[Comp] NCIX: MS LifeCam Cinema 720p WebCam - $39.99 (til Aug 1, 2012)

[oldskool75]

I'm surprised no one posted about this, as I noticed this a day or two ago.. (expires Wednesday)


http://ncix.ca/products/?sku=62231&vpn=6CH-00001&manufacture=Microsoft&promoid=1254

$39.99 (can go upwards for about $100, but realistically attainable for about $50-60 +tx (and maybe shipping).

Unfortunately, the model number is different than FS/BB/Staples, but it's effectively the same unit.. you might get lucky with a PM..

It is skype certified, although it oddly needs a 3rd party software to get Skype to use it in HD/Widescreen mode.. MS Software doesn't perfectly with MS Hardware.. go figure..

I think it's slick looking.. and apparently works better than the logitech equivalent in low-lighting conditions.. (read a few comparison articles a while back).

The negative drawbacks I've seen:
* fairly high CPU requirements considering it's supposed to have hardware encoding
* mono microphone

Still, has great user ratings, and is a great price for a 720p webcam.

Enjoy!

[Passel]

match all prices!

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX34298

[canuckinternet]

I use this cam often and must say that it's one of the better cams that I've used over the years. Yes; agreed that it does tax the CPU when recording.
You can view my videos at the URL below and see the sound and video quality for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/user/webpromo

I've seen this cam for the same price before. In fact, I think I may have purchased it at that price a few years back.

[Jimboski]

I use this cam often and must say that it's one of the better cams that I've used over the years. Yes; agreed that it does tax the CPU when recording.
You can view my videos at the URL below and see the sound and video quality for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/user/webpromo

I've seen this cam for the same price before. In fact, I think I may have purchased it at that price a few years back.

Would you say a Con of the webcam Is that It requires a blazing fast computer?

[oldskool75]

Would you say a Con of the webcam Is that It requires a blazing fast computer?

I would hardly call dual core 1.6GHz 'blazing' fast.. Not for a few years now even..
But I do agree that the requirement specifications are higher than one should expect..

But most say the quality of the optics/images is really good..

[applelove]

Lifecam Cinema webcam is the best webcam in very low light. With only the computer and TV on at night, the Lifecam Cinema webcam produces a viewable video for chat. In this same light settings, the Quickcam Pro9000s video is all black.In better light conditions, the Lifecam cinema will produce a good video with good color.
This camera will focus as close as 1 inch. Good to play around with as a microscope, but a hassle everytime it does an autofocus. I turn off autofocus most of the time.

[canuckinternet]

I would hardly call dual core 1.6GHz 'blazing' fast.. Not for a few years now even..
But I do agree that the requirement specifications are higher than one should expect..

But most say the quality of the optics/images is really good..

Here are the specs of the laptop that I run the cam on:
PROCESSOR: INTEL CORE 2 QUAD CORE Q9550 2.8GHz CPU
MEMORY: 4GB RAM
2 X NVIDIA 9800MGT GRAPHICS CONTROLLERS 512MB MEMORY.

With those specs, the CPU fan and rear fan come on instantly. In fact if you listen to some of the videos you'll hear an annoying humming sound - which is the fan (here's an example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSlLm2uTG54). The cam is approximately 17 inches away from the base of the laptop.

[BobSagget]

I own this camera. I have it setup with YAWCAM to use as a security camera. It works great.

[techwiz]

Looks like this is for the OEM model, which does not come in retail packaging. Still a good deal though.

[ericdraven]

Nice!