Top Webcams by Consumer Reviewers

Logitech C910 HD Pro Webcam (USB, 1920x1080)

883 Reviews

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	Price: $98.00
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Pros: High definition webcam capable of 720p video calls, Integrates with Skype, Automatic image correction
Cons: Full HD only works with video recording, Effective range of around 4 feet from camera

Review: Video conferencing has taken the next step forward with the introduction of the Logitech C910. It offers high-definition recording of up to 1080p Full HD widescreen and Web streaming resolutions of up to 720p that can work with standard broadband connections and most major IM programs. In particular, this webcam works great in conjunction with Skype, which supports 720p video calling. A smooth autofocus system working in tandem with a 5-megapixel HD image sensor and a Carl Zeiss professional series lens keep images sharp while the built-in premium stereo microphones filter out ambient noise for clearer sound. It can also take still images up to high 10 megapixels. The RightLight 2 technology senses and automatically compensates for environmental lighting conditions. The Logitech C910 latches on to monitor tops using a sort of friction-style clip that can be removed easily if needed. A USB jack connects it to the computer and two blue lights around the lens switch on to indicate operation. The software bundled with this webcam is equally impressive, as it has Logitech Vid HD software for easy video calling and a 60-day trial version of Logitech's face-recognition software that allows for logging in without having to type in passwords. Although it will work with requirements as low as a 1GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM and 200MB of disk space as well as a basic Internet connection, using the HD features call for heavier hardware needs like a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, a 1Mbps upload speed or higher and 1280x720 screen resolution topping the list. Fortunately, most modern computers on either Windows or Mac operating systems are capable of handling the C910. It has a reasonable range limited to about four feet but anything beyond that is blurred. Also, the use of 1080p is restricted to video recording. This may handicap the webcam in terms of features, but then again, with the limited number of high-end HD webcams on the market, this one already gets top marks based on its features.

Microsoft LifeCam Cinema Webcam (USB)

665 Reviews

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	Price: $79.99
	Price: $73.99
	Price: $69.99
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Pros: Easy to set-up, Great picture quality, Clear audio
Cons: Lousy software

Review: With its 720p HD video, Auto Focus and high-quality lens, Microsoft's LifeCam Cinema Webcam makes a great option for video recording and video conference. It incorporates ClearFrame Technology which offers better low-light performance and TrueColor Technology which aims to deliver accurate colors and brighter video. It also has an integrated digital microphone that does a great job in eliminating background noise and providing clear sound quality. Using Windows Live Photo Gallery and Movie Maker, you can easily edit your photos and videos and upload them to your favorite sites like YouTube and Facebook. This Webcam is designed for use with traditional monitors, flat-screen displays and laptops. It works seamlessly with Windows Live Messenger, Skype, Yahoo Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger. Thanks to Windows Live Call Button, you can instantly call your family and friends with just one touch. In terms of construction, it is built with an aluminum body for increased durability and a flexible stand which allows easy adjustment and provides a stable platform for your webcam. The only drawback is its LifeCam software which enables you to add video effects and have fun but does not unleash your webcam's full potential. For the most part, the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema is a great webcam. It is easy to install and it comes with a reliable name you’ve come to trust.

Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro Webcam (USB)

454 Reviews

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	Price: $79.99
	Price: $79.99
	Price: $99.99
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Pros: Compact size, Great low light performance, Outstanding image quality, Easy installation
Cons: Short cord, Weak stand

Review: The Logitech QuickCam Pro is small in size but big in quality. It incorporates a 2-megapixel sensor and Carl Zeiss optics that produce detailed and crisp images and features Logitech Vid which allows you to call your friends, family and co-workers in an instant. With Logitech Video Effects, you can even add face accessories, video masks, avatars and other fun filters to your video. This compact webcam supports plug n' play for easy installation and works flawlessly with Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Skype and other applications. Its Premium autofocus and ability to record at 720p HD quality give your loved ones the opportunity to see you in clear, widescreen video while its RightLight technology promises better low-light performance. Although it is designed for laptops, you can also use it with your desktop computer. However, it would be better if its cord is made longer so you have enough room to move around and if they could make the stand sturdier and more stable. The Logitech QuickCam Pro comes with a convenient travel case and features a built-in mic with RightSound technology that offers great audio. Overall, its excellent image quality and incredible low-light capability make it a perfect accessory to your notebook.

Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000 Webcam (USB, 1280x720, 30 FPS)

327 Reviews

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	Price: $49.99
	Price: $46.99
	Price: $49.99
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Pros: High definition camera for video calls, 720p HD resolution, very good image quality
Cons: Autofocus issues, HD demands high system resources

Review: The LifeCam HD-5000, Microsoft's entry to the high-definition webcam market, has the ability to record up to 720p widescreen HD. Its lens captures images with superb color and clarity and shoots videos at 30 frames a second. With its excellent ability to handle white balance, light-colored elements contrast very well with dark ones without appearing to shine. Likewise, the camera can handle low-light conditions as well. Auto-Focus is a letdown though, so it is better to turn it off. Thankfully, deactivating it (it is turned on by default) is easy with the LifeCam settings software that installs on the system when you install the drivers. The camera body is quite small, measuring just about 1.61 inches wide and 4.25" long. It attaches to the frame of your monitor snugly so there's no danger of it falling off. The cable is long and also has a wire-tie attached to it to control the length if needed. Being an HD camera, it needs significant system resources. Minimum system requirements needed to run the camera at high definition are an Intel Dual-Core Processor at 1.6GHz and 1GB of RAM, while the recommended specs are pegged at a 3.0 Ghz processor and 2GB RAM. In addition, it needs 1.5GB of free hard disk space. A driver installer CD is included in the package but due to a recent firmware update from Microsoft, it is probably better to download the latest drivers from the product support page. Lastly, the LifeCam HD-5000 supports Windows 7, Vista and XP SP2 or higher. It even works with an Ubuntu-based desktop. Skype and other VoIP applications are supported as well.

Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF Webcam (USB)

314 Reviews

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	Price: $129.99
	Price: $129.99
	Price: $139.99
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Pros: Simple set-up, Excellent image quality, Advanced features
Cons: No clip, Expensive

Review: The Quickcam Orbit AF by Logitech offers a convenient way to stay in touch with your family and friends. Its Carl Zeiss optics together with its true 2-megapixel sensor delivers the best possible image quality while its RightLight 2 technology and advanced autofocus provide crystal clear precision even during close-ups and low-lit situations. No matter how far or close you are from your screen, its Motorized tracking technology ensures that you're always in the center of the picture. Plus, you can program it to record when movement is detected and you can choose whether you want to manually or automatically zoom and pan. This full-featured webcam is capable of capturing 16:9 widescreen video in 720p HD quality. It also has an onboard mic with RightSound technology that negates the need for buying an actual headset. Using the bundled software, you can enhance its image quality, take snapshots of up to 8 megapixels and call your loved ones easily. You can even be silly with your kids and add effects like fish-eye distortions and neon splashes to your videos. The Quickcam Orbit AF is compatible with most applications including Skype, Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger and Windows Live Messenger. It cannot be attached on top of your laptop or screen but it comes with a 9-inch stand that enables you to adjust its height to your preferred level. In general, it costs a little more than most webcams but its astounding image quality along with its advanced features makes it a smart buy.

Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000 Webcam - 300 Kilopixel (USB - 640 x 480 Video)

29 Reviews

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	Price: $29.99
	Price: $29.99
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Pros: Entry-level model, VGA video resolution with 1.3 MP inage capture, Mic with nosie cancellation, Auto Face tracking, Plug and Play
Cons: Loses detail in dark areas in normal mode and in highlighted areas in night mode

Review: A combination of quality, functionality and affordability makes the case for the Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000 Webcam. It offers about the same basic usability as similar models from other manufacturers, but does so at a competitive price point. Being a Redmond product, the LifeCam VX-2000 comes optimized for the latest versions of the Windows operating system. So if you are a user of either Windows Vista or 7 and use Windows Live as a communications tool, you can use this webcam to do video calls. Of course, it also works with other instant messaging applications like Yahoo Messenger or Skype. Although it is a basic webcam, the Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000 has a fair set of features that you can use. It makes up for the rather low broadband-standard 640 X 480 resolution at 30 FPS with an ability to capture still images at 1.3 Megapixels. Video capture on the VX-2000 is relatively smooth and responsive; it does drop off in terms of detail in dark areas in normal lighting and has a bit of overexposure with night mode selected, but overall, it is better than generic webcams in the market. This model has a full-fidelity microphone with acoustic noise cancellation, as well as an automatic face tracking feature. The stand, while smaller than those found in other LifeCam models, still holds firm on any surface. Plug and play is one of the strongest suits of the VX-2000, and the ease of use on this unit is evidence of that, working literally out of the box and can install almost unassisted. If you want to, you may also install the software on the CD bundled with the LifeCam VX-2000, and be able to use video effects and a few other enhancements. Recommended for average users who just want to talk with family and friends without spending too much, the Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000 Webcam forgoes the fancy technology found in other recent models like high-definition video capture or automatic focusing and sticks to being a quality product given a particular price range.