The Microsoft LifeCam Cinema is one of Microsoft's new HD webcams. With a max resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels HD video (Still Image: Up to 5 megapixel 2880x1620), the LifeCam Cinema is one of the best webcams on the market today.

Simple Install; Small and easy to position; User friendly

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With the release of the LifeCam Cinema 720p HD Webcam H5D-00001, Microsoft has provided the world with the first webcam that has a full 720p HD sensor and a 16:9 aspect ratio. During the 2010 International CES, the LifeCam Cinema received an Innovations Honoree Award.

720p High Definition Capture, Widescreen View, Noise Cancellation Microphone, Good Software; Simple Design, Small, yet Very Powerful, Lighting, Quality, Clarity of Picture, Low Light Enchancement, Excellent Value at under $60

Limited Video Chat HD Use due to Software Restrictions; Very CPU intensive at higher resolutions; Slight Washout with Bright Backlighting; High Pitch Tone when Noise Cancellation is Used

In the big picture of our webcam reviews , Microsoft's LifeCam Cinema Webcam stands out in some good ways, including overall picture quality and an aluminum body for added durability and style, and some less-good ways, including a lack of audio effects and facial recognition tools.

This product offers a clear HD picture and a durable aluminum body

The Microsoft LifeCam Cinema Webcam lacks facial recognition tools and audio effects

To date, just about every consumer webcam brought to market has had one thing in common – they're all goofy looking. If a webcam wasn't modeled after a sideways pepper shaker or a billiard ball, you could at least be certain that it'd be as square as Bill O'Reilly's mandible.

Whatever your current experience is with Video chatting, I think we can all agree that streaming in HD is better; and that's just from a personal standpoint of connecting with loved ones. We're opting to ignore the roaring cheers from the amateur porn industry for purposes of this mention.

In this high definition era, where hardware from consoles to monitors and entertainment from games to films is in HD, one area that's been consistently lagging behind has been the humble webcam.

The mic is not usable. And there is no fixing it. I ended up buying a dedicated microphone. I would not recommend this brand of webcam to anyone ever.

Video quality is ok

The mic is very bad; worst mic I have ever used; all kinds of noise (hissing sound); The software for the camera us useless

It's a good product at its price point. The cam quality and mic quality is good but the silver bezel around the camera chips very easily

Works; quality is pretty good

Chips from falling over

It is possible that this camera works well within about a foot, but anything more than 2.5 feet washes out the image with weird auto-brightness issues. Also, the mic is only functional in certain scenarios (again, close up). Otherwise it is either too loud or too quiet.

Second one I bought. Easy install (plug 'n play), good quality pics, excellent voice quality. Works good with Skype. I was pleased with picture quality when only a few inches from the subject (coins). The effects you can use are fun, but sometimes some do not work when on Skype.