3Com USB Camera is Well Done
Written: May 03 '00 (Updated Jul 13 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Quality,features,support,portability
Cons: price
The Bottom Line: Good camera, but vendor no longer manufactures it.
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| owenml's Full Review: 3Com HomeConnect PC Digital Camera |
Before continuing be advised that 3Com has dropped all Web Cameras from it's product line since this review was originally written.
I must agree that this USB camera has much to offer. I'm a long-time user of the original USR/3Com BigPicture Camera, attached to my Winnov PCI AV card. I purchased the USB device to install at my in-laws house, so that my wife could VC with her mother. The most obvious advantage that you will realize in purchasing this USB camera over the many cheaper models is the excellent picture quality in extremely low-light conditions, and the cameras ability to adjust rapidly to changes in ambient lighting conditions. This is the first, and only, camera that I've used that could take a usable picture in a dark room with only the light of the computer monitor to feed it. Admittedly that's an extreme case, but try it with any other product and you will probably get a nice black square. The downside to low-light conditions id that the frame rate slows somewhat, so that rapid motion is somewhat blurred. The snapshot button on the camera comes in handy for those who don't have nine-foot arms.
The software suite is well designed, and intuitive. Installation went without a hitch on several different machines, including a laptop with USB support. If you carry the CD with you, you can install this camera on any Win PC with USB support. Drivers for MAC, but not a software bundle, are available for download. Integration with NetMeeting(PC) and CUSeeMe(PC/MAC) is seamless.
If you buy this camera, be sure to check the 3Com web site for rebates and software driver update information. 3Com offers good support, and 3Com cameras come with a five year, no questions asked, repair/replacement policy to "Registered" owners smart enough to keep receipts. Don't, however, expect anything but sympathy if you do something like back over your camera with a car. No, I didn't.
This camera is more expensive than many of the less capable USB devices, but you can easily shop around for the best price, and download the rebate coupon from 3Com Web site.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
owenml
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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