a separate tab and then sharing that tab through the meeting application. Unfortunately, this workaround often led to a decrease in image quality and occasional choppiness in the footage. Image1of2(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing)(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) Image1of2(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing)(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) Image1of2 (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing)(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing)(Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) Beyond basic adjustments like contrast and brightness, you can toggle autofocus, freeze frames for annotation, and use a superimposed “ruler,” which proved handy for measuring distance, diameter, and curve arcs. While not perfect, it’s good for providing a useful rough estimation. On the hardware side, the Control Puck offered convenient functionality for adjusting zoom levels, capturing screenshots, and muting the microphone. However, it’s worth noting that its usability is once again dependent on the EnSpire software being open. When these features work, they’re great to have. Unfortunately, they often don’t work reliably and are far too dependent on proprietary software. Should you buy the BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro? (Image credit: Future / Tom Farthing) So what about its competitors? Well, as mentioned before, if you want a macro webcam there are no competitors to be seen. The BenQ IdeaCam S1 Pro knocks it out of the park in that field and has little competition in its $200 price range as well. Most webcams either stick to around the $100 mark with a good 1080p image and a few features or jump straight up to $250 - 300 with fantastic 4K imagery and a host of added extras. BenQ has cleverly priced the IdeaCam S1 Pro and while it doesn’t offer full 4K resolution, the image you get is pretty good and you get some nice extra features. The nearest competition is something like theLogitech Streamcamcoupled with theLogitechLitra Glow light for the same price. This pair would offer better low-light performance, and comparable image quality (but not 4K) but has no remote or macro capabilities.While testing this webcam it reminded me of the Apple Vision Pro. It is undoubtedly a great product but I just don’t know who would buy it. For its cost, you get some great features, but most people don’tneedthem and would realistically be happy with a product costing half the price. If you are part of a handful of people in the world who need a macro webcam though, then the BenQ IdeaCam S1 Pro could be the perfect one for you. Today’s best BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro deals27 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$199.99ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Today’s best BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro deals27 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$199.99ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Today’s best BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro deals 27 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆ 27 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆ $199.99View $199.99View $199.99View $199.99View $199.99 $199.99 We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices How we tested the BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro I used the BenQ IdeaCam S1 Pro as my main webcam while working from home on my MacBook Pro for meetings on Zoom,MicrosoftTeams, and Google Meet. I also used it in our main office on my PC while streaming. For more on how we test the latest gaming and content creation gear, check out ourhardware policy. For more streaming gadgets, check out thebest microphones for streaming and gaming, thebest capture cards, and thebest green screens. BenQ ideaCam S1 Pro: Price Comparison 27 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆ 27 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆ $199.99View $199.99View $199.99View $199.99View $199.99 $199.99 We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Latest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history": Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetFlorence Pugh and Andrew Garfield say their new romantic drama changed them as actors: “I’ve never had an experience like that before"26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► Latest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetFlorence Pugh and Andrew Garfield say their new romantic drama changed 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review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”