I had toyed with the idea of purchasing an Apple Pro Display XDR, but then the fever passed and I realized that I couldn’t afford a $5,000 display, as beautiful as it might be. Which meant that I couldn’t test out Logitech’s 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam for Apple Pro Display XDR with one.
Designed for Apple’s high end display (which has no built-in camera or speakers), the $199.99 webcam allows you to, for example, FaceTime at 30 frames-per-second with outstanding Ultra HD clarity. The 4K Pro easily attaches to a XDR Pro via a secure magnetic mount and stays in place even when you’re tilting the monitor up or down. And its anodized aluminum finish fits perfectly with the XDR design.
The good news is that Logitech’s accessory isn’t just for the Pro Display XDR. To enjoy 4K video, you can directly attach it to the following devices, using the 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam Extension Cable (included in the box): MacBook 13″ (2018 or later) while connected to eGPU; MacBook Pro 15″ (2018 or later); MacBook Pro 16” (this is the device I tested it with); iMac (2019); and Mac Pro (2019). This isn’t as elegant as a Pro XDR/4K Pro combo, but it works.
And if you do a lot of video conferencing, the 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam is a good investment. Video is smooth and detailed with impressive clarity. You can use it in a variety of lighting conditions and look good onscreen thanks to the webcam’s RightLight and high dynamic range (HDR) technology
What’s more you can customize the webcam via the Logitech Camera Settings app for Mac. It allows you to adjust brightness, color intensity and contrast, as well as access zoom and image controls.
You should note that the 4K Pro reportedly doesn’t work with any Chrome driven apps or web apps. If you try to use Chrome-based conference services, it won’t pull a video signal, though the microphone does work).
Admittedly, $200 is a lot of money to pay for a webcam, since some can be had for as low as $20. However, if you need the very best such device, the 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam is worth a look. And if you’ve already paid $5,000 for the Pro Display XDR, what’s an extra $200?
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★
