Webcams have become an essential product for many as it permits face-to-face conversations with your friends or loved ones abroad. For laptop owners, they provide better image quality than their integrated cameras. These days, USB webcams come in many sizes, shapes and different features that you may or may not need. Several models even have built-in effects if you want to add spice to your usual, boring conversations. At IntelliReview, we make buying the best webcam easier. Our unique ranking algorithm picks the most popular webcams on the market using numerous reviews from many different websites. The number of positive and negative reviews then determines the ranking of each product. Using this power of the social web, we offer a refreshing and valuable look at how to spend your money wisely when purchasing a webcam online. While other websites give listings of all their products sorted by price or a raw number of reviews or ratings, IntelliReview goes beyond that to "cherry pick" the leading models available. Start shopping below, knowing you are only dealing with quality products which provide excellent value.
Pros: Superb image quality, Advanced features
Cons: Pricey, Flimsy stand
Review: 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.
Pros: Clear picture. High sound quality. Strong adaptable arm.
Cons: Bulky design. Some experienced short term lifespan, 2-3 mos.
Review: This webcam offers great light and picture quality while still providing an excellent microphone sound. Though this product has a high audio quality, it is still capable of being adjusted to work from a separate microphone, if prefered. The software is easy to install, intuitive and compatible with a variety of systems including, Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X Snow Leopard, Linux or just about any other operating system that is UVC (Universal Video Class) compatible. The Logitech C310 HD Webcam is also compatible with varying programs, both PC and Mac, including, Logitech Vid HD, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Photobooth, Quicktime, iChat, Facetime and Google video chat. Panning is only capable through up and down motions, not left or right motions. Another disadvantage to the Logitech C310 HD Webcam is its bulky design, which isnt the most aesthetically pleasing. Other users found the webcams USB cord was too short to reach their USB outlets, for a laptop user, this shouldnt be an issue. Video and still frame pictures are easily uploaded to share through email, Facebook, Twitter Youtube or other similar sharing sites. This webcam also offers basic image enhancing features such as color manipulation, fisheye lens and other playful settings. The autofocus and autoexposure work very well in delivering a crystal clear picture for the viewer and the video receiver, even in complete darkness. However, there are no manual focus or exposure capabilities to further adjust the resolution. The adjustable stand and attachment arm have proven versatile and sturdy, though some laptop users have struggled with it attaching to the top of their screens due to the thin width. Though the majority of others disagree, stating the attachment arm will fit most any monitor, notebook or LCD screen. The Logitech C310 HD Webcam has mostly extremely positive consumer reports and an affordable price; most call it a bargain experiencing a higher quality product than expected.
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 youve come to trust.