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Product Ratings - Webcams (17 webcams rated)
We have tested and several webcams to provide you some information and make it easy to decide what to use.

When it comes to webcams, quality IS everything.  We found the cheapest webcams offer a absolutely terrible experience.  If you want good video you will need a good webcam.  Everything we test will be compared to the Logitech series webcams as they have the best suite of software and function wonderfully with fluid movement and crisp video.  There are two type of sensors, those with 'CCD' and those with 'CMOS'.  If you want the best webcam, get one with a VGA 'CCD' sensor 640x480.  Less expensive and lesser quality webcams use a CMOS sensor.  Webcams operate at VGA resolution or 640x480.  The still cameras in them can operate higher, some have 1.3 megapixel cameras.  Do not confuse the two.

View our Webcam ratings criteria HERE.

FREE Chapter out of my book 'Video Conferencing over IP' on Webcams

Chapter 10 "Webcams" which was not included in my book 'Video Conferencing over IP' is yours free for your reading.  I did not include this chapter in the book as it was not really about Video Calls.  It is about other uses for webcams, but lots of good information about webcams.


Latest Windows Webcams

Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks (HD Video 960 x 720 pixels)

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345+ (Windows)

Pros: 

  • Mounts on laptops and on a stand provided
  • Lens Quality - Carl Zeiss (same as a camera)
  • Sharpest image of any webcam made to date
  • Great in all lighting conditions
  • Ease of use
  • Auto Focus
  • Wide angle viewing
  • great Logitech driver and application software
    • Video Mail option of any length
    • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
    • Can take snapshots up to 8 megapixels
    • Photo Album
    • Nice update to the Quickcam software update

Cons: 

  • none really....

* Special note:  I am still amazed how much better Logitech webcams continue to get.  This is the BESt webcam you can buy - hands down - period !!!  This is both a webcam that clips onto a laptop and comes with a stand and pouch.  I tested this with Skype using 640x480 video settings on each end and the quality was amazing !!!  If you have an older webcam or looking for one - GET THIS WEBCAM !  Only the built-in Apple iSight webcams come close to the quality of this webcam.


Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision (VGA CCD - 640x480)

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows)

Pros: 

  • Mounts on top of both Flat screens and CRT monitors
  • Lens Quality
  • Sharpest image of any webcam made to date
  • Ease of use
  • Auto Focus
  • Wide angle viewing
  • Video Mail option of any length
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots up to 4 megapixels
  • Photo Album
  • Mobile Video for transmitting video to Verizon "Get it Now" cell phones
  • Nice update to the Quickcam software update

Cons: 

  • Windows version only

* Special note:  This is a really good webcam and until the newest Pro for Notebooks came out was the best.


Lenovo webcam

 * Special note:  We have not rated this webcam, but we have provided a link to a review that someone recently did to provide you more information.

 


Philips SPC900NC (VGA CCD - 640x480)

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows)

Pros: 

  • Great image quality
  • Good in low light
  • Wide angle viewing
  • manual focus
  • Control Panel has zoom, pan and face tracking
  • Ease of use
  • Video Mail option
  • Can take snapshots 1.3 megapixels
  • Can mount to a FlexStand

Cons: 

  • The arm is flexible and does not mount tightly on a laptop or flat screen
  • Windows version only
  • Manual focus if you want an auto focus solution
  • Software not as robust as the newer Logitech series

* Special note:  If you really want to see what is inside one of these webcams, read the following article where someone took it apart.


Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 (VGA CCD - 640x480)

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows)

Pros: 

  • Best webcam available
  • Wide angle viewing
  • Auto-focus
  • Great software
  • Control Panel has zoom, pan and face tracking
  • Ease of use
  • Video Mail option of any length
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots 1.3 megapixels
  • Photo Album
  • Mobile Video for transmitting video to Verizon "Get it Now" cell phones
  • Fun video effects to add to your Video Call

Cons: 

  • Only mounts on monitors - can not be easily mounted to the FlexStand
  • Windows version only - for a MAC version, use the Logitech 4000

* Special note:  This is the same form factor as the older QuickCam 4000.  The mount is different and the webcam is improved.  Unfortunately it will not mount easily to a FlexStand that I use and recommend to keep your webcam and microphone off your desk and placed better for a video call.  You can use a 10-32x5/8" screw or bolt to attach this webcam to the FlexStand without damaging the normal mounting slot.  If you need a tighter fit, use a 12-24x5/8" screw or bolt, though this may affect how it mounts to the normal mounting stand if you need to use it for both.


Logitech QuickCam Fusion (VGA CCD - 640x480)

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows)

Pros: 

  • Mounts on top of both Flat screens and CRT monitors
  • Ease of use
  • Auto Focus
  • Wide angle viewing
  • Video Mail option of any length
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots up to 1.3 megapixels
  • Photo Album
  • Mobile Video for transmitting video to Verizon "Get it Now" cell phones

Cons: 

  • Quality is not as good as higher end Logitech webcams
  • Top of monitor mount only
  • Would not mount on the FlexStand
  • Windows version only

Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 (VGA CCD - 640x480)

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows and MAC up to 10.2.6)

Pros: 

  • Windows and Mac versions
  • Best webcam we have seen and used
  • Best interface we tested
  • Control Panel has zoom, pan and face tracking
  • Ease of use
  • Video Mail option of any length
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots
  • Photo Album
  • Mobile Video for transmitting video to Verizon "Get it Now" cell phones
  • Mounts easily to the FlexStand !!!

Cons: 

  • Focus adjustment and little hard to turn, but accurate
  • Does not support MAC OS X 10.3 and 10.4 Tiger

* Special note:  This gets a 5 because it mounts on a FlexStand out of the box.


Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro (VGA CCD - 640x480) - Newer model

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows)

Pros: 

  • Great for travel
  • Great mounting clip for laptops
  • Comes with travel case
  • Small
  • Great software
  • Auto focus
  • Wide angle viewing
  • Control Panel has zoom, pan and face tracking
  • Ease of use
  • Video Mail option of any length
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots
  • Photo Album
  • Mobile Video for transmitting video to Verizon "Get it Now" cell phones
  • Fun Avitar video effects to add to your Video Call

Cons: 

  • Windows version only - For a MAC version, use the older version of this webcam

* Special note:  This is the new and improved version of the older model and a far superior clip to mount to your notebook.  The older model was very poor for mounting on your laptop.


Logitech Orbit MP (VGA CCD - 640x480) - newer model

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows)

Pros: 

  • Ease of use
  • Auto Focus
  • Wide angle viewing 189°
  • Pan at 189°, tilt at 102°
  • Video Mail option of any length
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots
  • Photo Album
  • Mobile Video for transmitting video to Verizon "Get it Now" cell phones
  • Has 12" stand to allow webcam to look more direct at you vs. up to you or down on you
  • Fun Avitar video effects to add to your Video Call

Cons: 

  • Quality is not as good as higher end Logitech webcams
  • Would not mount on the FlexStand
  • Windows version only

* Special note:  The motorized Pan and Tilt are not all that useful I find, though the stand to sit higher is nice as I do not like webcams that look down or up to you with the desk mount and top of monitor mount.  For the money, but a Logitech 5000 and FlexStand.


Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 (VGA CMOS - 640x480)

Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 (VGA CMOS - 640x480)

Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 (VGA CMOS - 640x480) - Laptop version

      VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows)

Pros: 

  • Can launch Windows Live Messenger from a button on the webcam
  • Control Panel has zoom, pan and fact racking
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots up to 1.3 megapixels
  • Photo Album
  • 75° wide angle lens
  • Mounts on Flat screen monitors or set on desk

Cons: 

  • Manual focus
  • Image quality is mediochre
  • No lens cover
  • Slower than Logitech series webcams
  • Windows version only

* Special note:  I am surprised at how poor Microsoft's first webcam performed.  The VX-3000 is a cheaper model with the same low quality image.  Wait until the next version of this webcam.  Logitech and Phillips is a far superior webcam for the same price. 


Global Media iREZ K2 webcam (VGA CMOS - 640x480)

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows)

Pros: 

  • Control Panel has zoom, pan and fact racking
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots
  • Photo Album
  • ORB website tools - http://www.orb.com/
  • Pan at 200°, tilt at 105°
  • Integrates with SightSpeed - remote user can control your webcam
  • Mounts on Flat screen monitors
  • Also comes with a 12" stand

Cons: 

  • Manual focus
  • No lens cover
  • Slower than Logitech series webcams
  • Windows version only

* Special note:  This webcam comes with both mounts for a flat screen and stand.  I like the stand as it allows for better viewing height.


Creative Live Motion (VGA CCD - 640x480)

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows)

Pros: 

  • Simple installation
  • Integrates with SightSpeed - remote user can control your webcam
  • Mounts on Flat screen monitors

Cons: 

  • Image is fuzzy - terrible focus
  • Quality is not as good as higher end Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro
  • Windows version only

* Special note:  This could be mounted on a FlexStand with a longer screw and washer.  This is Creative's highest end webcam and I was completely disappointed at the quality.  Integration with SightSpeed is very cool and Logitech should take note and do this with other Video Call solutions.


Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Deluxe (VGA CCD - 640x480)

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows)

Pros: 

  • Great for travel
  • Good mounting clip for laptops
  • Comes with soft travel bag
  • Small
  • Great software
  • Control Panel has zoom, pan and face racking
  • Ease of use
  • Video Mail option of any length
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots
  • Photo Album
  • Mobile Video for transmitting video to Verizon "Get it Now" cell phones

Cons: 

  • Manual focus - very difficult to adjust
  • Uses older version of the Logitech software
  • Quality is not as good as higher end Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro
  • Windows version only

Models for Apple computers

Apple iSight - Firewire

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345

Pros: 

  • Best webcam for the MAC
  • Basically only webcam for Tiger - MAC OS X 10.4
  • Flat base and Powerbook mounts
  • Firewire connection so it does not take up a USB port
  • Can mount to the FlexStand

Cons: 

  • No driver for Windows

Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 (VGA CCD - 640x480)

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows and MAC up to 10.2.6)

Pros: 

  • Windows and Mac versions
  • Best webcam we have seen and used
  • Best interface we tested
  • Control Panel has zoom, pan and face tracking
  • Ease of use
  • Video Mail option of any length
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots
  • Photo Album
  • Mobile Video for transmitting video to Verizon "Get it Now" cell phones
  • Mounts easily to the FlexStand !!!

Cons: 

  • Focus adjustment and little hard to turn, but accurate
  • Is not supported on MAC OS X 10.3 or Tiger 10.4

* Special note:  This gets a 5 because it mounts on a FlexStand


Older Models

Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro (VGA CCD - 640x480) - Older model

  VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows and MAC up to 10.2.6)

 

Pros: 

  • Windows and Mac versions
  • Great for travel
  • Comes with rugged plastic travel case
  • small
  • Best interface we tested
  • Control Panel has zoom, pan and face tracking
  • Ease of use
  • Video Mail option of any length
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots
  • Photo Album
  • Mobile Video for transmitting video to Verizon "Get it Now" cell phones

Cons: 

  • Focus adjustment and little hard to turn, but accurate

Logitech Orbit (VGA CCD - 640x480) - older model

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows and MAC up to 10.2.6)

Pros: 

  • Ease of use
  • Auto Focus
  • Wide angle viewing 189°
  • Pan at 189°, tilt at 102°
  • Video Mail option of any length
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots
  • Photo Album
  • Mobile Video for transmitting video to Verizon "Get it Now" cell phones
  • Has 12" stand to allow webcam to look more direct at you vs. up to you or down on you

Cons: 

  • Quality is not as good as higher end Logitech webcams
  • Would not mount on the FlexStand

* Special note:  The motorized Pan and Tilt are not all that useful I find, though the stand to sit higher is nice as I do not like webcams that look down or up to you with the desk mount and top of monitor mount.  For the money, but a Logitech 5000 and FlexStand.


Creative Webcam NX Ultra (VGA CCD - 640x480)

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345

Pros: 

  • Fits Flat Panel Monitors and sits on flat surfaces
  • Control Panel has zoom, pan and tracking mode
  • Records webcam video of any length for recording any event
  • Can take snapshots
  • Photo Album
  • PC and Mac versions
  • Has a Monitor option that captures images anytime it senses movement and can even email you
  • Add-on software from ArcSoft adds Video Email, Greeting Card and Phot and Video editing software

Cons: 

  • Base is a little narrow and falls over when nudged
  • Video not sharp
  • Colors are off
  • Poor in evening light
  • Focus hard to turn

* Special note:  For $90 which is the same price as a Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 - get the Logitech !


Ezonics EZVideo Chat kit (older version) (VGA CMOS)

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 0 * DO NOT BUY

Pros: 

  • Cost

Cons: 

  • Everything
  • Fuzzy picture
  • Slow response
  • Installation issues required an update from the web

* SPECIAL NOTE:  I am told the newer 'Pro' series are far better.  You will know them by the fact that SightSpeed ships with the webcams.


Ratings coming soon:

  • HP
  • Compaq

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Generally available Webcams:

The following is not a complete list of webcams, but a sample of what is generally available

Logitech

  • QuickCam Pro 5000
  • QuickCam for Notebooks - newer model
  • QuickCam Fusion
  • QuickCam Orbit MP
  • QuickCam Pro 4000
  • QuickCam for Notebooks
  • QuickCam Orbit V-UU22
  • QuickCam Communicate
  • QuickCam Messenger
  • ClickSmart 510
  • QuickCam Express
  • QuickCam Pro 3000
  • QuickCam Web
  • QuickCam Zoom
     

Creative Labs

  • WebCam Live Motion
  • WebCam NX Ultra
  • WebCam Pro eX
  • WebCam Live
  • WebCam Live Pro
  • Webcam Instant
  • WebCam Pro
  • WebCam NX Pro
  • Webcam Notebook

Ezonics

  • EZ Cam III Pro
  • EZ Video Chat Kit Pro
  • iContact Pro
  • EZ Mini-Cam

D-Link

  • VisualStream High Resolution USB Webcam - DSB-C310
  • VisualStream USB Webcam - DSB-C110

Veo

  • Velocity Connect $79.99
  • Mobile Connect $59.99
  • Advanced Connect $49.99
  • Connect $29.99
  • Stingray $29.99

Apple

  • iSight (Mac only)

 

Recommended Books:

Everything you needed to know about Personal Video Conferencing by Michael Gough.

Everything you needed to know about the popular Voice over IP / Telephony application 'Skype' by Michael Gough.

 

 

 

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