Logitech Makes First HD Webcam

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Let’s cut straight to it, you know what webcams are really used for and so do I so if you can think of any circumstances where a high definition model could be useful read on…

Unveiled today by peripheral specialist Logitech the QuickCam Ultra Vision webcam is the first model I have seen to boast HD functionality. Quite exactly what format this takes has yet to be revealed but the company did state its 1.3MP sensor ‘supports the High-Definition video format, allowing people to create video clips and watch them in a wide screen format’. My personal guess is we’re talking about 720i playback here and not at more than 30fps and that it has little to do with the actual live cam footage so we’ll not dwell too long.

Elsewhere notable improvements include a new sensor dubbed ‘Rightlight 2’ which claims to automatically optimise video settings in low light and uneven lighting conditions (handy since this tends to be the environment in which most webcams are used). Furthermore a boosted f-stop setting of 1.6 means the model should be able to capture more light and produce sharper stills.

As per usual oodles of software is bundled along with Logitech Video Effects, a funky tool that allows users to completely transform themselves into three dimensional animated characters. Facial movements are tracked and mimicked and onscreen accessories can be added like glasses, beards and dirty raincoats (I made that last one up).

The Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision will bring joy to the lives of the frustrated and lonely from August. It carries a hefty RRP of $129.99, but (I fear) those in need will find it a price they’re more than willing to pay…

Link:
Logitech UK

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