Hollyland has unveiled the Lyra 4K UHD webcam, a professional imaging tool that redefines what an affordable webcam can offer. The new Lyra has a large 1/1.5-inch CMOS sensor, which produces the kind of image quality that bridges the gap between a consumer webcam and a professional camera.
The Lyra has been designed for creators, streamers, educators and remote workers with the kind of video quality you might expect from using a mirrorless camera, but without the setup issues that make larger cameras less easy to use.
The consumer webcam market has traditionally struggled to compete with more expensive cameras because they use small image sensors, have poor low-light performance and poor sound quality. Hollyland says the Lyra directly addresses these shortcomings with three major technological breakthroughs that set a new benchmark for high-performance webcams at a sensible price point.
Large Image Sensor
At the heart of the Lyra is a 1/1.5-inch CMOS sensor with a light-collecting area that’s significantly larger than competing models. The webcam also has an f/1.8 wide-aperture lens with an 82-degree field of view that’s suitable for use in low light. The Lyra can capture vivid 4K video at 30 frame per second with clarity, even under dimly lit conditions. Lyra also supports 1,080p video at 60 frames per second.
By combining enhanced light-gathering capability with advanced image processing, Hollyland says the Lyra achieves the kind of image quality more usually associated with mirrorless cameras, but in a more compact form factor. Alongside the higher image quality, the Lyra’s audio quality also offers a transformative upgrade.
The Lyra has a built-in Hollyland LARK A1 wireless microphone receiver that can directly pair with a LARK A1 transmitter, providing high-fidelity and cable-free audio. There is also a built-in omnidirectional microphone to capture 48kHz/24-bit audio with a broadcast-level of clarity while eliminating unwanted background noise by using smart AI noise reduction.
Better Sound And Vision
The combination of better image quality and improved audio are the Lyra’s main advantages which Hollyland describes as “4K Vision with Ultra-Voice,” providing synchronized and high-quality sound and vision.
The Lyra can also enhance creative efficiency using its AI-powered features. The built-in AI tuning system automatically adjusts brightness, contrast and exposure levels based on the scene being captured. The webcam also includes Hollyland’s proprietary green-screen algorithm for lower post-production and setup costs.
AI tracking and automatic framing keep the subject centered, even when there is movement in the scene. An optional beauty mode can be turned on to refine a person’s appearance to create a more polished look. When privacy is important, there’s a physical rotating lens cover that can offer an extra layer of security between meetings or streaming sessions.
Pro-Grade 4K Video
The Lyra isn’t just designed for online meetings. It’s also suitable for around-the-clock use and combines high-quality imaging with smart automation, reducing the cost of pro-grade imaging with 4K/30fps video for live streams or video calls.
To get the most out of the Lyra, there is free HollyStudio software for macOS and Windows computers. HollyStudio can be used to fine-tune the video and audio settings and brings higher-quality audio and video within reach of more people. For example, remote workers can benefit from Lyra’s clear portrait settings and the software’s automatic adjustments to create a more polished look during online meetings.
Content creators and streamers can use Lyra’s built-in subject tracking and wireless audio system to produce more engaging live streams. Educators can be sure of consistent image quality even through lengthy lectures and presentations. Meanwhile, Hollyland says that gamers and video producers will appreciate the Lyra’s ultra-low-latency video and intelligent noise suppression.
Pricing and Availability:
The Hollyland Lyra 4K UHD webcam is available now from the Hollyland Store, Amazon and authorized retailers priced at $149.
Tech Specs:
- Image sensor: CMOS 1/1.5-inch.
- Aperture: f/1.8.
- Field of view: 82 degrees.
- Equivalent focal length: 26mm.
- Effective pixels: 50 megapixels.
- Digital zoom: 4x.
- Port: USB-C.
- Input power: 5V/1A.
- Weight: 80g.
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 60 x 33.3 x 37mm.
Video formats
- USB 3.0: Recording 3,840 x 2,160 (30fps) / 1,920 x 1,080 (30/60fps) / 1,280 x 720 (30/60fps). UVC (NV12) 1,920 x 1,080 (30/60fps) / 1,280 x 720 (30/60fps). UVC (MJPEG): 3,840 x 2,160 (30fps).
- USB 2.0: Recording 3,840 x 2,160 (30fps) / 1,920 x 1,080 (30/60fps) / 1,280 x 720 (30/60fps). UVC (MJPEG) 3,840 x 2,160 (30fps) / 1,920 x 1,080 (30/60fps) / 1,280 x 720 (30/60fps).
