MS LifeCam Cinema - True 720p Webcam with Stiff CPU Requirement

Some 2MP webcams that claim to deliver 720p video but only manage 960x720 while a few really struggle to maintain reasonable frame rate. MS is set to ship the first webcam advertised to stream 1280 x 720 at 30fps (720p). Redmond also gives the true HD webcam an ambitious name - LifeCam Cinema. Included is a glass lens, auto focus (no more manual focus ring), 4x digital room and noise-cancelling mic mounted atop the LifeCam Cinema. There's even proprietary ClearFrame technology to further improve video quality, but its results remain to be seen. MS doesn't skimp on build quality either with aluminum and a stand that works equally well on both laptop screen and desktop LCD monitor.

As far as system requirement is concerned, the MS LifeCam Cinema demands at least a 1.6Ghz duo-core, and recommends a mighty 3Ghz processor which may seem overkill for video conferencing application but it's too earlier to tell. Bundled software is, needless to say, tightly integrated with Windows and Live! services. For $80 listed, the LifeCam Cinema should be another credible alternative to this high-end USB video camera.