seems like they are just putting a Microsoft LifeCam on a cheap aluminum (likely hollow) stand.. that stand looks like it will be an everyday hassle to deal with, looks flimsy. Should not be worth $299.
![](http://i.imgur.com/BxQTjIH.jpg)
Notice in the OP's picture on the upside down U-channel, there is a reflection of a blue LED from the top of the LifeCam.
They also state in chinglish "The Lens is fixed with glue on the PCB. It is not interchangeable. Don't try to turning it out and it will broken the PCB immediately" So they have glued a lens onto the front of the LifeCam.
Oh.. just saw this too "reset the device by select Device > Lifecam Studio" so it is in fact a LifeCam Studio with a different lens glued to the front.
the glue is used to avoid loose of screw thread, The Lens is fixed with precision fixture and screw directly on the PCB.
it's natural and normal all camera has reflection problem if the lens and light source is point directly at the same right angle to the object surface
the easier way is point it at little angle, use polarization filter, use light source from different angle etc.
yes, it's microsoft 1080p lifecam studio! the sensor quality is guarantee
after trying many sub100 vga(fake megapixel) microsope, I decided use sensor from famous brand
microsoft 1080p lifecam studio =$99.95MSRP (~60 market)
Stand = ~60+30(added parts)
megapixel lens + precision fixture=90
Cree LED lighting =30
plus testing and assembly
if there are enough person have interest, and just order the parts for diyer to modification, the cost can be down at less 70%(not including lifecam studio).
but be careful when modding, I permanently damaged 3 lifecam studio during modification before perfect mod every later one.