Even before the pandemic, Logitech's webcam portfolio was dominant, led by the Logitech C920, which is harder to find than an N95 mask

Microsoft got a new challenger with the Microsoft Modern Webcam, which boasts 1080p resolution and a built-in privacy shutter for only $6999 Here's everything you need to know about the Microsoft Modern Webcam, which will ship this June Will it make the list of best webcams? Only time will tell

The Microsoft Modern Webcam costs $6999 and will be available this June

Microsoft currently has several other webcams with resolutions up to 720p: LifeCam HD-3000 ($3999), LifeCam Cinema ($6999), and LifeCam Studio ($9999)

Modern webcams have 1080p sensors with a pixel size of 14 nanometers The relatively large pixel size means that the camera performs better in low-light conditions

The camera can record at up to 60 fps, but can only transmit at a maximum of 30 fps It also has a 78-degree field of view and HDR to better account for different lighting conditions A built-in privacy shutter allows the camera's view to be blocked, but it also does not turn off the microphone

These specs are nearly identical to the Logitech C920 and Logitech C920s, but the C920 appears to have two microphones while the Microsoft webcam has only one

Other features of the Modern Webcam include auto white balance (to account for overhead lighting), auto light adjustment, and facial retouching Another feature called True Look probably incorporates all three, so you can be at your best in endless Zoom meetings

Modern Webcam is compatible with both Windows and MacOS, but some software features appear to work only on PCs

Microsoft has chosen to use a USB-A connector instead of USB-C in order to give the Modern Webcam the widest appeal This means that newer laptops will need a USB-C hub, but those using older PCs will have no problem

It is also Microsoft Teams certified and comes with a one-year hardware warranty and a 30-day return window

Of course, it's too early to comment on the quality of the Modern Webcam, but it's about time Microsoft offered a webcam that can stream in 1080p The Modern Webcam's specs are on par with Logitech's most popular models but that may be all that is needed

We'd love to see a high-performance model with 4K resolution and built-in ring lights, but for now, it's good to see Microsoft catching up with the competition