In the realm of PC peripherals, webcams often lag behind the rapid advancements seen in CPUs and smartphones. Logitech’s Brio 4K webcam, a long-standing flagship offering, has seen minimal updates since its debut over seven years ago. However, today marks a notable departure as Logitech integrates it into the esteemed “MX” lineup, joining illustrious companions like the MX Master mouse and MX Keys keyboard.
The MX Brio webcam introduces a revamped 8.5-megapixel 4K sensor, a physical privacy shutter, and an innovative feature allowing seamless flipping to showcase your desktop. While the previous Brio design technically supported this functionality, executing it was far from straightforward.
Illustrated in Logitech’s promotional materials, users effortlessly flip the camera down 90 degrees, triggering a 180-degree rotation of the streamed image, providing a comprehensive view of the desktop from the user’s perspective. This intuitive feature proves invaluable, particularly when showcasing intricate setups such as mechanical keyboards.
Moreover, the spec sheet promises enhanced lighting correction for improved visibility, boasting “2X finer image detail and face visibility” compared to its predecessor. While the 4K/30fps sensor remains unchanged numerically, users benefit from enhanced image control via software and the inclusion of dual beamforming microphones with noise reduction.
A notable addition is the built-in privacy shutter, activated using the knurled ring surrounding the lens, eliminating the need for a separate cover. While Windows Hello face recognition is supported, users must keep the shutter open for functionality. Though the promotional material touts “AI enhancement,” its precise application remains unclear.
Priced at $200, Logitech positions the MX Brio as the ultimate webcam catering to both work-from-home professionals and streamers. While it’s expected to resonate with the former, its appeal to the latter may be more nuanced. While a high-end webcam suffices for entry-level streaming, professionals often opt for DSLR or mirrorless cameras or utilize high-end smartphones with specialized software. Interestingly, Microsoft recently introduced support for using Android phones as webcams in Windows 11 without additional drivers.
The MX Brio is currently available for purchase on Logitech’s online store, with availability expected at major electronics retailers soon. Notably, an identical design is offered as the “MX Brio 705 for business,” a designation likely to be appreciated by IT managers procuring equipment for their teams.