Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 (Black)

Product Description
Enjoy image-perfect detail and clarity. Carl Zeiss optics and Autofocus keep images razor-sharp, even in extreme close-ups.

The combination of Logitech's RightLight technology and 2-megapixel Carl Zeiss optics produce improved clarity and lighting (Pro 9000 on the left, MacBook integrated camera on right--both captured in the same lighting conditions).

Add a variety of special effects from filters (above) to facial accessories (below).

First, a little about Logitech's touted technological and optical advantages. Designed by Carl Zeiss (known for high-end film and digital camera lenses), the Pro 9000's optics use a five-element lens arranged into four optical elements. As a result, the lens focuses the light onto the sensor with maximum detail and minimal aberrations. The 2-megapixel lens also offers an autofocus mechanism that automatically adjusts as your face moves about. It also incorporates Logitech's RightLight and RightSound technologies, which improves the webcam's image quality under difficult lighting conditions and provides noise cancellation, respectively.

We found the autofocus feature to be much smoother than another similarly specced webcam from Creative that we previously reviewed (which felt stuttery to our video chat partners), and the RightLight feature was able to render an image of our face in both highly backlit and low-light situations--something that other webcams we've tested have completely failed at. And the combination of RightLight, Carl Zeiss optics, and the two-megapixel sensor helped to enrich both the clarity and the color of our images.

While it's true that broadband Internet has gained speed, unfortunately none of the major chat or VoIP programs are can stream the high-definition video (960 by 720 pixels) that the Pro 9000 can capture. Thus, this feature is really only usable for recording video to your hard drive and either uploading to a video sharing service like YouTube or for inclusion into a movie project to be burned to disc. The Pro 9000 also enables you to take still images at larger than its native 2-megapixel sensor via software interpolation (up to an 8-megapixel resolution). Note, however, that shooting at a higher resolution causes a lengthier shutter lag.

The Pro 9000 offers easy plug-and-play operability on either a Windows PC or a Mac--just slide in the USB 2.0 plug, select the camera from your chosen video chatting program (it works seamlessly with Skype, Yahoo!, Windows Live, SightSpeed, and iChat), and you're good to go. While the Pro 9000 works brilliantly right out of the box, you'll only be able to take advantage of software add-ons such using the included QuickCam software (which is for Windows users only).

The QuickCam Control Panel is where you can select from a host of special effect add-ons that range from a selection of avatars (such as a dinosaur or cat) to facial accessories (including a crown and Borg hardware), and a variety of filter effects. The avatars didn't seem especially responsive unless we were overly hyperactive, but the limited face add-ons and filters were more successful (with our favorite being the rotoscope animation effect).

The double-hinged clip on the back of the lightweight Pro 9000 can be articulated to fit both the thinnest notebook screens to thicker LCD TV/monitors. A rubberized is placed right below the camera housing to help prevent slippage, and the camera itself can smoothly tilt up and down about 90 degrees. The Pro 9000 has a single microphone on its right side, and while the left side has a control button that automatically opens the Logitech QuickCam software. And in the middle is a Logitech logo, which is given a red glowing halo when the camera is recording. It uses a single USB connection that does not require external power.

With its arsenal of optical advancements combined with an invitingly affordable price tag and easy portability, the QuickCam Pro 9000 is a great alternative to the standard VGA/1.3-megapixel cams built into notebooks. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

• 2-megapixel sensor helps to improve both clarity and color
• Automatic autofocus smoothly readjusts as you move around the screen
• Double-hinged clip easily fit on a variety of laptop and monitor surfaces

• While capable of capturing HD-quality video, you can only utilize this for video saved to hard drive

great product
easy to install and setup, quality of picture is very good.
it also keeps us "closer" to the grand kids.

web camera
Have used it a few times. Works good. I am still learning to fine tune it. Takes good movie and still pictures which e- mail very quickly

solid
I found it much cheaper here after looking at good reviews from well respected tech sites. Cannnot take full advantage of the crystal clear camera unless you have a fast internet connection and good program. Using it to take pictures and make clear videos is great though.

Excellent picture!
I am pleasantly surprised at the quality and clearity of the picture. It is marvelous in every way. I use my webcam mainly for international communication and it has been well received and used.

Logitech Pro 9000 Webcam Bundle

Logitech V320 Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks - Red

Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF Auto Focus System (Black)

Logitech AudioHub Notebook Speakers

Logitech Wave Keyboard

Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks (Silver)

Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB Headset (Black)

Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro for Mac (Black)

Logitech USB Desktop Microphone (Black/Silver)

Logitech ClearChat Pro USB Headset

Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 (Black) & More...