Logitech MX Brio vs Logitech Brio 4K
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Quick Summary
MX Brio (left) and original Logitech Brio.
The Logitech MX Brio is a significant improvement over the original Logitech Brio in terms of both image and build quality. Both are 4K webcams, but the MX Brio looks sharper, has less grain, and has an improved HDR option.
Disambiguation
Just in case you’re confused, the Logitech Brio, Brio 4K, Brio 4K Pro, and Logitech 4K Pro Webcam are all the SAME device. Logitech just can’t settle on how they wanted to brand the 2017 Logitech Brio for some reason… Currently there’s only one Logitech MX Brio - it just comes in multiple colors.
Specifications
Unfortunately, Logitech hasn’t revealed the actual sensor size or lens aperture of any of their webcams as of this writing. I can only list what they do share below.
Logitech Brio
Max Resolution and Frame Rate: 4K 30 FPS or 1080p 60 FPS
Field of View: 90 degrees
Cable USB-C to A. USB 3.0. 85 inches.
HDR: ✅
Integrated Microphone: ✅
1/4-inch Tripod Threading: ✅
Logitech MX Brio
Max Resolution and Frame Rate: 4K 30 FPS or 1080p 60 FPS
Field of View: 90 degrees
Cable USB-C to C. USB 3.0. 60 inches.
HDR: ✅
Integrated Microphone: ✅
1/4-inch Tripod Threading: ✅
Image Quality
4K
The video at the top of this article and the images included are best viewed on a 4K screen.
While these webcams both look similar on the specs sheet, the end result of the MX Brio looks vastly superior to the original Brio.
The MX Brio footage is way sharper which is especially noticable on the edges of objects. The color accuracy is improved and the greenish/yellow tint that plagued the original Brio is now gone. The noise in the shot has been drastically reduced as well. The dynamic range is similar, but with HDR turned on, the MX Brio wins in that department as well. Blacks look deeper without losing detail entirely.
HDR Limitations
Both the Brio and MX Brio can be controlled with Logitech G Hub.
A quick word on the HDR effect before comparing the 1080p images. High dynamic range can be enabled on both webcams, but the effect is almost unnoticeable on the original Brio.
On the MX Brio, it brighens up dark areas slightly and tones down highlights. Additionally, it sharpens the image dramatically. I hypothesize that the MX Brio’s optics aren’t really much better than the original Brio - it’s just the post processing that has been upgraded.
Motion blur artifacts while using HDR.
Unfortunately, the post-processing comes with a massive downside. The HDR effect reduces the MX Brio’s frame rate to 30 FPS maximum. At 4K this doesn’t matter, but at 1080p even if you select 60 FPS, the footage will be dropped down to 30 anyway and the motion blur will suffer from additional visual artifacts. I’d still use HDR in 4K, but I don’t think it’s worth it at 1080p.
1080p 60 FPS
At 1080p 60 FPS, we have a different story. The original Brio actually looks sharper and even though the colors are worse, I think the overall shot beats out the soft footage on the MX Brio.
If you’re going for 4K, the MX Brio easily wins. If you’re going to be using these webcams at 1080p, it might be better to just get the original Brio or something else entirely.
Microphone Audio Quality
The MX Brio has a better mic, but I’d avoid using built-in webcam mics if at all possible. The quality just isn’t on the level of even a basic $25 USB mic.
Build Quality
Both the Brio and MX Brio are well built. The original is made of a combination of metal on the body and glass for the lens. The MX Brio is the same, but it looks a lot sleeker and is more rounded.
The Brio has 1/4-inch tripod threading that can be accessed by pulling the monitor mount off. The MX Brio’s monitor mount is magnetic, and it can be taken off and popped back on much easier.
Both webcams have privacy shutters, but the MX Brio’s is built into the device and is opened and closed by twisting the ring outside of the lens. The original Brio has a cheap feeling clip-on cover that falls off easily.
Verdict
The MX Brio has finally replaced the original Brio as Logitech’s best 4K webcam. It’s not the best device on the market, but if you’re going with Logitech, I definitely recommend the MX Brio.
If you’re looking for the best of the best, check out the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra (my article).
