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Microsoft LifeCam Studio
| Caractéristiques | |||
| Video capture resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels (video: 720p maximum) | ||
| Photo resolution | Up to 8 MP (with interpolation) | ||
| Zoom / Face tracking | Yes / Yes | ||
| Connectors | USB 2.0 | ||
| Audio | Mono microphone | ||
Pierre-Jean Alzieu
Translator: Catherine Barraclough
Test date: July 5, 2011
Translator: Catherine Barraclough
Test date: July 5, 2011
The Software
As with previous Microsoft webcams, the LifeCam Studio comes with a software suite. This comprises a webcam setup and settings tool, as well as a photo and video recording application. You can therefore film 720p (but not 1080p) videos with the webcam and share them with friends online.
Microsoft also lets users create a whole load of avatars. You can, for example, stretch your character's face around in all kinds of warped ways, give yourself a hat, a wig or even stamp a little star on your cheek. After a while though, you'll start to notice that the tool isn't all that accurate and that things aren't quite positioned correctly. It's therefore a bit of a gimmick that you'll probably soon get tired of.
Microsoft also lets users create a whole load of avatars. You can, for example, stretch your character's face around in all kinds of warped ways, give yourself a hat, a wig or even stamp a little star on your cheek. After a while though, you'll start to notice that the tool isn't all that accurate and that things aren't quite positioned correctly. It's therefore a bit of a gimmick that you'll probably soon get tired of.
The LifeCam Studio is Microsoft's top-of-the-range webcam and is a direct rival for the Logitech C910. It has the same cylindrical design as the LifeCam Cinema but with some fancy aluminium detail.
The webcam's foot has been slightly redesigned. The camera is mounted on a soft, supple rubber stand. A screw attachment hole on the bottom of the stand even means you can mount this webcam on a tripod (see above). The webcam has a nice design and is well made. It also has an interesting set of tech specs, as Microsoft's spec sheet boasts automatic focusing and a 1080p Full HD sensor. Sounds great ... in theory.
Picture Quality
The LifeCam Studio may well have a 1080p sensor, but its full resolution can only be used in photo mode, as the video resolution is limited to 720p. That said, 720p is still more than adequate, especially since Messenger 2011 and Skype can't handle resolutions higher than that doe the time being.
In a well-lit room, the picture quality is strikingly good, even if the colours are a bit too bright for our liking. The video bitrate can't quite match the Logitech C910 (48 frames per second), but with 15 frames per second in 720p resolution, you'll still get a nice smooth image so long as there's not too much movement involved.
In low light the bitrate drops, which causes the image to glitch. This can be a bit annoying if you're trying to have a conversation. Apart from that, picture quality is certainly still accurate and sufficiently detailed in low light.
Audio Quality
The LifeCam Studio microphone captures and reproduces sound perfectly, and you can easily recognise the voice of the person you're talking to. Better still, background noise (computer, fan, roadworks etc.) is completely cut out. In fact, this is one of the best built-in webcam microphones we've seen to date!
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Microsoft LifeCam Studio
Pluses
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Design and finish
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Excellent picture quality in good light
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Automatic focusing and good audio quality
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Software package supplied
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Screw hole for tripod attachment (the same size as a camera)
Minuses
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No 1080p video (only for photos)
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Bitrate isn't quite high enough for low-light conditions
The Microsoft LifeCam Studio is without a doubt the firm's best webcam, offering a sharp, clear picture, excellent audio quality and an exemplary product finish. However, it can't quite match the Logitech C910, which boasts a smoother picture and 1080p video resolution.
