Microsoft Debuts 720p LifeCam Cinema

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The folks over at Microsoft have just added to their PC web cameras lineup with the new 720p LifeCam Cinema. Meant as the first true HD consumer camera, the new LifeCam Cinema is made of aluminum and is nestled on a stand that works both with computers and laptops. It comes with glass lens with 4x digital zoom, does 720p video at 30 fps, has autofocus and comes bundled with a built-in noise canceling microphone.

Other than doing 720p HD resolutions, the new Microsoft 720p LifeCam Cinema features a call button that starts the camera to be used with Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Movie Maker or Windows Live Photo Gallery. Windows 7, Vista and XP compatible, the camera connects to your device via the USB 2.0 interface.

There’s one small drawback thought, the camera requires at least a dual core 1.6GHz processor — with MSFT recommending a 3GHz CPU and 2GB of RAM. We can’t help but wonder … why? What makes it such a monster?

Available starting September 9, the new Microsoft 720p LifeCam Cinema should retail for some $80.