The Creative WebCam Live Ultra features true high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, while still supporting USB 1.1; however, we couldn't tell a performance difference between this and similar Webcams that operate only on USB 1.1. Performance with video instant messengers is decent; on the initiating end, video is clear and fairly smooth, although color quality is sometimes flat and dark (depending on the amount of light), and on the receiving end, the image is dark and video is choppy. Using WebCam Center, the video performance is of good quality. You can capture between 176x144- and 640x480-pixel resolution video at 30 frames per second (fps) with RGB 24 or I420 video formats. In our tests at each size, the video was smooth, with a well-synchronized audio track. Audio quality with the camera's external headset and microphone is clear; there's no built-in microphone.
This camera's white-balance and exposure controls are automatic, as is its wide-screen view, and the automatic settings work well in high light situations. In dim environments, however, we found that the subject of the video, whether it was a person's face or a soda can, looked very dark and nearly indiscernible. We wish the camera had more-customizable color, video, and editing setting options for more advanced users.
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