My preference for digital communication largely hinges on the fact I can do it in my pyjamas and without having to bother with social niceties like brushing my hair and putting on make-up in order not to disturb the person on the other end of the conversation with the fright-mask-like complexion too many hours spent on the computer coupled with too few hours of sleep may bring. Then webcams came along and spoilt my whole pyjama wearing, makeup-eschewing groove by requiring one still spruce up for an on-line chat session.
According to Cnet Asia, there are currently two cameras on the market that might help with this conundrum: the Elecom UCAM-E1W30TNWH
and the Buffalo's BHC-35H03B (pictured). Both webcams work to beautify the user; the Elecom by providing real-time retouch techniques, while the Buffalo camera relies on flooding the user with a spotlight and adjusting the white balance.
Of course, you could rely on the old Hollywood standby of slapping a little Vaseline on the lens to create a soft focus. Or you could do what I do, which is leave the camera switched off.-[Star C. Foster]
Nikon S1000pj: World's First Projector Camera
From: The Plantronics 925 Discovery is now in pink