So, I’m in the market for a webcam. Let me say first that my main use for the cam will be Video Conferencing. I’ve done a little research and have turned up four possible web-cams that I like.
Of course, the obvious Creative Labs Video Blaster. A pretty safe bet with any Creative product, however, I’m worried about the frame rate, and the superfluous Creative software that comes with every one of their products.
Then I’m looking at the Kensington VideoCam VGA. Looks like a good product, but again, says nothing of the frame rate.
Logitech is always another safe bet, and the Quickcam Express doesn’t look bad. This is definitely the most affordable route, and that’s something I have to be concerned of.
The Avermedia Intercam-Elite looks pretty good, but I can’t find one in stock anywhere.
And finally, there’s the Intel PC Camera Deluxe. This is just about as middle of the road as you can go.
My question is: Does anyone have any advice, favorites, products they like, or experience with any of these that you can tell me about? Any and all help is greatly appreciated. And who knows, if/when I get a webcam, if Jessica will let me, I might dance for you all.
I am shocked, shocked, I say, to see that you aren’t even considering getting an x10 or an Orbitz, in spite of the great many popup ads extolling their virtues! They must be good! They’re advertised everywhere in the most irritating way possible!
I have a QuickCam - over 2 years old - and I like it a lot. I’ve used it with NetMeeting and ICUII to chat with friends, plus I’ve taken pics of people and things within computer reach - it’s a nice little cam. Wish I could offer something more insightful, but I’m a pretty low-level user…
I have this one and am very happy with the quality for the price I paid. Granted mine’s not for business purposes or anything so I’m a lot easier to please.
I’ve got the kensington at home.
I’ll find out what I can when I see it.
It works fine for what I need it to do. Tatertot thought the movies I made with it were just fantastic but that may have been for very different reasons than frame rate.
Nothing can compare to a camcorder connected to a computer, it gives tv quality. I have three webcams & they all are kind of grainy but my camcorder gives the best quality.
Also try truetech.com its a free website for webcams & its just awesome.
I have both the Quickcam Express and the PC Camera Deluxe.
For me, there is no comparison - the Intel camera gives a much better picture. I got mine at Best Buy for $69 - you can probably find it cheaper elsewhere.
Thanks everyone for the input. I appreciate it. After talking with my colleagues, reading a few reviews, and hearing what you have to say, I’m starting to lean toward the Intel model. It’s a good value, and looks like a solid camera.
Does anyone that uses it know if it came with any software ((other than drivers)) or do you just use NetMeeting or something?
Thanks again for the input. Anything more that anyone has to add would be nice. Oh… and Ethrilist, I think both of those cams suck.
Most cameras will come with software for use with the camera, and sometimes a free trial of something similar but easier to use than netmeeting.
For online webcam/video chatting I like eyeball chat, or ThruCam for video confrencing. These are free, easy to use and don’t take long to install and get working. The other party must have the same software as well though to use it.
I use my Sony DSC P-1 as a webcam just because the res is much higher and you can get smoother frame rate going with it. Used to use the Kensington SuperVGA cam, and had no problems with it, and one of my friends uses the Intel model and loves it just fine.
Simetra… I can tell you pretty much anything you want to know about any of the logitech models… about logitech anything really. The Express is the lowest model available but it works nice… It uses a CMOS image sensor though and image quality is not as good as a camera that uses a CCD image sensor.
