WebcamMax is a program that works with your webcam to add new effects and features whenever you video chat or record videos. Although the sound quality could use some work, we liked this flexible little program.

WebcamMax's colorful interface is a bit busy but it's well-organized and easy to use with just a little practice. In fact, a lot of the work is done during installation, when you can choose which programs you want it to be the default Webcam source for. It supports Yahoo! Messenger, Skype, ICQ and other numerous other programs. There are so many special effects on offer that you might not have time to try them all, but they are fun to play around with and it won't take you long to find some favorites. While you video chat, you can add accessories, draw on the screen, and add animation and special frames, just to name a few. We did find that it was easy to get carried away with the special effects, but that just added to the fun. You can also alter the visual appearance of the images picked up from your webcam and add frames, or use your previously recorded videos and images and dress them up as you please. Our microphone volume seemed to be very low in every recording we made, even when it was right next to us, but we'll admit we don't have the highest quality mic.

If you're looking for a tool to jazz up your videos or images, WebcamMax is a feature-rich option that's easy enough for anyone to use.