Microsoft Reveals 1080p LifeCam Studio Webcam

Not too long ago, Microsoft unveiled a couple of new 720p LifeCam webcams. But in today's world of "never is enough, good enough," Microsoft has been forced to produce something with even more resolution. The company's new LifeCam webcam has a 1080p HD sensor, which Microsoft claims is the closest thing to actually being there. And we aren't too sure that's too far from the truth.


The new LifeCam Studio is designed to work with Windows Live Messenger 2011, which will offer HD video calling in a 16:9 widescreen format, but we're sure it'll function just fine within Skype or any other preferred webcam / video chat client. This device is Microsoft's first LifeCam with a 1080p sensor, which is actually twice as large as the 720p HD sensor in order to allow for a sharper image in lower light. The webcam will ship later in the month for $99.95, and if you're in need of a new video calling tool, this looks to be your best bet. Just make sure you have a broadband connection to upload all 1080p of yourself.

Microsoft Unveils New LifeCam With Stunning 1080p HD Sensor: Closest Thing to Being There in Person
 
LifeCam Studio is the perfect HD video calling companion for Windows Live Messenger 2011.

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. today sets a new standard in webcams with LifeCam Studio, featuring sharp high-definition (HD) video with a true 1080p sensor(1) Microsoft's newest LifeCam is the perfect complement to Windows Live Messenger 2011, which will offer HD video calling in a 16:9 widescreen format so everyone can easily be seen in the video call with amazing detail(2). When people can't attend an important life moment in person, LifeCam Studio delivers the closest thing to being there.

As Microsoft's first webcam with a 1080p sensor, LifeCam Studio delivers superior sharpness and image quality in video calls. The native 1080p sensor is more than twice as large as the 720p HD sensors on the market and lets more light in so people experience great video in virtually any lighting condition. Whether the sun is streaming in the window or the user is lit only by the light from the computer monitor, LifeCam Studio brings friends and family closer than ever before.

Better Together With Windows Live Messenger 2011

The launch of Microsoft's latest HD LifeCam comes at an exciting time for webcam users with the recent announcement that Windows Live Messenger 2011 will support HD video calling this fall.

"With Windows Live Messenger, customers can now have richer, more meaningful conversations by sharing photos, playing games and, of course, instant messaging all while video chatting in HD," said Michael Chang, group product manager, Windows Live Messenger. "We are thrilled to deliver HD widescreen video calls with Windows Live Messenger 2011, giving LifeCam users a more vivid and clear image for their video calls."

More Than Just Good Looks

In addition to a high-quality video picture, LifeCam Studio features a stunning industrial design. But it's not just about great design; every piece of this webcam serves a purpose. The new webcam is Microsoft's first to feature a tripod thread, perfect for recording long video captures from different angles — not only in front of the monitor. LifeCam Studio also includes these features:

    * A 360-degree view range, which means that users can easily point the camera at themselves or around the room — no need to pick up an entire laptop and turn it around.
    * An elongated hood modeled after a high-end camera to help protect the lens from stray light to avoid washed-out colors.


First-Class Technology

LifeCam Studio features premium optics, with improved Auto Focus to keep objects in focus no matter how far the distance from the LifeCam(3), and a high-precision glass element lens for superior clarity. It also includes two technologies to ensure video remains true to life in almost any environment:

    * TrueColor Technology automatically delivers bright and colorful video in virtually any lighting condition and helps keep the most important part of the video call — the face — properly exposed.
    * ClearFrame Technology helps keep video smooth and detailed even in low light.


Pricing and Availability

LifeCam Studio will be available exclusively at Best Buy stores later this month for the estimated retail price of $99.95(4) and is available on BestBuy.com starting today. Microsoft backs this product with a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty. More information about these and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.