Typing a pain? Send video instead!
Written: Nov 19 '00 (Updated Nov 26 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: cost effective, Great software included, Copes well with artificial light
Cons: Inability to handle live website imaging, lightweight microphone, difficult installation for novice
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| bestpay's Full Review: Philips PC Camera |
If you are fed up of typing why not send video images instead?
If you are getting typists cramp! From all these epinions you are writing and video images will do, you could do a lot worse than investing in a Philips Pro PC Video Camera.
What do I get for my money?
Within the box you will get: -
Video camera with USB Cable;
Tripod;
Feet;
Software Drivers;
CD containing SmithMicro VideoLink and VideoLink Mail, Ulead PhotoExpress2 SE and Media Studio Pro. (These software applications are suitable for PC environments only).
Appearance.
First appearances are very positive. The Camera is kind of an egg shape and looks very cute sitting on its maroon feet. The camera almost seems intelligent looking back at you with its single maroon eye.
Minimum System Requirements.
These are the minimum requirements recommended and I would suggest a much higher specification PC is used if at all possible.
For PC’s - Pentium P166, 16MB Ram, 10MB Free Hard Disk Space, 16 Bit Display, Spare USB Port and Minimum Windows 98
For Mac’s – Mac 233, 16MB Ram, 10MB Free Hard Disk Space, 16 Bit Display, Spare USB Port and MacOS 8.6 or above.
Components.
Microphone
This enables the user to use the camera for videoconferencing or for the recording of sound and motion videomail messages.
Power Light
This glows when the USB light is activated and the camera is ready for use.
Video Button
Press this button to take either an 800x600 or 640X480 pixel still image. This works in conjunction with either a Desk Top Publishing package or twain compatible image editor.
Feet
These feet are cute but not all that effective at keeping the camera steady!
Lens
The lens directs light onto the 640x480 pixel screen inside the camera. You can refocus the picture by turning the red ring attached to the lens.
Tripod
You can use the tripod instead of the feet if you like, the camera is definitely a lot more sturdy and secure, but the feet are more cute!
Uses of Camera.
Stills
The Camera admirably copes with the capturing of still images and for this purpose I would unhesitatingly recommend it. I recommend that you record stills at a 640x480 pixel resolution.
Video Sequences
The Manufacturer claims that you should be able to record up to 30 frames per second of video at 640x480 pixels resolution. I would suggest that 20 frames can reliably be achieved but you will need a higher specification PC than the minimum to achieve even this. If you generate smaller frame sizes this will also improve speed and picture sharpness.
Pros of the Camera.
Cost Effective
The Camera is very cost effective and represents good value for money.
Software
Philips include some great software. VideoMail enables you to record, compress and engineer short video clips. Software is also included to capture and edit stills/videos.
Artificial Light
I have found the camera to work well in poor/artificial light conditions, this can often be more important than you would think.
Cons of the Camera.
Live Website Images
The camera does not come ready for live online transmission of website images.
Microphone
The Microphone is a little lightweight, you have to speak loudly sometimes to make yourself heard. Installation of the Microphone can also be problematic, this has to be done through Control Panel.
Installation
As a veteran of many computerized installation routines I found this product difficult to install. For the novice I think they would need a knowledgable computer friend to assist!
Conclusion
The Philips Vesta pro Video Camera, probably not the best Video Camera on the market but at a price $79 or less represents excellent value for money. Make sure that you’ve got a higher specification PC than the minimum and it should not disappoint. This isn’t a state of the art Video Camera it’s just one that gets the job done with the minimum of fuss.
For further details, the manufacturers product page is located at :-
http:///www.pcstuff.philips.com/cameras/
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bestpay
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Member: Alan Horton
Location: Bradford, United Kingdom
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 17 members
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Website and marketing specialist, please visit http://www.flagsinformation.com/a-z.html
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