One of the things that are typical of many webcams that are built into monitors and notebooks is that they suck. The video quality of the cheap webcams inside netbooks for example leaves a lot to be desired. Video is grainy, resolution is poor, and any recorded clips with the camera are choppy.

Microsoft announced a new webcam called the LifeCam Cinema that promises to change all of that. The webcam has 720p resolution and an external mic. The native 720p sensor is perfect for the user who wants to record video to upload to YouTube.

The camera is also optimized to operate in low light conditions and can focus on the subject as close as 4-inches and as far as across the room. Video taken with the camera can be edited with Windows Live Movie Maker. The LifeCam Cinema will ship next month for $79.95.

Microsoft