Despite the fact that web-cameras are most often integrated into a variety of devices (monoblocks, netbooks, notebooks and monitors), the demand for them continues. The development of such internet-services as YouTube and Skype spurs to the appearance of increasing models of similar devices, each of which tries to take its place in a certain price bracket. Today we will make the acquaintance with a new product of SVEN Company. Welcome IC-950 HD!

Package Content

A carton in white-blue colors meets us; the picture on it bears a strong resemblance to the flag of Finland. The carton is of good quality, a device will not be damaged during transportation. SVEN IC-950 HD has high-quality 8-megapixel CMOS matrix and a built-in microphone, at that the device supports high HD 720p resolution. The camera has the rubberized case and is compatible with any modern operating system.

Specifications are indicated on the cartons back. Video capture rate can reach 33 frames per second with the resolution 1280 х 720. It stands to mention the automatic brightness and exposure control. The device is packed inside transparent blister, which is packed in an additional carton. Besides the web camera the package contains the User’s Manual and warranty card.

The wire for connection to a USB port is equipped with the ferrite filter; the wire is 1.4 m long.

Appearance and Specifications

The appearance of IC-950 HD is thorough and compact; there are no superfluous details in its design.

Original support is used for placing and fixation of the device. The web-camera can be placed on a table, monitor or notebook. Similar universality can be complimented.

Focusing is manual; the ring moves tightly, we would like to have smoother adjusting.

Fixing plates are rubberized; therefore, you will not damage or scratch a notebook during the web-camera fixation on it.

Testing

The quality of photos brought some happiness to us. In spite of the fact that the web-camera belongs to a consumer-grade version, it has automatic brightness and exposure control. You can easily determine this by the change of illumination. Snapshot examples are given below: the first one was snapped without additional lighting, the second one – with additional light sources.

Video supports 1280 × 720 resolution, which can be attributed to advantages, because the higher resolution, the more pleasure your interlocutor will get during communication with you.

Software

A producer provided a utility to make tweaking; it can be downloaded from the SVEN web-site. Such parameters as brightness, contrast and sharpness are controlled manually. 50/60 Hz modes are provided to remove flickers.

Amusing effects and frameworks will help to diversify communication with your interlocutor. The following is an example of one of them: the effect consists in a picture embedding into a news story in a magazine. It reminded an extract with “living” newspapers from “Harry Potter”.

Furthermore, the producer provided a possibility of the software-based scaling up to 3200 × 2400 resolution.

Conclusion

The device proved itself during the testing, and it can be recommended with every reason for purchasing. Effects and frameworks from additional software will help to diversify communication with your family and friends, and the automatic brightness control will allow not resorting to the image control manually. In spite of all this, the device is compact and can be fixed to a notebook or monitor easily. We can state with assurance that SVEN IC-950 HD will find its customer!