Webcam settings for a Hp Probook 4710s

I have a HP Probook 4710s with built in webcam "HP Webcam [2 MP Fixed]" i don't like the settings that it has i can't see myself especially i'm black. When i put it on 640x480 i don't see a thing but when it's on 1280x720 its way better! I click on apply to save the settings on 1280x720 but when i'm having a video chat on Skype, Facebook, Msn ect... it's set to 640x480(bad quality =/ ). I have a friend who has a HP Probook 4520s his webcam is so... perfect i just love it! I asked him for his settings he didn't know where to find, neither did i. So does anyone know some good settings for this webcam?

Unfortunately, a lot of online applications like Skype etc default to VGA even if you have set a higher resolution for your webcam and I am not sure whether they can be changed. The important thing to remember when using a webcam is to ensure you have plenty of background light as this can make a dramatic difference even if the webcam itself is not great. You should be able to find the webcam settings by typing "webcam" into the search box after clicking on start in W7 (if that is what you have) or searching through the control panel.

Hope this is of help.