Review & Un-Boxing: Microsoft LifeCam Studio

Top of the range HD Webcam?

Have a read of my mini review and see what I think of it - there's also my un-boxing video at the end of the post for you to enjoy! 

I've needed a well deserved upgrade from my Logitech QuickCam 4000 which has been sitting on my desk for nearly a decade...

I went for this, the Microsoft LifeCam Studio. It happened to be the highest spec webcam they sold even though it had been released in early 2011 in the UK. It currently retails for £89.99 - but if you look in the right places (as I did) and you can pick it up for a bargain at£45 (Amazon).

What's it for?

Well its for use with computers - both Windows and Mac. And the best way to use it, is by webcam-ing! Windows Live Messenger, Skype and all that non-sense. But you knew that already right? For me though, this will be my primary recording camera for my YouTube video's.

It features

- Sharp picture thanks to the 1080p/720p sensors

- Auto-focus

- High fidelity microphone for clear audio 

- TrueColour & ClearFrame (ok I just know it's Microsoft's way of giving you top notch image quality)

Now, those are just things you can read off the box. But there are also some stand-out features which make this purchase a worth while one.

I just didn't like...

Before I "big it up" I'd like to make you aware of the issues I've had with this webcam. Firstly - I'm unable to use it. I mean, my PC maybe a decade old. But I still think an Intel Pentium 4 with HT Technology, 128mb Graphics card, 4GB RAM should be enough for a HD webcam right? NO!

Instead I met this little guy below. Gutted.

Therefore my testing was quite limited - 640x360 pixels to be precise, all in widescreen of course.

Having said that...

I managed to nick my sisters laptop to try it out! And so my review was back on!

At first glance I absolutely loved the image quality, whether in the day or at night. I found it crisp and not a touch of blury-ness. And to go with that, sound recording was also clear. No hiss. And very little background noise considering I live on a busy main road.

The other features that made me go for this webcam were the fact that you are able to rotate the cam 360 degree's, as well as having the ability to shift it vertically. On top of that, you are provided with a hole with threading - for mounting onto tripods. This gives you great flexibility and a feature most webcam's lack. This was ideal for recording my YouTube videos. I can have a steady cam with pan-ability. 

The bundled software is ok-ish. Be warned: it won't let you record in 1080p. Instead you require professional video editing/capture software. I used Handbrake (free to download and use). Other than that, there are the usual controls to adjust image via brightness, contrast, white levels and enabling TrueColour to name a few. And 44 effects that can be applied from slimming the video to adding cow-boy hats to your head. And they do work. I'd just have no reason to use any of them. Taking pictures and recording video's is easy. And There is a quick drop down menu to select the resolution (which also identifies the resolution your pc cannot handle grr).

So worth the £..?

Running my old and the new webcam side by side, it truly was an upgrade to be proud of. The LifeCam Studio does look premium, feel quality and there is substance behind the style. And this particular accessory will easily take me into another decade with its fancy effects and HD recording. 

The un-boxing!

Take a look at my un-boxing video below

 

Direct Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM56QQ8Wjmo

Hit the "Like" Button and go ahead & Subscribe!