Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 Webcam (USB, 1600x1200, 30 FPS)

2066 Reviews

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	Price: $62.99
	Price: $79.99
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Pros: Superb image quality, Advanced features
Cons: Pricey, Flimsy stand

A 2-megapixel sensor, Carl Zeiss optics and RightLight 2 technology that delivers crystal clear precision and superb image quality even in low-lit conditions defines the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000. It allows you to shoot videos in HD quality and capture images up to 8-megapixels. You can also experiment and be creative with Logitech's Video Effects which consist of fish-eye distortions, neon splashes and a lot more. With regards to installation, it is painless. Just install the software and plug it in. The only criticism is its stand which feels flimsy and unstable. This feature-packed webcam is compatible with most operating systems and applications like Skype, Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger. It is armed with a built-in microphone with RightSound technology, a premium autofocus that keeps your images sharp, Intelligent Face tracking which gives you the freedom to move and a universal clip that enables you to easily attach it to your netbook, laptop or desktop. With Logitech Vid, you can also add friends and call them instantly. For a webcam, the price of the QuickCam Pro 9000 is a bit steep but its quality and wide compatibility make it a great choice for face-to-face conversations with your family, friends and colleagues.

Logitech C910 HD Pro Webcam (USB, 1920x1080)

794 Reviews

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	Price: $65.56
	Price: $89.00
	Price: $79.99
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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

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

314 Reviews

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	Price: $49.99
	Price: $25.26
	Price: $47.99
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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

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)

312 Reviews

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	Price: $129.99
	Price: $105.99
	Price: $114.99
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Pros: Simple set-up, Excellent image quality, Advanced features
Cons: No clip, Expensive

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: $19.98
	Price: $29.95
Microsoft Store	Price: $29.95
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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

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.