The Microsoft LifeCam Cinema boasts HD capabilities (up to 720p) and sports a handy mounting apparatus. We recently tested the unit with Adobe Connect, Elluminate (Class Live Pro), and Camtasia Studio 8. Finding a unit compatible with all three was a definite win, after some difficulties with newer Logitech models. (Sadly, the Logitech 920 will not work with Class Live Pro. This is a known issue in their support database.)
The microphone picks up pretty well for a web-camera. While I have never been a big fan of built in mics on a webcam, this one does the trick. It’s important to remember to keep the mic fairly close to the audio source as you record or webcast.
I was impressed with the flexible mount feature. It may seem like a small thing, but the ability to mount in various fashions can actually be a great benefit. The mount is made a of a flexible rubbery-plastic that you can shape to either grip onto your computer monitor, or create a makeshift stand to put on a flat surface. It almost functions as a perfect little mono-pod for webcams.
The software installation for the unit is a bit round-about. Upon plugging the unit in, you may be prompted to download and install Microsoft Live Essentials. After the download and install I was prompted me to reboot (pretty normal after a software install.) Upon the reboot, my computer was very sluggish, but this was corrected by one more reboot.
Available from B&H Photo, the LifeCam Cinema seems to be a good value!
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