Logitech QuickCam Express -- Cheap and easy fun
Written: Jul 18 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cheap, easy to install and use -- *much* better quality than I expected for a $50 camera!
Cons: Cord is too short, pictures are grainy (without *enough light!*)
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| oneaprac424's Full Review: Logitech Camera Family |
As I read through the comments on the Logitech family of webcams, I can't believe the amount of people who've totally put down these products! OF COURSE you're not going to get picture-perfect quality out of a product you've paid $50-100 for! If you want that, save up your cash for a bonafide digital camera. If, however, you want a camera that's affordable, quick to install, and easy and fun to use, consider a Logitech QuickCam.
I own a Hewlett-Packard PhotoSmart C200 digital camera that cost 300 dollars, so I know the quality one would get out of a $50 perch-on-your-monitor type camera would be significantly less. And yes, quality might disappoint one who is accustomed to non-grainy, well-lighted pictures from a high-quality digital camera. But I decided to try one out anyway, and though I was disappointed at first, there ARE ways of improving the quality of pictures one takes.
While installing my QuickCam Express, the first message I got was a driver problem (to me, that usually means my computer has committed suicide). However, the problem was swiftly taken care of by inserting my Windows 98 CD and letting it fix the problem. Besides that, I had no problem with the software. I plugged in the camera shortly afterwards (and man, is the cord ever short, only 6 feet) and perched it atop my monitor. The install software helped me configure my picture.
The first thing I noticed about the picture was that, yes, it was very grainy and ugly. Part of that had to do with the fact that I'm pretty sure my videocard is old, but I'm sure the camera wasn't helping either. But, I did remember that it was a cheap camera, so it would be silly of me to expect something my HP camera turns out on a regular basis.
After installation was over, I played with the camera and its features. It allows you to go in and change the contrast, saturation, and brightness, as well as light boost and anti-flicker. The picture can turn from bright and colorful to tones of black and white (I've noticed that b&w pictures look better than colored ones I've taken). You can take pictures in two sizes, 160x120 and 320x240, which I've found the smaller picture has better quality. You can also put pictures in an upside-down mode or mirror mode. There is a delayed time feature where you can easily get ready or pose for your picture after a certain number of seconds you set. QuickCam Express also allows you to take small videos, with or without voice, which aren't of terrible quality but can be very jerky at times. There is also a feature to mail your pictures and videos through your default mail program.
One thing I would suggest to the user is to light your computer room well! QuickCam Express apparently hates dark settings, but works at its best when there are several lights around. When my room is fully lit, I can even see very well the posters on my wall behind me (and this is at least 8 feet behind me)! If you want an example of a nice quality pic from the QuickCam Express, look at the one on my profile (it was doctored with my imaging program afterwards to add color).
So, before deciding that the grain is awful and you should have spent your cash on something else, play around with it. Set the settings to your desired effect and try to have fun with QuickCam Express. It's not such a bad camera, and it was much better than I thought I would get for 50 bucks at our local Office Max. Definitely worth a try for people who want to send simple photos of themselves to loved ones and friends.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
oneaprac424
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Location: Newton Centre, Massachusetts
Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 4 members
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