Hercules Dualpix HD webcam

Hercules Dualpix HD webcam

Hercules' new high end webcam is called Dualpix HD. The addition HD is Hercules' way of describing the cam as suitable for recording in high definition resolutions. The lowest resolution that can be called 'high definition' is 1280x720 pixels. As we will see, the camera's 1.3 megapixel sensor is capable of recording still images as well as video in resolutions up to 1280x1024 pixels. The major question of course is not just what quality the result will be, but moreover: how useful is this?

The Dualpix HD looks pleasing, with a well thought out design. The camera can turn around 360 degrees horizontally, as well as 60 degrees vertically. This enables the user to position it pretty much anywhere near the computer, be it on top of the screen or on the desk next to the keyboard. The included software has some clever tricks to make positioning even less critical, more on that later on in the review.

The software doesn't work right out of the box with Windows Vista, but at least it automatically detects Microsoft's latest operating system. On detection the installation routine points the user to Hercules' official website, where the needed drivers for Vista can be obtained. After downloading and installation of these, the webcam can be connected to the PC.