Microsoft Webcam brings 720p HD wide-screen video to consumer marketplace

LifeCam Cinema

(Credit: Microsoft )

Many computers come with a built-in camera, but none offer the HD video of the LifeCam Cinema, Microsoft's newest flagship Webcam, which incorporates a native 720p wide-screen sensor that offers higher quality video to instant-messengers, YouTube videographers, and everyone in between.

Webcam users already know that traditional 1.3-megapixel cameras typically struggle to curb digital noise when recording in low light. Last year's LifeCam Show showed improvement, but the video still had bits of graininess. The LifeCam Cinema continues that momentum with Microsoft's new ClearFrame Technology, which promises better low-light performance (and increased visibility thanks to its 74-degree viewing angle) without having to sacrifice resolution quality.

Microsoft also includes Windows Live Movie Maker and Windows Live Photo Gallery to help users edit and upload their videos to popular social networking sites like YouTube or Facebook. The LifeCam Cinema will start shipping in September for $80, which includes a three-year limited hardware warranty.

One last thing: no surprise (though we still have to say it), but the LifeCam Cinema does not work with Macs.

LifeCam Cinema

(Credit: Microsoft)

[hafenbrack]

Looks nice. MS has some really nice WebCams.

[redmarine]

Hmm, I never knew Microsoft was good at hardware.

[sandor_f]

have you plugged it into a mac? many USB and FW cameras will be recognized (even generically) by the mac OS/iMovie/iChat etc.

[EdCenter]

I think he's saying that there will be no drivers for the Mac. At least, not officially released drivers by Microsoft.

[dreamer77dd]

i was expecting this a long time ago with Skype type software and all those other sites that need webcams wink wink , uhmm like youtube. lol but i have seen Logitech adds webcams with 720p also. i wonder how all these hardware compare. i know resulotion could be better but does that mean more choppy. i am thinking frame rates would drop the better the picture even with todays high speed internet. i know most do not have extreme downloads or uploads speeds, just everage day life speeds. i hope to see more details on these types of products in the near future. bye

[andrewzarian]

I bought the camera the other day and did a video review if anyone is interested in seeing it. I also did a side by side with the Logitech 9000 pro hope you enjoy it

personally I think this is a great camera and a nice set to the right direction

http://www.guysfromqueens.com/?p=409

http://www.guysfromqueens.com/?p=419

[mikelao]

i tested it on my macbook pro using ichat and it works fine