Excellent Webcam, OK software
Pros:
Good Picture Quality, Video Effects, Excellent Sound Quality,
Cons:
Software has quirks, Gaps in Logitech support
The Bottom Line:
I have a very good webcam with excellent audio capability for a reasonable price. With Video Effects, I can send humorous video files to family and friends.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Why did I buy this product?
This webcam has a high resolution and numerous features that other cameras in its class do not. It's price is often lower than its competition.
Features
Picture Quality 4/5
Resolution is offered in Email Size (320x240), VGA (640x480), HD (960x720), and 1.3 megapixels. It also offers 2, 3, and 4 megapixel modes which are software enhanced. The 1.3 megapixels and above are only available for still photos. The lens is wide angle which allows the camera to give the image a more natural feel.
The Rightlight 2 Technology did an excellent job of changing the lighting so that the picture from my dimly lit room, looked like a mid-day transmission, by illuminating my face and the surroundings without washing the image out.
Camera records at 30 frames per second which is the fastest most webcams will record. It does have anti-flicker software at 60 frames per second, so that when it is displayed, it does not have a flicker effect on your computer screen.
Sound Quality 5/5
With RightSound Technologies including background noise suppression and Smart Audio Echo Cancellation, the microphone is excellent. I used it for a desktop microphone replacement. The AEC helps alleviate the issue when your speakers are in the vicinity of the microphone and you get echo. This is the best sound quality I can expect out of a webcam.
Tracking 4/5
This camera does have the ability to do face tracking which is very convenient. The camera itself does not move so you do not have a large space you can move within, but it is available. Pan, tilt, and zoom (performed digitally) are also available if face tracking is disabled.
Video Effects 5/5
These avatars and face accessories worked well and are a lot of fun. More can be downloaded from the Logitech website, but I still wish there were more. Great feature that many cameras do not have!
Software 4/5
All the configuration wizards are easy to follow and get you set up well. The software is built into a narrow vertical bar that leaves a small footprint on your screen real estate which is perfect for changes during video conversations.
It took me a while, but I eventually learned that the Privacy Shade and Video Effects required the Windows Terminal Services service to be on. If this service is disabled, you will be unable to use these features. Many people disable this service because of it can be a security risk.
Installation can sometimes go awry also, so make sure you fully uninstall it before trying to reinstall.
Communication Program Integration
Not investigated.
Support 3/5
Logitech does have a very good support website, but the problems I experienced were not acknowledged on their support page.
Would I buy this product again?
Yes. It has met my needs nicely. I have a very good webcam with excellent audio capability for a reasonable price. With Video Effects, I can send humorous video files to family and friends.
