If you need a webcam that can scale up to output on a large screen, you’ll want 4K UHD resolution. The Logitech Brio Ultra HD Webcam provides all of this and more, backed up by high-quality software enhancements. As such, it is ideal for video conferencing as well as live streams, and it is designed to work in a variety of situations with automation for convenience. It’s not cheap, as you might expect, but it’s packed with features, and we think it’s one of the best webcams available.
Because of all that resolution, this webcam has a digital zoom feature that can be useful for those who want to pick out a section of a shot, perhaps in a group shot to focus on an individual. Because the autofocus and RightLight proprietary light adjustments work well, the user needs to put in very little effort to achieve a high-quality end result. This means it’s also a good option for relocating, and the high build quality and professional finish make it work well in these situations.
A 4.9-foot USB 3.0-to-USB-C cable is included in the box, which is required for full 4K resolution. You also get a cloth carrying bag in case you want to use the webcam to supplement the inferior webcam on a remote system or a laptop. It is important to note that, while Windows 8 and 10 include native USB 3.0 support, Windows 7 does not. So, if your system runs Windows 7, be prepared to download USB 3.0 hardware drivers.
Drivers are automatically downloaded and installed when you plug the Brio webcam into a PC’s USB port using the included USB 3.0 cable. The installation went smoothly on my test Windows 10 PC, and the Brio was immediately available for Skype video calls as well as snapshot and video recording in the Windows Camera app.
It is not necessary to use the Logitech Camera Setting app that comes with the Brio, but it is useful in some situations. It allows you to toggle between widescreen and standard aspect ratios, enable and disable HDR, and toggle anti-flicker between NTSC 60Hz and PAL 50Hz sources. One of the best aspects of the Brio is its HDR support, which produces a more balanced image than other webcams, such as the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema.
The setting that allows you to choose the field of view, with options of 90, 78, and 65 degrees, may be the most useful in the Logitech app. The app’s advanced settings allow you to change the brightness, contrast, and color intensity. It also allows you to switch from autofocus and auto white balance to manual focus and white balance adjustment via sliders.