Microsoft delivers webcams with 720p, dynamic color
updated 12:15 pm EDT, Tue March 16, 2010
MS LifeCam 5000, 5001 and 6000 gear up
Microsoft at mid-day launched a trio of webcams that all bring the company into the HD era. The HD-5000 and HD-5001 for desktops, as well as the HD-6000 for notebooks, all capture a real 720p widescreen (1280x720) image and tout a new color correction engine dubbed TrueColor. The process uses a mix of hardware and software to adjust color tones, exposure and other factors to properly represent the output in less-than-ideal conditions.
The 5000 and 5001 are very similar and differ only in their respective black and white colors. Both have an adjustable base that can work on notebook screens and are purportedly the least expensive webcams to have true autofocus. The two will ship later this month for $50.
Distinguishing the 6000 is a notebook-oriented design with a more specialized clip and a 360-degree mount that can spin the camera around to show the view ahead. It doesn't arrive until May and will command a slight premium at $60.
HD-6000
