You have to wonder why it took so long. HP’s Elite Auto Focus Webcam finally reaches the 3-megapixel sensor level and breaks the 2MP barrier – for webcams at least. Webcams have been with us for so long, and is so familiar to even the most novice of computer users that this iconic piece of equipment tends to become a little lost behind the high-tech specs of other computer parts.

                                             No, it's not a projector. It's HP's new Elite Webcam.

While not in any way ignored by the different manufacturers, the webcam has basically stagnated through the years, stuck with middling sensors, so-so quality and a dearth of features. None of the recently released webcams could boast of giving even a half-acceptable picture of the person you’re conversing with. This HP has taken steps to turn this trend on its head, with the aforementioned 3-megapixel sensor, a claimed 12 MP still picture capability, and multiple video modes with corresponding frames per second displayed right on its spec sheet.

There is no mention of any kind of image compensation offered on standard cameras even with an extensive feature list, so there’s small hope of the smooth, lag free action we are used to with regular camcorders or even with digital camera’s video function. My previous experience with webcams has been disappointing to say the least; older webcams did the job adequately, nothing more. They cannot compensate for semi-quick movement, and does not usually have any means to compensate for dim locations. An impressive looking product like this HP Elite gets my hopes up, perhaps the big numbers will come with better optics and performance.

                                             With proper scaling, we can recognize the somewhat odd but sleek Elite webcam.

However, with no actual unit to review (this product is not yet being shipped locally at the moment), we find ourselves taking a big pinch of salt along with this product’s numbers. As we all know, webcams (as well as low-priced handheld videocams, off-the-shelf security pinhole cameras, and no-brand digital snappers by the dozens), more often than not lack the proper hardware to back up big-number components like the sensor and capture capability. Without a good-enough stabilization system, movement compensation, and a big enough lens for collecting light, it is a stretch to expect any kind of typical webcam to perform similarly to dedicated digital cameras with the same megapixel numbers. The HP Elite is on the right track with the increased MP count, autofocus and unique design, though it is saddled with the same small lens. Image stability and movement compensation tests will have to wait until we have a unit for testing.

This is the first webcam I’ve seen with a wholly comprehensive features list, one that could rival that of a full-on digital camera. A sampling of the list include: 3-Megapixel CMOS sensor with autofocus, Live video at 640 x 480 (VGA) up to 30fps, 800 x 600 up to 20fps, and 1280 x 960 up to 8-9fps, 1600 x 1200 up to 5-6fpsup to 12 Megapixels (4096x3072 pixels) still picture by software interpolation, face-tracking, tilt (55°, up to 20° down and 35° up) / pan (320°, up to 160° left, up to 160° right), integrated stereo microphone, 5X digital zoom, with ArcSoft VideoImpression, ArcSoft Magic-i, ArcSoft WebCam Companion and HP Photosmart Essential software.

                                             Webcam circa 1995 - the days of the countable pixels.

The HP Elite probably won’t be replacing dedicated video or still cameras quality-wise, but a step in the right direction is always welcome. If the HP Elite proves to be a disappointing performer upon its arrival, it will still undoubtedly be a marked improvement over blurry, eye-jarring webcams of yore, and it doesn’t stop us from bringing along that pinch of salt, along with just enough sugar to accompany a sweet looking and sweetly spec’d webcam.