# Please direct me to an inexpensive but good webcam **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 12, 2011, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-direct-me-to-an-inexpensive-but-good-webcam/567293 "2011-01-12T02:01:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-direct-me-to-an-inexpensive-but-good-webcam/567293/1 "2011-01-12T02:01:36Z")
By inexpensive, I mean less than $100 if possible. This is for an online Speech class. The syllabus says webcam and microphone, headset recommended. My main concern is clarity of picture and sound. It has to be reliable. I have a brand new computer and high speed internet which is (nearly always) reliable. If the webcam or headset cuts out or goes crappy while I’m trying to give a speech, I will not be allowed a do-over and my grade will be reduced depending on how much of my speech doesn’t come through. I don’t know the first thing about webcams and my experience with headsets is limited to the cheap one I bought for teamspeak eons ago. I’ve read product info for many webcams but I can’t decipher what any of it means. Please someone, point me in the right direction. Why the hell can’t I test out of this class? I was on the debate team in high school dammit! ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-direct-me-to-an-inexpensive-but-good-webcam/567293/2 "2011-01-12T02:35:17Z")
I just got this one from Newegg, by [Logitech](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104368). It had lots of good reviews, and it hasn’t disappointed. I’m very happy with it. I also bought a new wireless keyboard and wireless trackball mouse. Couldn’t be happier. Logitech seems to make nice stuff, with thoughtful touches that make me think they actually use test groups and take people’s suggestions into their designs. If you really wanted to go more expensive than $50, you could get something really nifty. From Newegg, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-direct-me-to-an-inexpensive-but-good-webcam/567293/3 "2011-01-12T02:42:16Z")
One-up **SDT** ’s model and get the [Quick Cam Pro](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104074). The Carl Zeiss lens will give you a very sharp picture. I have one of these and it’s great. My friends get together at my house and we all video Skype with our friends in CA with no problems. ---
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-direct-me-to-an-inexpensive-but-good-webcam/567293/4 "2011-01-12T02:50:50Z")
Ok, I’m liking that you both recommended Logitech. I love Logitech. I’m even happier because it got me browsing their website and it seems they finally have a wireless trackball (the thumb one). I’ve been trying to find one for ages with no luck. One problem I forgot to mention - my professor said very specifically that just because a camera works on Skype doesn’t mean it will work with the video conferencing program we’re going to be using. She didn’t say which one we’ll be using though and I don’t have access to the course until next Tuesday. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-direct-me-to-an-inexpensive-but-good-webcam/567293/5 "2011-01-12T02:58:38Z")
That’s the trackball I got! It was $60 at Newegg. I LOVE IT ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-direct-me-to-an-inexpensive-but-good-webcam/567293/6 "2011-01-12T13:25:13Z")
Moved Cafe Society --\> IMHO.