Jan 6, 2016 | By Benedict
Gaming hardware and software specialist Razer today unveiled its Stargazer desktop webcam. The device, which can be used for accurate 3D scanning, captures video at an unprecedented 60 frames per second.
Razer, a company known for defying industry conventions and breaking new ground in gaming, has really gone all out with its latest piece of kit. Standard webcams have long been limited to 30 frames per second video capture, but the Stargazer has jumped straight to the top of the webcam pile with its 60fps video capture and a host of extra features.
Powered by the Intel RealSense SR300 camera and primarily targeted at gamers and live-streamers, the Stargazer webcam sets a new benchmark for desktop webcams. Users can choose to capture video in 720p at 60fps, or 1080p at 30fps, suitable for a wide range of uses beyond simple conference calls. The Stargazer even pays close attention to its audio capabilities, with an automatic, noise-cancelling, dual-array mic embedded in the device to guarantee an audio quality worthy of its superior video capabilities.
The webcam comes packed with a number of ingenious extra features, such as a 3D scanning facility and Dynamic Background Recognition, two features which are in fact closely connected. The webcam is able to accurately remove the background from a video capture, giving users the ability to “green screen” their videos. This is made possible by integrated Intel RealSense Technology, which enables the camera to intelligently sense depth to separate foreground from background.
Dynamic Background Recognition can be applied used in a number of situations. Users can use Personify, for example, to replace the “background” of a shot during a Skype call, transporting the caller to an alternative imagined location. FaceRig, QQ Video and ooVoo are also supported by the camera.
The clever Intel technology, able to distinguish background from foregrounds, also allows the webcam to double up as a 3D scanner. Face and object 3D scanning will work out-of-the-box, and 3D scans can then be used for any number of purposes, including conversion to STL format for 3D printing. Gamers will also be able to scan their face or objects directly into their favorite games.
In addition to these impressive features, the Stargazer also offers an advanced facial and gesture recognition system. The webcam can track up to 78 points on the face and 22 points on each hand, allowing users to unlock their computer with a simple glance at the camera lens. Gestures can also be made to launch individual applications, and to control movement-recognizing games such as Nevermind and Laserlife.
“Webcams have not had any real innovation in several years, beyond resolution quality,” said Razer CEO and co-founder Min-Liang Tan. “There are exponentially more people streaming and video conferencing than ever before and their needs are constantly evolving. The Razer Stargazer can revolutionize work done by game streamers, YouTube personalities, 3D designers and game developers with additional benefits to the average computer user. Simply stated, this is the webcam of the future.”
The Stargazer will be available in the second quarter of 2016, and will retail at U.S. $199.99 / EU €239.99.
Product Features
- Ultra-high 60 frames per second capture optimized for streaming (720p max)
- Max 1080p HD video capture
- Automatic noise cancelling dual array mic
- Dynamic Background Removal
- 3D scanning
- Facial/gesture recognition
- Flexible clip for laptops and desktop monitors
Product Specifications
- Intel 6th Generation Core processor
- USB 3.0 connectivity
- Windows 10 only
Posted in 3D Scanning
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