Logitech Quickcam VC

Simple to use Webcam for both - PC and Mac. Custom camera base (pyramid form) and a standard tripod socket. 6´ usb cable. I used it without problems on MacOS 8.6 (min.) and use it with MacOS 9.2.2 now. The Max resolution is 352x288 (CIF) Pix. The video capturing format on a PC is AVI. Macuser can use Quicktime for video - or PICT, TIFF or JPEG for stillimages. The focus can be adjusted manually from 1´to infinity. Video frame rate can be up to 30 frames per second. But you need a fast computer and low resolution like 176x144 or 160x120 pix. For clear images and videos you need much light! A candle isn´t really enough. Fun are iVisit chats with friends or your webcam on your homepage with - for example: "Coolcam 2.0" for Mac. I´ve got two VC using in my home connectet to a self powered USB-hub. You can choose with the included software pack: stillimages or moviecapture. For example short films to describe something and put it on your homepage or work on with your favorite application like iVisit or Coolcam or NetMeeting on PC.

Easy to use, works with a lot of software. The camera looks good on its pyramid stand with it´s black color, even if it´s not in use. There is a digital zoom feature in the software "Quickpict".

I´ve got two of the QC VC and they produce different pictures. One of it got more blurr in the pics and you see the pixels like stairs in smaller picture sizes. In Fullsize they are nearly away... If you got enough light the pictures are very well for this kind of device.

LifeView USB Webcam (very bad) Philips VestaPro USB (good, but there is only a plug-in for the "system folder" for MacOS included)

not needed.

Initially I was disappointed with its color, which appeared washed out. But after playing with the controls the color became much improved. Why the default settings are so terrible is beyond me. But this camera has one of the best sharpness I've used that going back from another camera (Xirlink) was a shocker at how much clearer the Quickcam is. Easy to use and the software works well.

Clear sharp pictures, decent color saturation. Delivers smooth video without pause even on a low end machine (Pentium 133+).

Needs tweaking with its controls to get the best picture.

Xirlink PC camera

not used