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HP Elite Autofocus Webcam Review

11 Responses (Add) | Sunday, June 15th, 2008 at 9:51pm

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I decided to do this review by actually recording the video with the new HP Elite Autofocus Webcam. This new product may be odd looking, but the quality is pretty good. The autofocus works without using any software at all. It just… works. Let’s look at some of the features of this nice little USB-powered Webcam.

  • Up to 12-Megapixel still image capture with software interpolation
  • 3-Megapixel sensor with Autofocus in a stylish webcam: get HD video quality and keep the image always sharp and focused.
  • Unique easy clip option: for stable, secure and easy to attach to select HP monitors
  • Tilt and Pan: easily adjust your webcam to let you show what you want while maintaining a stable connection to your monitor
  • HP Instant Chat button: press one button to automatically launch your preferred Instant Messaging program* and your webcam controls (Magic-i)
  • ArcSoft Magic-i: enhance your video conferencing experience with fun special effects. Magic-I also keeps all your webcam controls in one application and allows you save up to 5 user profiles so you are looking good wherever you use your webcam.
  • Compatible with AIM, Windows Live Messenger, Skype, and Yahoo! Messenger.
  • Certified high-speed USB 2.0: take full advantage of your broadband access and enjoy up to 30 frames per second for smooth and natural body motion.
  • Integrated stereo microphone and plug and play USB connection for easy installation
  • Privacy cover: slide the privacy cover when you don’t want to be seen. The colored shade helps you identify if the privacy cover is on or off.
  • Comprehensive software included: manage your online chat with ArcSoft Magic-i, capture, edit and share short videos with Arcsoft VideoImpression and ArcSoft WebCam Companion, and edit and retouch photos with HP Photosmart Essential.

This Webcam is already on the market, and is definitely worth the money. The Autofocus is just amazing, and I know I’m not going to want to send this review unit back. The quality is very, very good… better than I had even expected.

What kind of Webcam do you use? Are you happy with it, or are you in the market for a new one?

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11 Comments

Game Invasion

June 16th, 2008
at 7:55pm

Chris Pirillo Ten Reasons to Have a Live Video Stream Apple MobileMe vs. Microsoft Live MeshHP Elite Autofocus Webcam ReviewWebcam Problems What are .DS_Store Files?

Joe aka NyteHawke

June 15th, 2008
at 10:18pm

I really liked this vid. I have been looking for reviews from real people about webcams that are out on the market. I have found that if I read the ones at the store site 9x out of ten what I get when I finally get the equipment home is not what they say.

I do not blame this on the hardware all the time because I know that I do not have the same specs they may look for. One of the things that I look for lately is a cam that has good low light capability cause I do not always have the ability to hve bright lights where I am recording.

I look forward to the upcomming vids and reviews.

cananito

June 16th, 2008
at 2:54pm

I like HP’s printers and webcams, don’t like the computers much now, they are kinda not that good aymore.

krcm0209 [Kyle]

June 16th, 2008
at 5:42pm

Chris, I’m sure that the new HP webcam is great, but about your comment on how sharp the image is, YouTube does not do it justice. I dislike how YouTube degrades the quality of the video people upload. By the way white balance looks bad on that webcam, maybe the settings just need to be tweaked, but you really looked like a ghost in your review. Also, I’m using my EyeToy as my webcam, thanks for asking.

mypuffins

June 16th, 2008
at 9:54pm

What do I look for in a webcam….hmm. Apparently the same as you, Chris. I bought the Logitech Orbit. A 2 megapixel cam. It has to be the best webcam I have ever bought. The picture is very clear. The color is very bright. But the tracking is very clumsy. On the otherhand, it has a great stand so it’s not looking up your nose. Built in mic is nice too. I was using a 3com before that really was the best years ago, but today’s cam site’s have made it obsolete. So sad. I really liked it and it still works. Whatcha gonna do, eh?

Nick

June 17th, 2008
at 6:18am

Looks like a good webcam, though I am satisfied with my logitech webcam I purchased not too long ago. <3 Logitech products.

Jack Carlson

June 17th, 2008
at 4:39pm

I currently use the Logitech QuickCam Pro for notebooks, but I’m always on the lookout for good ones. This one offers 2mp video and 8mp photos, built-in mic, desk stand. It’s small, compact, just what I need to pack with my laptop. I really like it.

Ruth

August 7th, 2008
at 10:44pm

I love this webcam.. well not yet know if i do sicne i can’t get it to work.. :S I got it but something is so wrong I can’t install it.. if anyone is willing to help please do, e-mail me if you can.

Syed

June 7th, 2009
at 8:51am

Very helpful video review. Thanks

Larry R

October 6th, 2009
at 6:58pm

Well Ruth has said it. I might love the HP webcam if I could get it to work on my Mac. Chris said he just plugged it in and it worked. It just sits there doing nothing. My Mac says it is there, but I guess it doesn’t know what to do with it. ANY suggestion would be welcome.

What Do You Think?