When 640x480 doesn't mean 640x480
Written: May 20 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Works ok
Cons: Doesn't do what the box says it can do
The Bottom Line: Only does 320x240 resolution at a few frames per second, not 640x480 at 30 fps like the box says. 1/4 the resolution of it's competitors, but nice cable length.
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| skintigh's Full Review: IBM PC Camera Webcam |
The side of the box leads one to expect that this camera can do 640x480 video at up to 30 fps, but don't be tricked. A closer look (which you'll do after taking it home and being VERY disapointed) shows that the exact wording is:
"VGA(640 x 480) CMOS Imaging sensor"
Note, it does not specifically say the camera MAKES USE of all that resolution, but it's there. Taking up space, I suppose.
The highest resolution the camera is capable of in video mode is 320x240, and my 1400MHz computer must not be powerful enough as I'm lucky if I get 3 fps at that resolution, nevermind 30.
Other $50 cameras are capable of 4 times that resolution.
It does take snapshots at VGA resolution, but it takes over 5 seconds to do that (0.2 fps?)
I attempted to contact IBM about this little scam but after a while of trying to navigate their spagetti-like site I gave up.
The only saving grace of this camera is a 10 foot (3m) cord. Most cameras have 3 or 6 foot cables, 10 feet is enough to put the camera in the hallway and watch my cats fight. And that, after all, is probably the most important use this camera with ever have.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
skintigh
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Member: Seth Kintigh
Reviews written: 33
Trusted by: 6 members
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