Logitech Quickcam Pro USB

A very nice camera. I am using it mainly with Linux, but I ran into a problem using it with Windows XP. If two of these (USB) cameras are connected at the same time, Windows XP crashes (blue screen), and reboots (repeatedly ad infinitum if you don't unplug all but one of the cameras). Otherwise it works great under Linux with GnomeMeeting and CamServ.

640x480 max resolution (very clean picture)

The spherical head is on a swivel mount. If there is any tension at all on the USB cable, the head moves and the camera is no longer pointed where you set it.

Never tried.

I bought 2 of these at once (Parallel Versions) last year so we could do a live interactive online chat between our church missions group in Monterrey Mexico and our Church back home. Consequently, I loaded and re-loaded the software onto 5 different computers -- testing and re-testing myself to get it right when I went to Mexico. I wanted to make sure I could get it going when I was down there. EVERY time I ran into problems getting the software to work correctly. Two of the 5 computers never did work it right. The first non-working one (a Gateway laptop) had Windows 95, and the drivers weren't compatible. I tried downloading updated drivers from Logitech, but they wouldn't work. I could get it to work on my newer Gateway with Windows 98SE though. Please note that the instructions with my version of this camera were printed incorrectly. Logitech included a single piece of paper which outlined the errors, but it was still confusing. You had to make sure camera either was or wasn't plugged in during a certain point when loading the software, etc. I know this was a Parallel version, but maybe be USB is better -- I don't know. Also, the software had a really poor Uninstall Shield, and never would uninstall entirely.

Excellent color compared to competition. Software easy once you get it to work. Swivel head.

No toll-free support number, and certainly not easy to find the correct PAY line either. Software driver problems on some computers. TERRIBLE Uninstall Shield which never worked right.

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Very hard to find the Customer Service number, and it wasn't toll free. Paid to sit on hold and go thru layers of voice Q/A.

We purchased this when my husband purchased a new computer and could no longer use our older quickcam. We discovered that this camera could be a good one for photos of people (sending a photo through e-mail, etc.) However, this is not a good camera to use when taking close up, detailed pictures (ie, items for sale). We want our customers to see exactly what it is - flaws and all - if any. We had better pictures with our older quickcam. However, the software is easier to use in the new camera.

Easy to use for general pictures (no detailed close ups)

detail of close up items

Older quickcam - for 3 years

This is a very good cam, even great for a first cam and/or beginners (tho with the price of digital cams falling, if you don't have a real need for a webcam yet, or can afford it, get a digital cam which adds a better quality picture with the added convenience of portability). If you can find it for under 70 bux, grab it! :)

Ease of use, quality construction, ability to mount in most places

not very good for close ups, tho not too awful for headshots.

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No problems at all. Camera performs well even in low light situations. Have used the line for 4 years (Quickcam black and white, color (parallel port interface) and now the USB interface.

Performs well in low light has focusing ring

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quickcam series