Webcam

Logitech just announced the portable Logitech HD Webcam C615. Featuring a fold-and-go design, the webcam offers full HD 1080p video recording along with the ability to make video calls in HD (720p) on Skype, FaceTime for Mac, Logitech Vid HD and Windows Live Messenger. Popular IM applications such as Yahoo! Messenger, iChat, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) are also supported.

The Logitech HD Webcam C615 also captures 8-megapixel (software-enhanced) still images and has built-in autofocus, a built-in mic, and includes one-click HD video and photo upload to Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. The webcam rotates 360-degrees, comes with a 3-foot USB cable with an extender, and features a tripod-ready design.

The Logitech HD Webcam C615 will be available in June for $79.99.

The folks over at Panasonic have been busy bees lately. Yesterday we told you about the new 3D camcorder and today we have two new Panasonic camcorders that double as web cams, the HDC-SDX1 and HM-TA1.

The HM-TA1 is a pocket camcorder that shoots 1080p HD video as well as 8 megapixel stills. It also doubles as a web cam and microphone by just connecting it to a computer via (included) USB port. Software is integrated as well, so using video chatting services such as Skype easy.

The TA1 features a 2.0" LCD monitor, 4x digital zoom, and records to an SDXC/SDHC/SD memory card. A built-in LED light is included for shooting in dimly-lit locations. This pocket cam measures just 2.09 inch (w) x 0.70 inch (d) x 4.09 inch (h), and weighs just 0.25lb (and that's with the battery and SD card!). Read more

Logitech wants to bring HD video to anyone, anywhere, and they are well on their way. The company just announced a full lineup of HD webcams as well as Logitech Vid HD, software which lets you make free HD video calls.

First in the lineup of HD webcams is the new Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910. It features 720p video calling, Full HD 1080p video recording, Logitech Fluid Crystal technology and one-click HD-uploading to Facebook and YouTube. The HD Pro C910 also gives you stereo sound with its two mics – one on either side of the webcam lens. It will be available in August for $99.99.

For portable HD video calling and recording is the Logitech HD Webcam C510. Featuring a folding design; it is easy to carry in a backpack, purse, even your pocket. It also rotates a full 360-degrees so you can include more people on your video calls and recordings. The Logitech HD Webcam C510 will be available in June for $59.99. Read more

We haven't heard from Hammacher Schlemmer in awhile. It must be because they were working on their latest product - what they call The Only 3D Web Camera. Just be sure you don't throw away your 3D glasses from any of this summers' blockbuster movies because you'll need them!

Here is how it works: Its "eyes" are dual cameras that record a stereoscopic image, or anaglyph using the same technology used in 3D movies. The two cameras can capture video at 800 x 600 resolution at 15 frames per second and it can focus in up to 12" away. The 3D video can also be recorded and uploaded to YouTube and Facebook, and the video is compatible with most IM services such as Windows Live Messenger, Skype, AOL Instant Messenger, OoVoo, Videora, Windows Movie Maker, and Stereoscopic Player. The camera also lets you display picture-in-picture videos. If you want to chat in 2D, simply switch to 2D mode. Sets of 3D glasses are included with the camera…but like I said…don't throw away any extras you may have lying around…pass them around to your friends!Read more

The main issue with video calls is getting the software and hardware to work uniformly. Well, the Logitech Vid might have gotten it right! It offers a free, fast and easy way to make true-to-life video calls with your Logitech webcam on a PC or Mac computer.

The Logitech Vid offers a streamlined setup and a simple, intuitive interface dedicated to video calling. It also optimizes the speed and resolution of your video call, so you're always getting the best-possible frame rate and resolution for your webcam.

Vid is set up automatically when you plug in your Logitech webcam, so you don't have to worry about anything. Unlike video calling with IM or VoIP programs, the Vid was designed exclusively for video calling and is powered by the Logitech SightSpeed Network. Also, Vid features a very simplistic and intuitive interface.

The Logitech Vid is available for download at www.logitech.com/Vid and is free for anyone who owns a Logitech webcam or anyone who is invited by a Logitech webcam owner.

Cyberlink today announced YouCam 3, new webcam software for live chats and video blogging. What makes YouCam 3 different from other software is it is the first webcam software that lets you upload videos directly to YouTube or Facebook.

Other features of YouCam 3 include face-tracking technology, video noise reduction, auto zooming, new animated effects, new scene locations, automatic lighting, a desktop capture mode and it also supports HD webcams, netbooks and more.

CyberLink's YouCam 3 is now available online, and supports the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, and Korean. YouCam 3 is priced at $34.95 for a single license download.