Best WebCam Out There
Written: Mar 25 '00 (Updated Dec 06 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: ease of use, software, picture quality, reliability
Cons: high price for web camera
The Bottom Line: A reliable web cam that has stood the test of time (and abuse) and yet easy enough for anyone to use it.
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| zelo's Full Review: Logitech Camera Family |
There are many different web cameras out there from many different manufacturers. When a manager at Best Buy I got to try a multitude of these and for my own personal use I chose the Logitech.
-- What It Is: --
A web camera is a small camera that hooks into the computer. Most all cameras install into your USB port so it is important to know that first of all your computer has USB and secondly that you have one available. If you don't have a USB port available you can buy a USB hub; but that is beyond the scope of this review.
-- What It Does: --
Web cameras have many different uses including, but not limited to, video conferencing (chat with voice and video!), video e-mail, still pictures, games, and more. Picture quality is not great but is suitable. Video can be smooth to choppy depending on internet connection, size of the video being sent, compression, and many other factors. Still-frame pictures at 640X480 with the CORRECT LIGHTING look beautiful. They will not rival pictures taken from a digital camera but will work fine if you are looking to photograph items for ebay or your personal web site.
-- Features: --
PC & Mac compatible (again if you have USB)
640X480 Resolution (this is the highest resolution of any web camera out today. for still pictures this works GREAT. When videoconferencing, I would recommend sending pictures in 320X200 mode as the picture will be less-choppy (but half the size).
360° Range unlike most webcams this camera can be swiveled 360°.
Built In Clamp one of the reasons I bought this camera. The base opens to 1" wide. I have clamped the camera to doors, tables, shelves, and more with little trouble.
Security There is a feature on the camera that allows you to set a sensitivity to the camera for motion capture. When someone walks by the camera, it automatically starts recording. So it was your room-mate stealing your socks . . . and you thought it was the sock monster.
Headset when video-conferencing I HIGHLY recommend using a headset (as opposed to speakers and mic) and my Quikcam Pro came with one, albeit a cheap one, free.
Reliability God only knows how many times I have dropped this camera. I also keep it in my laptop case so that I can create short movies when I am on the road. I keep the lens protected and that is about all and have never had a problem with breakage.
30 FPS Capture I have captured movies with this camera that are absolutely stunning. FPS (frames per second).
-- Software --
Video e-mail software
Web page builder software
Web cam software
Digital Radar video surveillance software
MGI PhotoSuite II Image Editing software (fully functional version)
MGI VideoWave II Video Editing software (fully functional version)
Microsoft NetMeeting video calling software
Microsoft Internet Explorer software
Reality Fusion video games and screen saver software
CrestaCards Video Greetings software (subscription fee may apply)
-- Compatibility --
Again this camera is PC and MAC compatible with USB.
I did have trouble with my scanner and my camera not liking each other and I am sure it had something to do with the TWAIN drivers (novices don't worry about this). I uninstalled both and reinstalled them again and found that took care of the problem (this is with ALL web cameras not just the Logitech).
Works great with NetMeeting, CU-See-Me, and other video-conferencing programs. No problems with using video e-mail with Outlook.
Windows
Windows 95/98 (no information on NT or 2000)
Pentium 200 or equiv.
50 MB free space
CD-ROM drive
16 bit display
sound card (highly recommend full-duplex)
speakers (again use the headset instead)
microphone (use the headset instead)
Mac
Mac needs to have USB in order to work
-- Price: --
The list price on this camera is $149.95
Here are some places where I found it for less.
OnSale.com -- $114.99
Buy.com -- $112.99
ComputersForSure.com -- $117.99
NetDirect.com -- $120.99
HD4Less.com -- $139.99
-- Comparable Products --
Intel Pro Pack Camera -- $129.99
-- Summary --
While the QuikCam Pro is a relatively expensive camera, the software, hardware, compatibility, and overall ease of use make it a bargain. The PhotoSuite software that comes with the camera almost pays for the whole package. For the easiest, most versitile camera to use, choose the QuikCam Pro from Logitech.
UPDATE:
After 5½ years I am still using this camera and stand by every word of the review I wrote so long ago. It is THAT reliable.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
zelo
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Member: C. Thomas Wright III
Location: Mount Plymouth, FL
Reviews written: 51
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
Married. Work as web designer.
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