Electronics : Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 Webcam

Rating: - A brilliant gadget!!
I bought this web cam when I was studying in the UK to use for my Skype calling family back home. Its easy to install using the CD and straightforward. My computer is Windows XP. It gives a sharp image, no need for bright light and crisp sound heard from/to other party. It has auto-focus which follows your face if you move (very clever!). I would recommend others to buy this gadget.

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Rating: - Decent hardware, application and drivers have bugs
I'm puzzled by all the positive reviews that do not point out the flaws with the software provided with this product. While the hardware seems good quality and the image quality *can* be very good, the out-of-the-box experience is poor. I have installed this on 4 different laptops now (2 x thinkpad X61, Advent U1A, Sony Vaio). The results are as follows:

Common Issues:
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- If the Quickcam application (current latest version 11.8) is installed as well as the drivers, then when using Skype (probably is the main reason why most people will be buying this) there is a conflict between the Quickcam application and Skype. When it is installed, the Quickcam software prevents "Low Light Boost" from being enabled in Skype and it also ignores the "Rightlight2" setting so you get no low light compensation.

The solution is to uninstall the Quickcam application and leave only the drivers. Then you will be able to use LLB. But the question is: Why show the "Low Light Boost" option in Skype if you're not going to allow the user to select it?? Ridiculous.

Now probably the reason why LLB is disabled in Skype when Quickcam software is installed is because more light is required between frames to boost the light levels and this takes more time between frames, thus lowering frame rates. Therefore, it looks like "HQ video" at 640x480, 30fps and LLB are mutually exclusive features. But until you figure out what is going on, it is extremely annoying.


Advent U1A issues
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- Could not install drivers only as it was only detecting the camera as a generic USB cam. Had to install Quickcam application AND drivers and then uninstall application before the camera was correctly detected.
- More seriously, prevents the laptop from coming out of standby. It causes it to hang on resume and must be hard reset. I haven't found a solution for this yet (apart from unplugging it prior to standby...)

General Annoyances
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It launches the bloated Quickcam software and installs an icon in the notification area every time you use Skype consuming resources. As mentioned above, you don't actually need this software so I recommend not installing it in the first place unless you actually do want to use it to record video.

However, unfortunately, it still seems to be the best device that I have tried for picture quality when it can be made to work on your system which is why I have two and am reluctantly getting a third. It is so sad that a decent camera is let down by poor software...

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Rating: - Utterly Brilliant
This webcam was installed using the supplied software in minutes on Windows Vista, totally trouble free.
The picture is amazing even at low resolutions and the sound quality is superb.
I can honestly say i have never seen anything as good in my life.
You get an online video tutorial and you are soon using the webcam and all its features.
Very easy to fit on your monitor with no chance of it falling off even if you tilt the screen. Looks like Logitech have listened to people and improved the product.
The Microsoft NX-6000 is good but this is even better.
An LED on the webcam shows you when it is active and you can adjust absolutely everything with the on screen software.
There is even a privacy screen with a choice of pictures for your viewer(s) to look at when it is in use.
A travelling case would have been handy but you cant have everything.
The webcam with the WOW factor. Highly recommended.

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Rating: - Worked out of the box for OS X 10.5
Very High quality Video, embedded excellent audio into the single USB lead.

No drivers needed, just plugs in and works!

Very good quality product work every penny.

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Rating: - Great Pictures - Software Seems Stable - Some Irritations
The picture is very good for stills and video, although this is a 2Mp camera with interpolation for the higher resolutions mentioned in the publicity (so just a 2Mp camera, then...)

I run Vista, and have had no problems with the supplied software or drivers.

I hate the stand/fixing system, which isn't very adaptable and can't easily be fixed to anything. It's wobbly when clipped to a screen, and won't fit any stand I could find. Shame.