Microsoft Debuts 720p LifeCam Cinema With 30 fps, Glass Lens, Autofocus and 4x Digital Zoom

The folks over at Microsoft have just added to their PC web cameras
lineup with the new 720p LifeCam Cinema. Meant as the first true HD
consumer camera, the new LifeCam Cinema is made of aluminum and is
nestled on a stand that works both with computers and laptops. It comes
with glass lens with 4x digital zoom, does 720p video at 30 fps, has
autofocus and comes bundled with a built-in noise canceling microphone.

Other than doing 720p HD resolutions, the new Microsoft 720p LifeCam
Cinema features a call button that starts the camera to be used with
Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Movie Maker or Windows Live Photo
Gallery. Windows 7, Vista and XP compatible, the camera connects to your
device via the USB 2.0 interface.

There's one small drawback thought, the camera requires at least a dual
core 1.6GHz processor — with MSFT recommending a 3GHz CPU and 2GB
of RAM. We can't help but wonder … why? What makes it such a monster?

Available starting September 9, the new Microsoft 720p LifeCam Cinema
should retail for some $80.