Product Face-Offs
Webcams
Pierre-Jean Alzieu
Test date: November 11, 2008
Test date: November 11, 2008
Today, webcams are more popular than ever before, and the number of people using instant messaging software just keeps on growing.
Every day, millions of people enjoy video conversations across the globe that just wouldn't been possible even a few years ago.
At the same time, competition between webcam manufacturers has never been more fierce, with all but the cheapest of laptops now including a built-in camera as standard. Even regular desktop monitors are starting to sport mini webcams.
To face up to this threat, conventional webcams have had to diversify, adding exciting new features. The very best manage to successfully combine a low price with a better quality picture than on built-in webcams, and without the need for extra software.
More expensive models tend to include autofocus, a lens with a wider angle that can make video chats with a group of people in one location work better and an improved microphone.
Here are our recommendations:
> Product Survey: Webcams
Every day, millions of people enjoy video conversations across the globe that just wouldn't been possible even a few years ago.
At the same time, competition between webcam manufacturers has never been more fierce, with all but the cheapest of laptops now including a built-in camera as standard. Even regular desktop monitors are starting to sport mini webcams.
To face up to this threat, conventional webcams have had to diversify, adding exciting new features. The very best manage to successfully combine a low price with a better quality picture than on built-in webcams, and without the need for extra software.
More expensive models tend to include autofocus, a lens with a wider angle that can make video chats with a group of people in one location work better and an improved microphone.
Here are our recommendations:
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Budget Buyer: Hercules Dualpix Exchange For less this price, it doesn’t seem possible to find a more precise, responsive and practical webcam. Its biggest downside is the absence of autofocus, meaning you'll need to focus manually using the dial.
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Simplicity First: Hercules Dualpix Exchange As well as being a great performer for its price bracket, this webcam gets a second mention for working straight out of the box without installing any drivers or other software.
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Demanding User: Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 A wide-angle Carl-Zeiss lens, autofocus, face-recognition technology, a quality microphone ... this is a webcam that has it all ...
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On The Go: Microsoft VX-5500 The VX-5500 is an excellent little webcam--available in a series of colors--which produces almost perfect audio and video steams. Our only caveat would be that an extra light source might be needed in a dark room.
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Expert: Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 The Pro 9000 really is a great webcam. It's a pity it's so expensive, but it really delivers the results ...
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> Product Survey: Webcams
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