Hercules Dualpix HD720p for notebooks
| Caractéristiques | |||
| Video capture resolution | 1 MPixels | ||
| Photo resolution | 5 MPixels | ||
| Zoom / Face tracking | Yes / Yes | ||
| Connectors | USB 2.0 | ||
| Audio | Built-in microphone | ||
Alexandre Botella
Test date: August 12, 2010
Test date: August 12, 2010
Hercules Software

Thanks to the Hercules Xtra Controller utility supplied with this webcam, you can insert photos into the video stream at any moment. This means you can show the person you're talking to your favourite photos with no time-consuming downloads.
It's also possible to launch a slideshow by selecting several photos from your hard drive. The webcam video stream automatically switches to 'picture in picture' mode so you can share your snaps while remaining perfectly visible to the other person. Plus, if you want to disappear and only display your photos, you can get rid of the image from the webcam. There's a pointer tool too, so you can point out precise details on the pictures you share. Just right click on the mouse then move the cursor around in the window to point to the area of your choice.
You can even show the person you're talking to films or video clips stored on your computer while you provide the commentary.
It's also possible to launch a slideshow by selecting several photos from your hard drive. The webcam video stream automatically switches to 'picture in picture' mode so you can share your snaps while remaining perfectly visible to the other person. Plus, if you want to disappear and only display your photos, you can get rid of the image from the webcam. There's a pointer tool too, so you can point out precise details on the pictures you share. Just right click on the mouse then move the cursor around in the window to point to the area of your choice.
The Dualpix HD720p for notebooks is one of the latest webcams from Hercules and, as the name suggests, it's designed for use with laptop computers. It has a video sensor with a resolution that can reach and even exceed 720p (1280 x 800 pixels maximum). Like the Dualpix Infinite, the HD720p boasts automatic focusing which, for a product you may find yourself moving around on a regular basis, is certainly time-saving.
Designed for notebooks

What makes this webcam particularly well-designed for notebooks is its clamp-like system for quick and easy attachment to a laptop screen. It works a bit like a vice, as you turn round a little wheel to make the jaws of the clamp close and attach the webcam to the screen (either on the top or on the side). Note that your computer's screen must be between 5 mm and 15 mm thick to fit the clamp.

It's therefore not really possible to clamp this webcam onto a regular computer monitor, unless you happen to have one of the latest extra-slim LED displays.
Good image quality in daylight
In well-lit rooms, the HD720p has no trouble capturing high-quality images. In lower light, however, it's a different story entirely as the webcam tends to overexpose the picture. This in turn causes a reduction in framerate and harsh overexposed whites.
Sound quality: microphone lacks sensitivity
The microphone didn't really impress us. It tends to muffle sounds and makes voices sound metallic. The microphone in the Dualpix Infinite webcam is much better.
What does the camera really capture?
Our webcam face-off contains stills taken from the webcam in action. You can therefore compare and contrast the quality, sharpness and colours against other manufacturers' models.
The video below will give you a brief overview of sound quality, image smoothness, colour transitions and how low and high lighting levels are handled.
The above sequence shows what the webcam gives in a Windows Messenger window with ideal internet bandwidth. The flow comes directly from the source. We then host the video ourselves to avoid degradation due to re-encoding by third-party sites.
Pluses
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Discreet and lightweight design (55 g)
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Sharp picture, smooth movement
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Good software with plenty of functions
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Automatic focusing
Minuses
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Image overexposed in low light, detail lost
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Microphone could be better
The Dualpix HD720p for notebooks is a light and discreet webcam. It offers good image quality and can be easily attached to a laptop computer. It's just a shame the sound isn't quite up to scratch.
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