Add Life To Instant Messaging
Written: Jan 25 '05 (Updated Jan 25 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Mac and PC-Compatible. Excellent picture quality
Cons: Face-tracking doesn't work well; flimsy base.
The Bottom Line: This cam works well for Macs and PCs. However, if you are just using a PC, the lesser model would work as well as this one.
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| sparsonsusa's Full Review: Logitech QuickCam Zoom Webcam |
I've been using a Webcam for many years and recently was forced to buy a new one because the old one stopped working after I upgraded my Mac to OSX. I shopped tirelessly and compared available products. But, this Logitech QuickCam ZOOM met my needs best.
Why Logitech?
My original Webcam was a Kensington, but they nearly abandoned the Mac market. Poo on them! Having been familiar with Logitech, I found it good that they were still around and making inexpensive Webcams for the Mac and Windows computers. This particular model works on both, and I do use it both computers successfully (not at the same time, mind you).
Resolution
Don't waste your money on anything less than 640x480 resolution. Otherwise, it'd be too small. 680x480, like this camera, is pretty much the standard. Cheaper Webcams are usually 320x240, which is really small. Anything larger than 640x480 and I'd feel compelled to comb my hair before turning the Webcam on.
Where to use it
My goal in buying a Web cam was that people from across the globe could see me when instant messaging. Especially my new niece 5000 miles away. I currently use MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and AIM. All three support Webcams and worked great with this cam.
Specs
The Logitech QuickCam ZOOM comes with:
* A high-quality VGA CMOS sensor
* Manual focus
* USB 2.0 and 1.1 compliant
* 7' USB cable
* 2-year limited hardware warranty
* Video capture at 640x480 pixels
* Still capture at 640x480 pixels
* Frame rate at 30 frames per second (fps)
Included Software
Logitech packages more software for the Windows-based computers than the Mac (no surprise). So, I just installed the drivers on each computer and plugged the camera's USB connection to the back of my computer. Both the Mac and PC were able to start using the camera right away. I had no problems. I didn't load any of the "free" software because I already use other applications to create photos. I don't plan to make movies are anything more complicated than instant messaging.
The drivers include automatic face-tracking to zoom in and follow your movement. The pictures on the packaging show this woman and she appears to get more beautiful with each zoom. I set the expectation before purchasing that I would disable that feature.
The Good
The quality of the picture is excellent. With 30 fps, you avoid jerky movements, which tend to make watching Webcams annoying. However, most everyone has told me the picture comes through clear.
The Webcam includes a built-in microphone, which makes using Comcast's Webmail a breeze.
The two-year warranty is outstanding. Most offer only 1 year.
Easy to use with most instant messaging products. Very little setup needed.
Works on both Mac and PC computers.
The Bad
I didn't notice the base was designed for a flat panel monitor. The angle I have my laptop screen means the Webcam points to the moon. They say I can also adjust it to sit on any flat surface. I have not found that to be possible.
There is a flimsy screw that holds the ball camera to the base. I made a mental note to save the receipt and I'll give it a few months before it breaks. Right now, it causes the camera to sit at a small angle. Not really noticeable and if it bothers me more, I'll just glue it.
The face tracking technology doesn't work well at all. It tends to lock in to my eye or a pimple or something else and then zooms in like a Fellini film. I disabled that feature right away.
Logitech also supplies you with the plastic lens cover do-hickey and it's utterly useless. I'm constantly picking it up because it falls off. The piece will probably be trashed unless I figure out how it helps the camera stay clean.
The Bottom Line
I could have purchased the lesser model, which includes most of the features I have now. However, I need the Webcam to work on both a Mac and PC. This model works well for me because it does actually work on both! However, if you don't have that need, go for the lesser-priced model.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sparsonsusa
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Member: Scott
Location: Castro Valley, CA
Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 0 members
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