Creative Live Cam Optia

Creative updated its successful Live! Cam line today with the Optia, a multi-purpose webcam designed as much for desktops as for laptops. The camera has a clamping base that can still rest flat on a desk or table without requiring a different mount. The main unit rotates 270 degrees and is programmed to flip the image automatically when the camera is inverted, Creative says. Equally significant is the Optia's nature as a USB Video Class device. On recent Windows XP systems, the webcam works without requiring drivers and can be used as a live video capture source for any program, such as a movie editor or an instant messaging client. A 1.3-megapixel sensor provides 1280x960 still shots as well as 640x480 video at a full 30 frames per second. The camera will be available this month in Creative's home of Singapore for $82 US; a North American release is likely soon afterwards.

By Electronista Staff