Our review:Item Description:Enjoy image-perfect detail and clarity. Carl Zeiss optics and Autofocus keep images razor-sharp, even in extreme close-ups.
From the Manufacturer: As Internet connections have matured to faster and faster broadband pipelines, webcam manufacturers have been keeping pace with higher resolutions and improved optics to take advantage of the larger bandwidth. And more than just communicating over chat and VoIP, webcams are increasingly used to broadcast Truman Show-esque live video feeds of one's every move (such as at Justin.tv) as well as high-quality mini-movies uploaded to sharing sites. And that's where the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 really shines, with its 2-megapixel image sensor, smooth-tracking autofocus, high-end Carl Zeiss optics, and HD video capabilities (with the capability of recording video at 960 by 720 pixels).
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). |
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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 Pros: - 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
Cons: - While capable of capturing HD-quality video, you can only utilize this for video saved to hard drive
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Buyer Testimonials
Average Buyer's Review:
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Simply the best
This is the best inexpensive webcam for a PC, period.
There are cheaper, and in the future there will be better, but today, this is it.
Buyer's review: 
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nice product
This is our first webcam experience. We purchased it based on consumer reviews and the decent price. We bought two units so we can communicate by video with our granddaughters. Through skype software and cable internet connections, the images and sound are as good as we expected. It was easy to install and use. The Skype software is also easy to use. The additional video features make it even more fun and the novely has not yet worn off. We have not had any experience with other webcams or access software for compsrison.
Buyer's review: -
Super Webcam
We love the Logitech QuickCam Pro and we sent it to all of our relatives for Christmas so that we could share with them during the holidays.
Buyer's review: -
Pleased with my purchase
We purchased the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 to use to see our grandchildren - We are very happy with this Webcam - our daughter had purchased the same one and we know that she researched her choice of cameras and found this to be the best one out there right now - we have nice clear video and clear audio - We would recommend this to others.
Buyer's review: -
terrific quality
optical quality was amazing.
Made me wonder why I paid a few hundred dollars for a movie camera... oh yeah: portability and zoom lens. But if you like making movies of yourself, for example to answer questions clients ask, I can't imagine an easier set up. Presently, my webinar program limits the resolution to 320 by 240, however.
Stanley A. Terman, PhD, MD; Board Certified in Psychiatry; Medical Director, Caring Advocates.