Microsoft recently unveiled the first-ever truly HD webcam, which it calls the Lifecam Cinema. It’s the first webcam to deliver 1280×720 pixel resolutions at 30 fps, which is unlike other 2-megapixel cameras that claim to deliver HD, but really can’t go past 960×720 pixels.
The webcam comes with autofocus, a glass lens, 4x digital zoom, and a noise-canceling microphone mounted on top. It’s made of aluminum, and the stand works with most standard desktop and notebook PC’s. It also connects via USB 2.0.
Microsoft obviously designed the Lifecam Cinema to be completely compatible with Windows programs, such as Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Movie Maker, and Windows Live Photo Gallery. It’s compatible with Windows 7, Vista, and XP, but the minimum system requirements are unusually high. The minimum requirements are a dual-core 1.6GHz processor, with Microsoft recommending a 3GHz processor and 2GB of memory for optimal performance.
The Microsoft Lifecam Cinema webcam will hit market shelves on September 9, and will sell for US$79.99. Yup, we agree it’s a little pricey for a webcam, and we’re not entirely sure what other programs it’s going to be compatible with at this point, but we’re as excited as anyone else to see what this little baby can do.
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