Dell Monitors with Pop-up Webcams & Teams Buttons - Dell

Dell’s newest monitor offerings address the increasing demand for straightforward and effective video conferencing solutions, featuring an innovative pop-up camera and a dedicated Microsoft Teams integration that may not appeal to everyone. These new displays incorporate several advanced capabilities, but are primarily designed for professional office environments.

The Dell 24, 27 and 34 Video Conferencing Monitors are positioned as a complete, cost-effective solution for businesses requiring video-enabled workstations.

A standout feature is the integrated pop-up camera located at the top of the display; while not a completely new concept – similar designs have appeared in the past, even from Dell – this is the first implementation within a monitor rather than an all-in-one computer, and represents a significant improvement in design.

Image Credits: Dell

The camera boasts a five-megapixel sensor (corresponding to a resolution slightly above 1080p, approximately 3K), though it may not deliver exceptional performance. Users seeking features like optical background blurring or enhanced lighting will likely need to supplement it with external equipment. However, it should be adequate for typical work-related video calls, and its retractable design offers reassurance for those concerned about privacy.

An often overlooked benefit of this design is that it frees the camera from the constraints of the monitor’s bezel, potentially allowing for a superior lens and larger image sensor. Dell provided specifications following initial publication; I accurately predicted the resolution (2560×1920), although the output for calls will likely be limited to 1920×1080. The camera offers fixed focus within a range of 35cm to 1.5m (roughly one to five feet). These specifications are fairly typical for this type of device.

A textured speaker bar is situated at the base of the screens, providing sufficient audio output for clear call quality – though it’s not intended for high-fidelity music playback.

To the left of the speaker bar are several new buttons, some of which may be considered less practical. A dedicated Microsoft Teams button is the most prominent, accompanied by controls for calls, volume, and muting.

Image Credits: Dell

Personally, I would not prefer these integrated buttons. This preference extends beyond our company’s choice of video conferencing platforms.

I am concerned about the potential for accidentally disturbing the monitor’s carefully positioned placement when attempting to adjust the volume, answer calls, or mute the microphone – and doing so discreetly may prove difficult given the resulting screen movement. Furthermore, dedicating a button to a single video conferencing brand seems restrictive, considering the variety of platforms currently available.

I would be more inclined to purchase a separate control puck with these functions, along with a dedicated mono speaker and microphone positioned closer to the user. Additionally, it may be more effective to rely on software-based noise cancellation, as many calling applications already include this feature, and the interaction between built-in and software-based noise reduction is uncertain.

This is undoubtedly a streamlined product solution, and likely the result of collaboration between Microsoft and Dell. The pop-up webcam also includes an IR camera compatible with Windows Hello, a facial recognition login feature that I only recently became aware of.

This offering is clearly targeted towards enterprise customers already invested in the Dell and Microsoft ecosystems. However, as a fan of Dell monitors, I would welcome a pop-up camera option without the unnecessary sound bar and Teams button. Dell, where is that option?

The new video conferencing monitors will become available next month, starting at $520 for the 24-inch model, $720 for the 27-inch version, and $1,150 for the curved 34-inch model.