Dell has unveiled what it claims is the world’s most intelligent 4K webcam “in its class,” but it lacks one key feature everyone now expects to come as standard on a webcam.
The 8.3MP Dell UltraSharp Webcam uses a Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor to offer up to 4K output complete with support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) at 30fps. 1080p and 720p output at up to 60fps is also supported. Other features include automatic 3D/2D video noise reduction so that motion blur is removed even in low light conditions, 65, 78, and 90-degree field of view options, up to 5X digital zoom, and autofocus.
The intelligence in this webcam comes from the AI it uses for auto framing, which basically means the camera is always ready to adjust to keep your face in focus and centered in the shot. The camera doesn’t move to achieve this, it simply pans and zooms to compensate for where you moved to in the frame.
The included mount allows the webcam to perch on top of most monitors, and a privacy shutter covers the lens when not in use and attaches to the back of the webcam when removed so it doesn’t get lost. Dell also offers ExpressSign-in allowing for facial recognition and support for Windows Hello automatic login.
It all sounds like a great webcam solution, and it needs to be because Dell set the price at $199.99. However, it’s missing the key feature of a built-in microphone. So while you should get fantastic 4K video output, nobody will be able to hear you on a call without a separate microphone is purchased and setup.
The UltraSharp Webcam requires no drivers to work with both Windows 10 64-bit and macOS. It includes the Dell Peripheral Manager software, but that only works with Windows, and you get a three-year warranty as standard. It’s both Zoom and Microsoft Teams certified, but obviously that only counts for video, not voice.
In PCMag’s review, the UltraSharp Webcam only achieved a Good rating. While the image quality is excellent and the sleek metal body makes for a professional-looking camera, exposure can be finicky and the lack of a microphone really can’t be ignored.
