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While the LifeCam Studio is optimized to conduct 720p HD Internet chats with the new Windows Live Messenger 2011 Beta, it also works in VGA mode (or less) with Skype, AIM, and Yahoo, among other services. That may be true, but why not include it anyway with a toggle switch in the software? Microsoft says the LifeCam Studio lacks noise reduction because it tends to distort the voices of anyone not immediately in front of the mic.
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In a series of tests, an office fan at various settings came through loud and clear in the recordings. However, the LifeCam Studio's mic is still mono, and it still lacks noise cancellation. A series of tests showed a well-rounded vocal reproduction that was a bit warmer than the tinnier audio I heard from the LifeCam Cinema. The new microphone does sound better than before. Consequently, the frame rate will be lower. If the lighting is relatively dim, that means the sensor will have to bring in more light to get each frame correct. It's also dependent on how bright the recording environment is. Unfortunately, that's still not achievable at HD resolution with the built-in software, which maxes out at 15 frames per second. The highest resolution setting is still 1280-by-720, but the company said in an interview that the maximum frame rate is now 30 frames per second. Microsoft claims to have increased the maximum video recording rate compared with the previous LifeCam. Live images from the LifeCam Studio looked closer to what you'd expect from a camcorder like the Flip UltraHD ($179.99, ), and less like the over-exposed, flat-looking images you'll typically see through a webcam, no matter how I angled a nearby desk lamp. TrueColor works by tracking your facial movements this way the unit can change the exposure to compensate for a bright spotlight near the seating position. That said, the LifeCam Studio includes some enhancements that improve the live picture.
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Almost without fail, the effects fell out of sync, and sometimes by several seconds, even on a quad-core Windows 7 PC with an ATI Radeon HD 5870 video card. Unfortunately, keeping it all accurate at HD resolution proved too much for the built-in software. It does offer effects for distorting the live image, making it look like you're wearing a costume or a halo of stars, and other similar fun ideas. Microsoft's included software doesn't do much aside from taking snapshots and recording video files. Unlike with Logitech's C910, you can at least use a common IM program for HD video chats: Windows Live Messenger 2011 Beta (more on that below). Setting up the built-in software took just a few minutes. Between those two improvements, you can, say, show a drawing to a colleague, or conduct a chat in the middle of a living room with the family sitting around.
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It now includes a separate 360-degree joint for rotating the camera, and a new tripod thread in the bottom of the mount lets you position the unit on a portable stand. Microsoft improved the mount in two ways, though. I had no problem mounting the LifeCam Cinema on top of a 23-inch Asus monitor and an 18.4-inch Toshiba laptop. The LifeCam Studio also includes a larger, higher-fidelity microphone than before.Īs before, the flexible, rubberized mount can sit atop a desktop or laptop lid without marring the frame. In addition, a small cap extends out from over the sensor this way straight overhead light doesn't hit the sensor and compromise the image. Microsoft said the goal was for users to avoid having to crank the lights for video chats. It brings in more light than the prior model and is optimized for working well in lower-light environments. A high-precision glass element lens covers a new 1080p-capable, auto-focus sensor. It measures 4.5 by 1.6 by 2.4 inches (HWD), and is a mix of silver and black aluminum, with a sleek, cannon-shaped design. Like the prior, almost-all-black Microsoft LifeCam Cinema ($79.95, ), the LifeCam Studio is a beauty.
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There are still a few hidden gotchas, but the LifeCam Studio's improvements are enough to steal our Editors' Choice award from the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 ($99.99, ). The LifeCam Studio features a 1080p-capable sensor, an improved design, a flexible mount, and a steady picture that looks natural in a variety of environments. It's a Best Buy exclusive, available now at and in Best Buy retail stores in October. Microsoft's latest webcam, the LifeCam Studio ($99.99 list), offers quality video recording and Internet video chats at a reasonable price.