Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks

Manufacturer: Logitech Inc. Part number: 960-000045

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CNET Editor rating:
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Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 5 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: The Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks provides unmatched image quality, but its design could be improved. While the clear, bright video output will amaze, the constant readjusting of the camera atop your laptop will annoy.

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CNET editors' review

Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks

price range: $74.99 - $106.99

Reviewed by: Matthew Elliott
Reviewed on: 10/18/2007
Released on: 06/28/2007

The good: Superior image quality, especially in low light; 2.0-megapixel sensor provides higher resolution than your typical Webcam; included QuickCam software is polished and easy to use.

The bad: Poor design makes it a challenge to secure Webcam to a laptop; not optimized for use with Macs.

The bottom line: The Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks provides unmatched image quality, but its design could be improved. While the clear, bright video output will amaze, the constant readjusting of the camera atop your laptop will annoy.

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We're not wild about the design of Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks, but its image quality is so vastly superior to that of other notebook Webcams that we're more than willing to make the occasional camera readjustment as needed. The thin clip and vertical orientation of the Webcam make it a challenge to keep the Webcam securely fastened to the top of a laptop--perhaps that's why Logitech includes a small, plastic stand in the box. Thanks to its 2.0-megapixel sensor, Carl Zeiss optics, and Logitech's RightLight technology, however, the $99 QuickCam Pro for Notebooks provides excellent image quality under a variety of lighting conditions. Should you need a Webcam more for casual video chats and less for recording your own videos, the Creative Live Cam Notebook Ultra is slightly less expensive and is much easier to keep anchored to your laptop.

Installation is straightforward. Install the bundled QuickCam software, then plug in the Webcam. An audio tuning wizard lets you optimize the volume for audio input (microphone) and out (speakers). You can adjust sliders for brightness, contrast, color intensity, and white balance, but we found the best results by enabling RightLight and leaving it at that.

The Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks sits 2.4 inches tall by 1.2 inches wide. The rubberized, spring-loaded clip on the back feels sturdy, but the rounded back and the nub on the front part of the clip makes better contact with the included 12-inch stand than with any of the three laptops we used for testing. Slight adjustments to the laptop resulted in the camera drooping forward or listing to one side. Also, be sure to smile when you go to readjust the Webcam; a button at the top of the camera body lets you snap still photos and is almost impossible to avoid accidentally depressing when you reach for the camera.

The QuickCam Pro for Notebooks more than makes up for its clunky design with its stellar image quality. For starters, its 2.0-megapixel sensor is larger than the 1.3-megapixel sensors typically found on Webcams. Further, Logitech's RightLight 2 software does an amazing job of providing a great image under a variety of light conditions, including in low light where most Webcams struggle. We tested under bright lights, low light, and outdoors, and in each scenario, the QuickCam Pro for Notebooks provided the best image. Colors were vivid, and flesh tones were accurate. You can capture video at as fast as 30 frames per second and at one of three resolutions: 320x240, 640x480, and 960x720. You can take still pictures at 1.3-megapixel and 2.0-megapixel resolutions. With software interpolation, you can take 3-, 4-, and 8-megapixel pictures at the expense of image clarity.

The Webcam's auto-focus feature does an admirable job of keeping you focused, but the face-tracking feature was a bit hit-or-miss. The Logitech cam does a better job than the Creative Live Cam Notebook Ultra at keeping a bobbing head in the frame, but the amount of swivel and tilt in the lens is limited. The integrated microphone did an average job at capturing audio; it was no better or worse than the Creative Live Cam Notebook Ultra in delivering clean audio. Extras include an assortment of avatars ("hey, look--I'm a talking alien!") and other video effects ("hey, look--I'm wearing a funny hat!" to "hey, look--I'm in a room with bubbles!") to jazz up your Webcam chats. Handfuls of each are included on the CD, with many more available on Logitech's site. A travel pouch is also included, which helps protect the lens when stashed in your laptop bag.

The bundled QuickCam software features a pleasing interface and is very easy to navigate. Large buttons are provided for recording video or snapping a picture, and changing the resolution of each is dead simple. Your recorded videos and photos are listed as thumbnails at the bottom of the QuickCam window. Videos are recorded as WMV files and are played back using Windows Media Player. While Macs will recognize this plug-and-play USB device (not tested), you'll be left without the services of the video (RightLight 2) and audio (RightSound) optimization apps, as well as the video effects and filters.

Logitech doesn't bundle a video-messaging app, but it works with all the popular IM clients, including those from AOL, Windows, and Yahoo, plus Skype, which I used for testing. The QuickCam Pro for Notebooks worked seamlessly with Skype--once I realized I needed to close the QuickCam software. Sadly, the image quality degrades considerably when operating outside the QuickCam interface.

Logitech backs the QuickCam Pro for Notebooks with a two-year warranty.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 5 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

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2 stars

Skype Users Stay Away!

by Truro Potter on September 3, 2007

Pros: Design, Laptop Clip, Image Quality

Cons: Incompatibility, Technical Support

Summary: I purchased this webcam for use with my laptop and Skype. I use Skype for business and pleasure. Even though the box has the Skype logo on it, the product ...

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Summary: I purchased this webcam for use with my laptop and Skype. I use Skype for business and pleasure. Even though the box has the Skype logo on it, the product is NOT compatible with the latest version of Skype -- 3.5. The video freezes about 15 seconds into any call. I am not the only user with this problem. Check out the Logitech and Skype user forums and you will see that this is common to anyone trying to use this webcam with Skype 3.5. I have not been able to get a straight answer from either Skype or Logitech as to whether they are addressing this issue. So, for now, my advice for Skype users is to buy a different webcam.

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7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 stars

Finally...the best for notebooks!!

by joninray on December 14, 2007

Pros: Easy setup, non-scratch clip, decent length USB cable, and even comes with stand!

Cons: I can't say...because for me it has no cons!!

Summary: I have been trying so many webcams...I finally found the perfect one! The clip is rubber and clips easily for me on my Dell Insipiron and doesn't scratch ...

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Summary: I have been trying so many webcams...I finally found the perfect one! The clip is rubber and clips easily for me on my Dell Insipiron and doesn't scratch like other ones...or if I prefer, I could use the WEIGHTED stand that comes with it. The stand is easily put together and is sturdy while using and can easily come apart when you wish to take it down.

Every webcam I have bought before has a ridiculously long USB cable but this one is perfect in size for a notebook.

The video quality is the best I have ever seen and beat ALL other webcams!! The microphone is excellent! I cannot say anything bad about tis webcam! It easily beats anything that MS (VX-7000 and 6000...tried them and returned them!) puts out! You can't go wrong with this cam!

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4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

The best laptop webcam available!

by kylerhudson on April 12, 2008

Pros: auto-focus is very quick, true HD 30fps video, great mic, facial tracking really works

Cons: clip could work better

Summary: Really gorgeous, fabulous web cam that really delivers a beautiful Skype or IM experience

*****

Summary: Really gorgeous, fabulous web cam that really delivers a beautiful Skype or IM experience

*****

1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
6 stars

It's good, if you can handle the huge amount of software required to make all the gadgets work

by Spliffeh on December 18, 2007

Pros: Image quality, sound quality, video effects

Cons: Ridiculous amount of software and services just for one webcam, capturing at higher resolutions doesn't work

Summary: The good part is that the sound quality and the video (320 and 640) are way above average. That's where it ends, the logitech drivers install and additional 5 ...

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Summary: The good part is that the sound quality and the video (320 and 640) are way above average. That's where it ends, the logitech drivers install and additional 5 or 6 services that run on the background just for this one tiny webcam. 4 of which are not even essential. Why can't they make it just ONE service for ONE webcam? Also (this might be a problem on my side only) i am unable to capture anything above the resolution of 640x480. So i am not even able to watch this cameras full potential. Kind of disappointing.

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0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
4 stars

Not for use with groups

by Negociador2001 on November 22, 2007

Pros: very good sound

Cons: Fluorescent lights cause strange rippling / colour effects

Summary: We tried the camera as an alternative to using a digital DVD camera to video client presentations. The camera did an "acceptable" job when set at "HD" quality however, there ...

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Summary: We tried the camera as an alternative to using a digital DVD camera to video client presentations. The camera did an "acceptable" job when set at "HD" quality however, there were very strange rippling effects which affected the colours. Grey became blue, etc. The colours were, in general, washed out and "flat". Having tried 8 different cameras from other makers, this is the best. However, It does have a long way to go.

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0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Logitech Inc.
Part number: 960-000045
Description: Enjoy image-perfect detail and clarity on your notebook. Carl Zeiss optics and autofocus keep images razor-sharp, even in extreme close-ups.

General
Device Type Notebook web camera
Gross sensor resolution 2,000,000 pixels
Software Included Logitech QuickCam, Drivers & Utilities
Camera
Type Color - Fixed
Video Capture 1600 x 1200
Still Image 1600 x 1200
Audio Support Yes : Built-in microphone
Lens Aperture F/2.0
Video input features Skype compatible, Automatic face tracking technology, RightSound technology, RightLight 2 technology
Min Focal Length 3.7 mm
Lens Construction
Focal Length 3.7 mm
Lens Iris F/2.0
Focus Adjustment Automatic
Interfaces
Computer Interface Hi-Speed USB
Expansion / Connectivity
Interfaces 1 x Hi-Speed USB
Compatible Slots None
Cables included 1 x USB cable - 3 ft
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories Carrying case, Stand
Cables Included 1 x USB cable - 3 ft

Power
Power Device None
Battery None
Software / System Requirements
Min Operating system Microsoft Windows Vista / XP
Min Processor Type 2.4 GHz, 1.4 GHz <

Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks

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