Logitech
Logitech today released a new line of webcams for users and IT managers looking for something under $100 that incorporates useful home office features like a physical shutter and noise-cancelling microphone.
With nearly identical specs to the Brio 300, the enterprise-grade Brio 305 each support resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 at 30 frames per second and claim 2 megapixels (MP). It also includes a microphone with noise reduction and can automatically adjust brightness and contrast based on the lighting in the room using the hardware and Logitech’s Tune app.
Automatic lighting adjustments and background noise suppression have become popular features that businesses can brag about, whether it’s a webcam, laptop, or monitor, as working from home has become more common during the COVID-19 pandemic. rice field. With a MSRP of $70, the Brio 300 and 305 are the cheapest cameras in Logitech’s lineup that offer these features and support 1080p and higher resolutions.
Other Brio 300 and 305 specs include a 70 degree field of view and 1x digital zoom.
similar brothers and sisters
However, when we did a spec comparison, it wasn’t immediately clear why anyone would choose the new Brio 300 or 305 over the 2019 Logitech C920s Pro. , which exceeds the specifications of many new webcams.
A similarly priced C920s Pro webcam from Logitech.
But one key differentiator is that the Brio 300 and 305, like Logitech’s $130 Brio 500, have cables that end in USB-C instead of USB-A. As the world continues to embrace and sometimes demand USB-C, this is especially appealing to those using laptops without USB-A ports, such as MacBooks and the growing number of ultra-lightweight Windows devices. It’s a notable feature. Logitech says the webcam is compatible with Windows 10, macOS 10.15 and above, and ChromeOS.
And while the C920s Pro has one more mic than the new Brio cam, it lacks noise cancellation.
Focus on remote work
Logitech announced that the Brio 300 and 305 are also built with a focus on remote workers.The press release cited an investigation [PDF] A survey of 3,000 remote workers in the United States, China, and Germany found that those “primarily equipped with standard computing devices” and not using webcams were I found myself plagued with “bad, low quality” laptop sound. With a clip-on mechanism that doesn’t seem to be an improvement from the 2019 C920s Pro, the new Brio camera doesn’t seem to address the ugly angle aspect any more than similarly priced cameras. , which helps explain the camera’s focus on things like noise cancellation and the lack of premium features like tripod support.
Like the business versions of Logitech’s other webcams (such as the C920e, the business version of the C920s Pro), the new Brio cameras work with Logitech Sync. Software for managing video conferencing devices is aimed at IT managers working with a hybrid workforce. This includes features such as the ability to remotely configure and update firmware and identify malfunctioning devices.
With a speckled finish and three color options, the new webcam has more character than its rivals, and Logitech puts home office style and taste above the norm.
The Brio 300, like the C920s, finally has a decently spec’d option for people looking for a quick and well-equipped solution for video calling, recording, creative work, etc. USB-C will also eventually require an adapter, especially as some workers and users increasingly want slim PC designs that lack USB-A less likely to be needed.
