Logitech was in the webcam game before the pandemic. But somehow, none of them were good enough to be part of the flagship productivity lineup alongside peripherals like it. and That changes with the introduction of the $200 MX Brio, which features a new sensor for vastly improved image quality, improved microphones, and a special hinge that could really come in handy for presentations.
Before you get to the photo and video quality, the MX Brio impressed me with its higher quality design than the old one. . It is available in three colors (silver, gray and black) and has an aluminum body instead of plastic like the previous model. But what I like most are details like the built-in shutter, which can be opened and closed by twisting the ring on the front of the camera. This means you don’t have to worry about losing the lens hood like some of its competitors. .
The MX Brio also comes with a clip to mount on your laptop or monitor. However, if you prefer a more complex setup using a tripod, the clip detaches magnetically to reveal a hidden 1/4-inch thread. The most interesting part of the clip, however, is its additional hinge, which allows the camera to drop into what the company calls Show Mode, which automatically rotates its field of view (FOV) to provide a bird’s-eye view of your desk.
This simple feature makes it super easy to share recordings or show off a product without having to reconfigure your entire setup or add a second camera to the mix. It’s something I’ve wanted to do countless times (while we were still live-streaming it), but we couldn’t do that because my workplace didn’t have room for a dedicated top-down camera arm.
As for image quality, the MX Brio relies on a Sony Starvis sensor that supports up to 4K/30fps recording, while offering better dynamic range and low-light sensitivity than before. To test this, I compared the MX Brio to its predecessor, and the difference was immediately apparent. Even when using the basic Windows Camera program, the new model’s images were more colorful and accurate. Additionally, the position of my desk means I often have to contend with bright backlighting that makes my face look unusually dark, but the MX Brio overcomes this in a way the older model never could. With certifications for several key apps, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, you’ll look better when you’re using the right video conferencing software.
Another thing I appreciate is that Logitech gives you many options to adjust white balance, FOV, exposure and more. The addition of dual beamforming microphones also helps sound come through clearly, while artificial intelligence reduces distracting ambient noise. But one of the best headlines for general use is that you can now use both Options+ and Logitech’s G Hub to control the webcam. It’s nice for anyone who needs to join calls for work, but also wants to stream live at night without having to switch between multiple devices or apps. The only thing really missing is the ability to quickly set a custom white point using gray cards like you can do with a traditional digital camera.
Admittedly, I had very little time to play with the MX Brio. However, it’s clear that Logitech finally has a webcam that can join the company’s portfolio of top-of-the-line productivity devices.
The MX Brio goes on sale today, although the black model will only be available from Best Buy for the first 90 days.
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