Logitech Announces Mac HD Webcam Compatible with iChat, Skype

June 23rd, 2008 at 3:00 PM - News by Bryan Chaffin

Logitech announced Tuesday the Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro, a webcam for the Mac platform that supports up to 720p resolutions, and will work with both iChat and Skype for video communications. The device also includes Logitechis LightRight 2 technology, which allows the image from the webcam to adjust itself to dimly lit or harsh lighting conditions.

Logitech showed the device to The Mac Observer at a media briefing held last week in San Francisco. While we have not yet subjected the webcam to independent testing, the company demonstrated the LightRight 2 technology and the 720p widescreen resolution.

The LightRight 2 technology was able to present a solid image onscreen with a variety of fore and background lighting conditions.

The company is aiming the higher resolution of the device (960 x 720 when recording, VGA-quality at 30 frames per second when streaming video) at those wanting a higher quality image than that offered by Appleis built-in iSight camera (maximum of 640 x 480).

Logitech also said that the device uses a voice coil motor in the autofocus system, and that this delivers better performance than the stepper motor system in other webcams. It can also focus on objects as close as 10cm away from the camera.

The QuickCam Vision Pro is scheduled to ship in July, and the device will be priced at US$129.99.

AThe Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro