Microsoft Webcam brings 720p HD wide-screen video to consumer marketplace

Many computers come with a built-in camera, but none offer the HD video of the LifeCam Cinema, Microsoft's newest flagship Webcam, which incorporates a native 720p wide-screen sensor that offers higher quality video to instant-messengers, YouTube videographers, and everyone in between.

Webcam users already know that traditional 1.3-megapixel cameras typically struggle to curb digital noise when recording in low light. Last year's LifeCam Show showed improvement, but the video still had bits of graininess. The LifeCam Cinema continues that momentum with Microsoft's new ClearFrame Technology, which promises better low-light performance (and increased visibility thanks to its 74-degree viewing angle) without having to sacrifice resolution quality.

Microsoft also includes Windows Live Movie Maker and Windows Live Photo Gallery to help users edit and upload their videos to popular social networking sites like YouTube or Facebook. The LifeCam Cinema will start shipping in September for $80, which includes a three-year limited hardware warranty.

One last thing: no surprise (though we still have to say it), but the LifeCam Cinema does not work with Macs.