By Chris Nicholls
SYDNEY: Logitech has unveiled its first Mac-compatible webcam, boasting of high image quality thanks to its Carl Zeiss lens and “premium” autofocus mechanism.
The two megapixel Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro Mac edition is claimed to be much faster and smoother in focussing adjustment, thanks to its use of a voice coil motor instead of a stepper motor, as used in lesser models.
Logitech claims the new motor will allow for extreme close-ups of up to 10 cm from the lens, as well as a focusing time of less than three seconds.
Thanks to its two megapixel sensor and aforementioned lens and autofocus technology, Logitech claims the Vision Pro for Mac will allow VGA-quality video at up to 30 frames per second, a resolution it said was four times as sharp and twice as smooth as any other video-calling solution.
The Vision Pro can also record video clips in 720p high-definition.
“With this new webcam for Mac computers, we’ve integrated our most advanced video technologies to truly enrich your video-calling experience,” said Logitech’s Internet Communications general manager, Gina Clark.
“The lens and autofocus, the sensor and the lighting software all contribute to create image-perfect detail and clarity. Whether you’ve used a standalone or an embedded webcam in the past, you’ll be amazed at the difference in quality our new webcam makes.”
The Vision Pro for Mac is available in black-and-silver profile with built-in silver microphone and is expected to be available from August.
However, while quality may surpass that of the built-in webcam on all new Macs, some have expressed doubts as to how many consumers pick up a RRP $179.95 webcam purely to upgrade their video calling quality.