EZ to install, EZ to use, EZ on the wallet
Written: Jun 27 '01 (Updated Jun 27 '01)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Simple to setup and install. Low price ($90 is inaccurate).
Cons: Low resolution, especially in video mode. Bundled with bad software.
The Bottom Line: Greeat for beginners or casual users, but professional or business users need something more powerful.
|
|
|
| B_Campbell's Full Review: Ezonics EZ-302 Web Cam |
These days it seems like everyone has a digital camera, a website, and dozens of personal photos flying around on their computer. Those of us who don't want to shell out $300-$400 on a decent camera feel sort of left out; after all, we're just as interesting as everyone else, right? Well, the solution is the Quickcam, sometimes called Webcam or PCcam. Many models retail under $100, and the Ezonics EZcam in particular goes for around $40, making it an affordable alternative.
Compared to other similar devices, the EZcam is near the bottom of the barrel. It boasts 640x480 maximum resolution for still images, and a frame rate of 30fps at 352x288. Slightly more expensive models, approaching $100, will capture video at 640x480. These are pretty average numbers, and give this device the ability to work well for the casual home user. If you just want to take some snapshots once in a while and send short video clips to friends, this is an excellent model for you. However, if you plan on using a Quickcam for business purposes, you might do well to purchase a slightly more powerful device, especially for videoconfrencing. The EZcam also has a manual focus control, which is a bit awkward on such a small device; it would be nice to have an auto-focus.
Installing the EZcam is a breeze, as long as you follow the instructions. I have heard many horror stories from people who think you need to connect a USB device with the system off, and then they can never get the device to work. However, simply pop the disk in your drive and follow the on-screen instructions, and it will walk you through the entire process. In 5 minutes or less you'll be ready to go, no problems whatsoever.
As with all imaging devices, the EZcam comes bundled with some software. One of the most interesting bits is the gamecam software, which lets you use the camera to put yourself inside some different video games. This looks likes a gimmick to me, so I declined installing it, but it might be something the kids would want to try once. The most important software to come with any imaging device is the image editing software, and the EZcam comes with Ulead Photoexpress SE, which has many, but not all, of the same features as the full retail version. While this is a well-known peice of software, it is somewhat weak, and the interface is clunky. The standard photo album layout is difficult to understand, and common tasks such as saving to disk are unintuitive, while things like emailing your pictures are made a priority but are extremely hard to use for novices. I much prefer to use other imaging software, but Photoexpress will work for you if you have nothing else.
Another complaint is that the device is extremely light. It feels like it's made entirely of plastic (which it basically is), and just doesn't feel substantial. I'm extremely afraid to drop it or let the cat near it, for fear that it will break upon contact with any other object! Luckily I haven't had any problems yet, but the short 3-month full warranty expires quickly, so if it breaks you're left with no options except one: toss the sucker.
Epinions lists this device at $90, which is far from the truth. It retails around $40, and I purchased with a $30 mail-in-rebate, so I'm very happy for $10. The EZcam fit perfectly into the niche I needed it for; occasional snapshots, nothing too important. For the casual or new computer user, this device is a great introduction to digital imaging, but power users may need something with a bit more oopmh.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
B_Campbell
|
 - Top 500 |
|
Member: Bennett Campbell
Location: In a Volkswagen somewhere in upstate NY
Reviews written: 204
Trusted by: 151 members
About Me:
Guantanamo Aloha
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.