The easiest way to add Windows Hello facial recognition and login to a Windows 10 device is to use Logitech’s Brio Pro, 4K, HDR webcam – the “Tesla of Webcams”
The designers of Logitech’s Brio 4K Ultra HD web camera, which is so packed with features, joke that they set out to create the “Tesla of Webcams”. They appear to have succeeded, as the device leaves standard webcams for dead.
It has many uses – 4K webcam, Windows Hello login, 4K training videos (it has a standard ¼” tripod mount), it is great for huddle rooms and even as a 4K/HD handheld on a selfie stick.
With 5x digital zoom (HD mode), 65-90° field of view, and RedLight 3 with HDR, it produces some amazing quality video and still images for a webcam. I especially like the background replacement software feature by Personify. At the new price of $299.95 with free freight, it is even better.
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Out of the box – Logitech Brio
The camera is a quite small measuring 100mm x 25mm square with rounded ends. On the front is the 90° camera lens, Video Streaming LED, an IR sensor, IR Led and dual omnidirectional mics with noise cancellation. On the bottom is a standard ¼” tripod mount and the back is a USB-C socket.
It comes with a monitor mount, 2.1m USB-A 3.0 to USB-C 3.1 cable (it is a USB-C device), privacy shade and a carry case. When plugged into a Windows 10 device setup is automatic and it is seen as a Windows Hello device as well. Downloadable software includes camera settings, background replacement, Skype (and Lync) for Business Far End Control and a Windows Hello plugin.
It will also work with facial recognition software for Mac and has software for Camera Settings and Background replacement. There are drivers for Chromebook as well.
The software
The camera app allows you to adjust almost everything including
- 4:3 or 16:9 format
- HDR 3 (not to be confused with the movie standard of HDR10)
- Field of view – 65/78/90°
- Remove flicker caused by NTSC or PAL
- Adjust brightness, contrast, colour intensity, white balance or focus
- Select a range of backgrounds to replace – blurred, brick, chromakey, casual, cityscape etc
It lacks and ISO or shutter time adjustment for stills – it is a video camera designed to work off a stationary mount.
There is a convenient restore defaults button as well.
Picture quality/performance
The webcam needs an application to use it – be it Skype, Microsoft Camera or any other that recognises the device. Many apps do not support 4K video.
The camera produces natural colours and crisp images in reasonable lighting conditions. There was a bit of noise using the 5x digital zoom so move the camera close to the subject rather than be lazy and use the zoom.
The sound from the dual mics is average for groups (use a set of table mics instead) but excellent for one-to-one Skype. The depth of field is up to three metres.
But I am perplexed at file sizes. Shooting a one-minute video using Windows Camera on an i7 Surface Book with MP4 (H264 compression), AAC 48000Hz stereo 157kbps
- UHD 3840 x 2160 @30fps 75MB** (it shoots 4096 x 2160 but trims back)
- HD 1980 x 1080 @30fps 128MB (can also do 60fps and 720p @30/60/90fps)
- JPEG 3840 x 2160 image 600KB
- JPEG 800 x 600 (4:3) was 60KB
**Typically, UHD produces files about four times the size of HD e.g. about 500MB per minute. I have asked Logitech why this is not happening. I suspect the reason is that the use of Windows Camera app in the test did not really support 4K @30fps. This file sizes will be updated after further testing but take it that 4K produces approx. 4x times the HD file size.
Autofocus
Autofocus is best for relatively still, low motion shots. You can also set a focus point in the software if the depth of field becomes an issue as it may over a long boardroom table.
Windows Hello
The BRIO is an excellent Windows Hello camera. Facial recognition is fast and simple to set up. Plug it in, head to the Settings app in Windows 10, and set it up.
I typically expect from two to four seconds from a Windows 10 device with an integrated Windows Hello camera. On numerous tests, it verged on the faster side. I suspect that is because of a bigger aperture lens.
RedLight 3 and HDR
HDR is yet to become a “standard” so this uses HDR 3 – not to be confused with HDR10 used on movies.
Its main aim is to preserve details in shadows and reduce highlight flare under typical office lighting of 500 lumens. But it works quite well down to about 250 lumens (indoors with natural light).
The result is superior video streaming content.
Pros
- Adds Windows Hello to non-equipped Windows 10 devices
- I suspect the IR camera could be used for more like depth sensing and even 3D modelling
- USB-C 3.0
- Natural colours, white balance and crispness
- Good camera app
- Background removal via separate app mostly works
- ¼ Tripod mount (means keep it still)
- Versatile uses especially for quick HD/UHD training videos
- Price drop to $299
Cons
- Autofocus is really for stationery objects
- Depth of field can be limited in huddle or boardroom use
- Low light – dark room - performance non-existent
Summary
4K video is still a long way off due to supposedly 4 times the file size. Most webcams are 720p and only a few MP.
Logitech Brio 4K Pro Webcam offers unparalleled picture and video quality for a webcam. I would buy it for Windows Hello alone to upgrade a desktop. HDR works well and for the moment I will stick to HD recording rather than 4K until I find the right app and H265 compression.
I think the main use will be to produce quality training videos and in huddle rooms.
Rating: For the right user – heartily recommended