Webcam maker Logitech and Lens maker Carl Zeiss has announced a collaboration to improve webcam image quality.

According to the two company's Carl Zeiss’s exclusive relationship with Logitech marks a significant step in the development of webcam optics.

The first webcams designed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss – the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 and the Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks are expected to be available in the US and Europe in July for a suggested retail price of $99.99 and £60.

Not surprisingly Dr. Scherle, general manager of the Carl Zeiss Camera Lens division said on the back of the announcement: "Image quality is only as good as the lens that captures the image".

Logitech cite the move to improve its webcams because of greater demand for higher quality images on faster broadband connections.