Capturing video @ 720p from a webcam

[StreakSRM]

In a nutshell, my goal is to capture video at 720p running 30fps using the Microsoft Lifecam Cinema.

The camera is capable of doing it, the software that comes with it, is not. The lifecam software doesn't allow you to select any compression settings so when it captures it defaults to an inferior directshow codec that limits the framerate to 15fps at 1280x720. I found the following snippet in a cusotmer review of the product on amazon:

To get around that you have to understand direct show, or have a program that is optimized for the camera.
For me, as a computer programmer buying two of these for a programming project, I have no problem.
However I could see some having trouble unless Microsoft fixes the problem.

For anyone that has bought these and wants to record 720p@30FPS, and is technically inclined, the MJPG Compression Filter must be used.
If you mess with Directshow in the registry you should be able to change the default filter.

I have the MPJG Codec from the fine people at Accusoft: http://www.accusoft.com/picvideomjpeg.htm
If I can ever get this to work I'll gladly purchase and register their software.

Basically I'm looking for is a point in the right direction for where in the registry I need to change things, or a recommendation on a program that will let me capture at 720p from a webcam at 30fps.

[jagabo]

Try VirtualDub.

[StreakSRM]

Interesting, I guess it may be a driver issue, the max fps i can get out of virtualdub is 10.