Reddit mentions of Microsoft LifeCam Cinema, Retail

Modified a Microsoft Lifecam and 3D printed a 1.25" housing for it. (Modified from instructions here)

Running Windows 7 in a virtual box on my Mac. The software that came with the camera was causing some problems in that Windows partition, so I just used QuickTime video capture on my Mac partition. I believe it only captured at about 10 fps (should be 30).

Stacked in Registrax (first time using this also - feel free to suggest any tips!).

I have since got some camera control software (Webcam Settings, and working on getting Camera-Control to work for usb webcam as well) on the Mac side and hope to be able to capture some better images soon in the future!

I actually used a Microsoft LifeCam Cinema to take this. Webcam.

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-H5D-00013-LifeCam-Cinema/dp/B009CPC6QA

Microsoft makes a good webcam.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009CPC6QA/

I routinely use mine in a dark room, and it has no problem, at all, in low light situations. I also have it sitting in top if my monitor, and it has no trouble picking up my voice if I lean back in my chair.

I use this external webcam.

It's got a really good mic built in.

So I have a Logitech C910 which has since been succeeded by the C920. I didn't pay anywhere near the list price for it though because I got it on a Black Friday sale a few years back. I invested a bit more in my camera because back then it was my primary point of contact for my girlfriend and some friends who live around the country.

That being said, I'm a big fan of the Logitech brand and the C910 was my second Logitech camera. In terms of budget webcams, I have heard good things about the C310: Here
Oddly enough it looks like it might actually be the deal of the day for about $15 off of what Amazon usually sells it for (you can see that info here: Price Tracker)

The Microsoft Lifecams Here are nice too, but a bit more expensive and I've had a little more trouble with those. My girlfriend has a Lifecam and the picture quality is great, but for whatever reason her computer has trouble detecting it. In order to make it work she has to unplug and replug the camera each time she boots her PC. I'm not saying that's common, just an issue I've personally been involved with.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly webcam, then the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema is for you.  It has a maximum resolution of 720p, with HD video up to 30 FPS. It sits on a 360-degree swivel mount and the True Color Technology automatically boosts the image quality of the broadcast.

Pros:

• Cost
  
• A 360-degree swivel for multiple angles
  
  Cons:
  
  
• The auto-focus feature can be slow to adjust
  
• Native mic audio quality is not as high as comparable cams
  
  Read more: https://streamhash.com/choose-live-streaming-cameras/

I don't think the Logitech 900 series webcameras are that in your face and it matches my UW setup pretty well. Granted I didn't recently move over from apple fashion tech like you but I think it's about as in your face as an imac camera. I never notice it up there unless I need it and it works really well. Here is my setup on top of my u3415w with the flip cover installed, hopefully this helps.

PICS

If that didnt help maybe a round one will work? Or a square one? Or maybe just place it below your monitor? You could always just hide it behind the monitor when not in use.