Hercules comes back on the webcam market with the Dualpix Exchange based on the same design and attachment system as the good quality Dualpix HD.  In addition, it is simpler to install – all you have to do is connect it – and less expensive.  So was it as good?

The biggest innovation is in terms of installation because the Dualpix Exchange doesn’t require any software installation to function with instant messaging as it has the USB 2.0 Video Class interface.  This means this webcam is almost instantaneously usable – in 30 seconds in fact.  There is also a 2 megapixel sensor, a 3x zoom, and face tracking which is supposed to provide precise framing.  By the way, in this area it’s too bad there is no autofocus and you will have to do this yourself with the Exchange’s dial.  Let’s see how this new Hercules fares in tests with its very reasonable price.

A very satisfactory image during the day and at night

First of all, let’s start with fluidity.  While this criteria was a little lacking on the Dualpix HD (although not really a problem), there is now great fluidity in sequences.  Surely we don’t pass our time gesticulating wildly in front of our webcam, however, certain products have real problems even with slight movements.  Also, face tracking works well, and we didn’t notice any delay.  When they moved, the subject is immediately centered. 

Sharpness was good and colors well rendered even if they weren’t as warm as we would have liked.  At night in low lighting, the image is good. In standard settings, there seems to be a little overexposure and we preferred to play with adjustments to have a slightly darker image but with more fluidity.