Webcam Reviews

-If you want an affordable, high quality camera for video chatting over MSN or Yahoo, this is a great choice. Simply plug it in and load the drivers and you are ready to video conference. I use it to talk to my family on the other side of the globe and save on international phone bills (it's free) using my DSL line. The resolution/frame rate is higher than most other cameras in this price range. To get a Logitech camera with the same video resolution, you have to pay more than twice the price. The picture quality is also great, even in low light. In fact, I needed to dim the lights in the room because there was too much glare.
-Unfortunately, the software doesn't work. I have a Celeron 2GHz Windows XP system and the software that came with the camera couldn't detect the camera. I contacted Creative Technical support and they were very responsive, but they couldn't fix the problem. The software seemed almost like it was a beta version or somebody's incomplete homework. Fortunately, the software is not necessary because I use Yahoo/MSN messenger to video conference and Windows MovieMaker for everything the software was supposed to do and then some.
-When you chat with someone, they don't need a camera to see your live video. So you can show them how good the product is and encourage them to get one too. The frame rate is much better with MSN, but the picture is larger with Yahoo. Yahoo has a super function that enables a faster frame rate, but I haven't been able to get it to work even though I have MSN DSL.

I bought this cam based on my needs and the reviews of others here and am glad I did. If you're looking for the best combination of value and features, this cam is for you.

If you're looking for a cam to chat with others online with, then this cam has all the features you need. You can pay twice as much (or more) for other cams with more features, and if money is no object to you then I'd spend more. But if you want solid, reliable features, then you're not going to beat the [$$$] or so you spend on this webcam.

I chose this over a Logitech model for 2 reasons. First, other reviewers complained about all but the more expensive models. Second, this was so much cheaper and offers the same features. Works with Yahoo, AOL, and MSN, and has great pics and supersize ability. Not as smooth as the more expensive models, but if you want the basics, this is for you.

Installation was easy--if you can read directions, you shouldn't have problems. I'm not going to accuse other reviewers of not being able to read, but I have Windows XP and had no problems installing at all. However, once the setup is complete, there are no other instructions...a more detailed troubleshooter would be nice. However, this is available online.

The 2 biggest features are making your own movies or using it as a live webcam. However, you can't do both simultaneously. So if you're using the camera to look at something, you won't be able to log onto yahoo webcam or any of the others...you'll have to shut it off first. Keep that in mind...took me 20 minutes to figure it out.

Enjoy this product!

We took the camera out of its box, plugged it in, plugged in the microphone, and Windows XP immediately installed and configured both. Within moments we were watching ourselves on screen and sending clips to our friends on the Internet. No problems, no hassles; seems like a great product.

The camera itself performs OK. As others have noted, the picture is a bit grainy, especially under low light (which seems to be standard for webcams). I have noticed a light, vertical stripe running down the middle of the captured image that's somewhat distracting.

I had no problems installing the camera - just plugged it in, and Windows XP recognized it right away. It worked with the bundled ULead VideoStudio, Windows Movie Maker, and WebCam2000.

The software I would have most wanted to use with the iBot was ATI's Multimedia Center that came with my ATI Radeon All-in-Wonder video card - namely, its motion-activated recording feature (so I could find out what the cats *really* do while I'm away). But the iBot did not show up as a possible video source in the ATI configuration.

(warning: geek-speak ahead) After some research, it turns out that the ATI video-capture function is only compatible with devices that have WDM drivers, and the iBot drivers only support the older, 'VFW' standard. Microsoft has stopped supporting the VFW (Video for Windows) standard, and is pushing other companies do the same. So there may be other applications out there that won't support the iBot, unless Orange Micro releases a WDM driver.

On a side note, Microsoft _has_ supplied a forwards-compatibility feature in Windows XP that will allow applications using the older VFW standard to use newer WDM devices (just not the other way around).

This camera works really well. Setup is a breeze on OS X.2.7 and it works really well with iChat AV. The picture quality is pretty good and the Firewire makes a big difference in frame rate. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is the form factor is a little bit clunky. The Firewire cable is heavy and thick and makes it a bit tough to position sometimes. Also, the foot thing, though cool looking, is pretty impractical for setting the camera up anything smaller than a desktop. Other than that, it's a great buy.

I am getting a clear picture on my Mac using ivisit to communicate with a PC......so far, so good. My only complaint: the directions seem to be a little dated.....ivisit (old edition) is included on the CD software in the box, but the latest version, on ivisit.com website, for Mac 10.3.2, does not need this CD....just download from the website, and good to go. Also, you can just plug the camera into the firewire outlet on the Mac.....no fuss. In their directions they speak of a "Plain Talk Adaptor".....since half the customers for this camera are Mac, I feel they should include this in the package (it is an additional $15 and this camera is an expensive camera!) I was told by Mac tech support that only really old Macs require this adaptor, so it may no longer be necessary. (i.e. their headset/microphone might work just by plugging it into the Audio-In jack, without this adaptor) Also, no drivers are necessary for newest Macs and latest website download. My advice: call their tech support (number on website for orange micro) and email ivisit tech support and check with Mac tech support. Better safe than sorry. They do need to keep the directions up-to-date. The camera is small, flexible, can go anywhere (can tape to surface to hold it), and I am pleased with it.

I note that some of the complaints about the menu setups of the Nomad 3 reflect the fact that the users did not know that the first thing they could have done is go to Nomad's website and download an upgrade for the firmware which make the players menu display the individual albums or track for each artist.
I frequently check their site for upgrades but the capacity is enormous, I even have audiobooks downloaded onto this thing. I've owned all the Nomads since the first 6 Gig unit and this one is by far the best.

I purchased this product about 2 months ago right here from amazon.com, and have no regretted it for an instant. As soon as I received it, I couldn't put all the CD's I owned onto it fast enough. You may think 40 gigs will never be utilized, but that's the great part. I'm going to own this thing till I drop or go deaf. The mechanics of it are great, as well as easy to use. The sheer sturdiness of the player enables me to take it anywhere, in my car (there goes the need for a CD stereo in the car!) to the gym every day, and in bed at night, and hooked up to the stereo in my room. What a time and money saver this thing really is in the long run. I highly recommend the product to anyone who enjoys a lot of music. Amazing product overall

Let me start this review by saying that I cannot possibly explain just how much I like the NOMAD 3. Having said that, let me explain just how much I like the NOMAD 3. This player is unbelievable...everything a music-lover needs. I don't want to ramble on about all of its features, besides, there's too many (and they're all listed on Amazon). Maybe the best feature of this player is its upgradability (besides the sound quality, wheel button interface, I could go on...). For example, look back at all the other reviews that have been written on it, and focus on all the negatives. Now, forget the negatives, because the NOMAD 3's latest firmware upgrades solve these problems! When I first bought the NOMAD 3, I was dissapointed by it's lack of a graphic equalizer...I figured an equalizer would be essential in a player like this. After a few months, however, Creative Labs announced a new upgrade...and guess what? Now my player has an on-screen 4-band graphic equalizer! I'm already looking forward to the next upgrade!

Transferring songs is easier than you might think. Hook the NOMAD to your computer, and the file-transferring software automatically opens. The screen is divided into two windows, with selectable sources of music for each (for example, CD track listing on the left, NOMAD 3 track listing on the right). Simply select the tracks you want to copy from the CD, hit "Transfer", and that's it!!

For the inexperienced, let me give you an idea of how much music this thing holds. My player is a little over half full. If I load up all the tracks, and set it to "shuffle", I could listen to no-repeat music for 27 days. Non-stop.

Finally, I can safely say this is the last MP3 player (or any kind of music player, for that matter) that I will ever buy. Ever. This is my second one (my first was destroyed, long story)...and if anything ever happened to it, I would be right back here that day to order another one.

Some preliminary comments based on my first few days with the "Creative Labs PD1130 WebCam NX Pro"...

* Installation - Straightforward and easy on Win2K Pro. Nicely integrated live shot of the cameras view in the install process, which builds early confidence that the device is working.

* Form factor - As others have noted, the three legged base is dicey on flat services (desk, top of CRT). It does, however, work quite well hinged to a laptop (or for you fortunate souls, your flat screen).

* Functionality - Bundled software provides all the basic necessities (still picture, video, scheduled monitoring + configuration)

* Performance - This is where the device is letting me down (hence the three stars for an otherwise positive experience). I'm seeing significant latency locally (~1.5 seconds) and extreme latence/dropouts via Yahoo & MSN messenger (below 1 FPS at 320x240) over a DSL connection (both sides) on a P3 box w/ 512MB RAM and Win2K SP3. I've tried, I believe, every option, with no improvement.

This would be (or will be) a five star product if I can work the performance issue out. As it is, it's on a path to being returned.

It is an okay webcam for the price. I am just use to a webcam and microphone all in one like Logitech Webcams. Creative Labs have some good stuff and I have never had any issues with their sound card either... I believe they need more work with the cam if they are planning on being their with Logitech...

I don't write many reviews but this webcam deserves one. Great price, excellent picture, good color and contrast. It beats many more expensive products and is certainly far superior to some of the Logitech products out there. I'm running a 2.4 gig machine with 512kb memory, Windows XP Pro, which of course did not recognize the driver compatibility but installed without a hitch anyway. This webcam works great with the software bundle it comes with, and it is an above average bundle at that. Works out of the box with Yahoo Messenger and Windows Messenger, no problem at all. Total installation time about 10 minutes. My only complaint would be that the stand for a flat panel monitor include some type of device that allowed for a firm attachment. I suppose a little velcro or tape would solve that problem. Other than that, you cannot go wrong with this purchase. Creative has another winner with this one.

I purchased both, the 4000Pro and the Notebook Pro. The Notebook pro has great picture quality (even better than the 4000Pro, the desktop version). The only flimsy design is in the stand. Logitech could have come up with a better design for the stand, perhaps it should include an adaptor to make it work with tablet PCs, and a stand to place the camera on a flat surface. Otherwise it is a great buy.

I'm using Mac OS 10.3 (Panther) on my 12" powerbook and this webcam works perfectly well with Yahoo Messenger. The picture quality is quite good and the carrying case is convenient. I've also used BTV to capure video using this webcam...decent quality videos with sound! As most of the other reviewers have poined out, the mount is of flimsy design.

This camera is good for its size. Low resolution, but OK for a web cam because a lower resolution means faster transfer. The short cord makes it good for laptops. It also holds to LCD screens for desktop computers (although you may need to buy a USB extension cord.

The clarity of this camera is fuzzy. I can only see shadows and not the clear faces of the people.

The Veo Connect USB PC Camera is essentially the Veo Advanced model minus the built-in microphone. For the price of the camera, stability, and functionality, this is a good buy. If you're using AOL 9.0, AIM, Yahoo, or MSN, you can do no wrong. If you're looking for a cam to use for a business, i.e. Webcam sites that charge a fee (which I won't get into here,) or you're looking for a professional quality camera for other reasons, don't buy this. The Veo connect is perfect, and targeted at, those that just want to keep in touch with family and friends who don't need a plethora of features. It's a simple user interface, good software & compatability, and extremely easy to set up. Plug it in, load the software, then use your favorite Instant Messenging service. The camera runs at a nice 30 fps which is good and there is an adjustable focus. I've looked over webcams for over the last 6 years, going all the way back to the black & white one's put out in 1997. I was pleasantly surprised get out of my office, connect this one to my laptop, and chat with friends from the recliner. Nice camera overall.

this is an awesome webcam the picture is really clear, other webcams require a lot of light but this one you don't need that much light to see a image. this is a great camera it's small you can't hardly notice it's there. and it has this hot little blue light when it's on so you know when it's working.

I got my first one when Vista Imaging (viCAM) was selling them. Now 3Com is using the viCAM technology. It is the BEST webcam on the market. I own two of them and the Lens Pack. It is the only camera, that I know about, that lets you run as many as 8 at the same time! I run two of them on my website. It works with all software (WebCAM32, iVista, ChillCam, ISpy, NetMeeting etc). I ran one of the first webcams on the Internet and have used many cameras over the years. The 3COM is the best camera, it is a USB camera by the way. It works excellent in low light. The Lens Pack (cost extra) is also something that I use (the wide angle is used most often). The first viCAM cost me a lot and now look at the great price from Amazon. You will not be sorry you picked the 3COM.

If you need a camera that takes higher quality, and higher resolution photos in all kinds of light, you will need this camera. The 3Com HomeConnect has remarkable low-light capability. I use it as a "weather cam." It is pointed out the window of my office in Edinburgh, Indiana where it adapts well to everything from bright sunlight to ambient street lighting at night. Unlike most Webcams, this one features a resolution as high as 640x480. I also like the long, detachable USB cord. Another plus is the easy setup utility. Basically, all you do is put the CD in the drive and it tells you onscreen what to do next. It's so simple! Just don't plug the camera into the USB port before the program instructs you to do so. It's not the least expensive camera on the market, but the extra price gets you a much better camera than the average Webcam.

This thing rocks. You can put it in a pitch black room turn it on sit in front of it and light a candle anywhere in the room (given the room is not really huge) and it will auto adjust and look perfect in a few moments

As an advanced SLR amateur, I was looking for a product which
would provide: webcam, medium/low resolution still pictures, and
videos with audio too. I discovered this at FNAC in Grenoble (F) during Christmas time and finally purchased here in Canada.
It did exactly what I wanted: it's *not* a substitute for my NIKONs or pocket ROLLEI, but it's tremendous fun using it!!!
Video quality is good, audio is excellent. Colours are generally good, but avoid direct sunlight. I haven't taken a lot the still images, as video is indeed more fun. I purchased a
64MB memory card, to replace the standard 8MB, and it works!
I can shoot mini-videos for more than 20min overall.
The only negative point is the flash: too strong and little or no usage.
WebCam works fine and it's great fun to communicate with distant
relatives.
The software included is very useful for linking together your
small videos or add some titles.
In the end: if this is your first experience with digicam don't
hesitate. Don't expect results similar to good point-and-shoot 35mm cameras, but you can see your little
creations right away back home on your PC! And kids love it too.

This is by far and wide one of the best digital cameras I have ever come across. A step up from the 310, this one has a FLASH option that lets you capture images in dim light. It has better resolution than the 310 (but you knew that!) and thus is able to take clearer pictures similar to cameras that are worth hundreds of dollars at this amazingly low price (I bet you knew that too!) It's pure genius. Other than that the camera retains it's cute little shape for big or small hands, its TRIPLE function as a webcam and video camera. The Clicksmart 510 comes with a nice stand that is stable and has a no-slip bottom so it stays where it's put even with the heavy cable at the back of the camera.

What I DON'T like about it is that everytime I try to move it, my finger presses that irritating little green button that triggers the Quicksync program that tells you if there are pictures to be automatically transferred from camera to computer. My gripe is that it already DOES this automatically as soon as you plug the camera into the computer port, so the button is really, virtually useless. I like the glowing green and I do like buttons though. Also, we're missing the LCD screen on the back that replays your taken pictures, but that would only add on the costs to the already affordable little thing now wouldn't it? Thus, to me a worthwhile sacrifice.

Another thing about it is the microphone located on the front, as well as the speaker. The speaker itself is LOUD and obnoxiously screams *DING* which in human speak is either: I AM SHUTTING OFF BY MYSELF NOW! or YOU JUST TURNED MY FUNCTIONS AS A DIGITAL CAMERA ON! ... both really good tunes, just a tad annoying when you're holding the camera really close to your head and the thing decides to turn off by itself. The time limit that you have to take pictures before it shuts off is also a pain because there simply isn't enough time! Granted, this saves you a ton of battery power, but since the flash function saps up half the batteries by itself after a few takes, the Auto-Shutoff doesn't help much at all.

So if you can live with these few minor frustrations like I learned to, this is a camera you should consider for the price and all its functions.

This is the first camera I bought to use as a webcam. I bought it specifically to communicate with my family while deployed. But since it also can be used as a regular digital camera, although not the same quality, I got more than just a webcam. The pictures I took seem to be just great quality anyhow.

Without getting into technical stuff which I don't have time to understand, I'd say one the greatest strengths of this camera is it's ease of use. You could say it really is plug and play. I put in the batteries, inserted the disk and connected the cord. Then it loads up pretty easy. I got an account thru Yahoo Messenger and in no time I was able to see and talk to my wife and son. In fact the hardest part was talking to my wife about how to connect her camera.

The camera seems well designed. It feels solid, durable, not delicate. It uses regular AAA batteries, even comes with optional sound. That's useful if you ever wonder -- did the picture take? The stand that makes it a webcam is maneuverable and practical -- you can set it just how you want.

I think it is a good value, but you may find a better price elsewhere.

I bought this cam off ebay for $11.00 delivered. I installed it in about 5 minutes, from opening the box to seeing the first image. The problem with this cam is that it does not work in low light. All I got was a big dark moving blob. With lots of light, it works great. But, without light, good luck!

This web camera does a good job, considering the low price. The picture quality is respectable, assuming you have enough light in your room. Let me stress that: for the camera to function at its best, you need a lot of artifical light or sunshine. The installation was easy and the instruction manual helpful. Of course, the Veo Stingray does not have the image quality of a web camera or video recorder costing hundreds of dollars. This is an entry-level product for people new to web camera technology.

This product is a nice buy. It does what it needs to do, installation is easy, and it comes with a very user friendly software package. I really like how easy it is to take short video clips and pictures with this camera. The video isn't the highest quality in the world, but what webcam is? Plus...it's a great price.

I also liked the small file size of the short video clips. I was able to Email short clips to friends without exceeding the file size that I am able to send with my hotmail account.

While it is true that the Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro webcam gives a great picture...even in low light... the Philips "VLOUNGE" software interface that comes bundled with it is horrible, Especially for capturing live video...the VRECORD application, previewed live video well...but when it came to recording, it would give me a USB bandwith error...even after I unplugged all other USB devices!!!! It also comes with some decent(but not exceptional) software applications including: Spotlife for live webcam use or creating live or still video on a website, (although its live video capture would let me record video, it gave me an error everytime I tried to record both video and audio together!) Reality Fusion's Gamecam software which lets you get inside games using your image to deflect balls etc, and a stripped down Ulead photo editor, PhotoExpress 2.0 LE.....

The camera itself, while delivering great image quality, in design is a bit awkward. Much lighter than Logitech Webcams, I found the oval shaped casing would often tip...and the tripod it comes with needs more weight on the back leg to keep it from slipping off the monitor (although it is probably perfect for laptop use). Still snapshots on this model can be taken by just saying CHEESE or by depressing the button on top of the camera. (Note: This webcam must be connected to computer via USB port to function...even for snapshots)

This camera is also suppose to deliver up to 60fps, that was one of the determining factors I had in choosing it over a Logitech or an Intel model...but that 60fps stat depends on your computer system and the number of USB devices...typically it still captures in the range of most other webcams...5-30fps BEWARE AMAZON CUSTOMERS: All of these Philips ToUcam models look similar!! If you buy/bought this webcam from Amazon, make sure it comes in a cardboard printed box (not on a plastic card like the lower end models) The ring around the lens of this Pro model is a yellow-orange color (The lower end model has a red/maroon color)............FYI

Good value for money. I plugged into my new XP machine, installed the required software and it works perfectly. Video mail option is not very effective. Inspite of several attempts, I get a very poor output. But the camera is really good and captures images at very low light. There are few add-on software that comes with the camera. Overall a good value for money, though one can expect a better results especially webcasting, and live streaming area.

I picked one of these up on an auction site after reading reviews (all touting this as "The best webcam out there"), and after owning it for a few months, I'm convinced you can't find a better hardware webcam anywhere. The resolution (640x480) is terrific, the clarity and focus top-notch, and low-light sensitivity is among the best.

My previous favorite, Vista Imaging's "ViCam" was sold to 3COM (rebranded as the "HomeConnect"), then quitely dropped. The ViCam/HomeConnect may be a slightly better unit, but not being available I found the ToUCam and have been delighted. This is my fifth, perhaps sixth webcam, and I'll buy another one; there's really no comparison to the rest.

The unit is attractive and compact, with minimal controls (one actually, a shutter button). The supplied USB (1.1 only) cable is slim and lengthy, and once the drivers are installed, it's plug & play. (One niceity: The ToUCam ships with a "cute" egg-shapped zippered carrying case that is tiny, but excellent for packing the unit with you). One nit: Due to its design, the camera (made to mount in its own "leg" stand) tilts downward at an awkward angle. This won't prove much of an issue if you use the default stand (they are detachable), however if you mount the camera on some other device (in my case, the "TrackerPod"), you'll find the ToUCam points down at roughly a 30 degree angle. So beware, and ensure any stand you plan to use it on allows you to tilt the camera back up, or you'll be webcaming your desktop.

Now, I mentioned that this is a great *hardware* product, and that suggests the bundled software isn't the best, and that's true. The included package is robust -- webcam imaging software, video email, video-active games, and of course, the requisite drivers. While usable, they don't provide much more, and updates from Philips are spotty and confusing to acquire and install. If you have PC software already that you're happy with (e.g., webcam32, trackercam, etc) then by all means pick up the 740K ToUCam, you won't be disappointed. But don't rely solely on the software package provided by Philips. I only wish this product were more widely available in the US, but with avenues like Amazon.com and auction sites, finding one shouldn't be too painful, and your search will be worth it.