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| Video Blaster WebCam Go |
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Hardware Reviews March 2000 • Vol.3 Issue 3 |
Video Blaster WebCam Go | ||
 Sometimes a product's defining characteristic has nothing to do with its price, performance, or quality. Instead, the product's primary selling point is simply what it can do. Such is the case with the Video Blaster WebCam Go from Creative Labs, which uniquely combines the functions of a Web cam and digital camera into one model. To be sure, there are numerous Web cams and digital cameras sold separately that have better image quality and more features than the WebCam Go. But the WebCam Go is the first model we've seen that combines the functions of both a Web cam and standalone digital camera into one device. Utilizing a 6-foot USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable and hot swapping and Plug-and-Play technologies, the WebCam Go easily disconnects from the PC to travel with you and capture digital still shots. This dual ability makes the camera perfect for conducting videoconferencing chats with a brother living across the country or taking still shots of the kids at Saturday's soccer game. As a Web cam, the top of the camera's oblong body folds back 90 degrees so the lens unit focuses on a subject sitting in front of the monitor. Two rubber ridges on the camera's underside keep it securely in place. Video is captured at resolutions of 160 x 120, 176 x 144, 320 x 240, 352 x 288, and 640 x 480 pixels. The camera captures 30 frames per second (fps) at 320 x 240 pixels and 15fps at 640 x 480 pixels for fairly smooth-flowing video. Compared to other Web cams we've seen, the WebCam Go's image quality rates only average. As a digital camera, the WebCam Go is powered by two AAA alkaline batteries and has 4MB (megabytes) of internal memory for storing as many as 200 images. Shots can be taken in single exposure, self-timer, or multiexposure modes. Unfortunately, the camera's versatility is hampered by its limited still-image resolution and quality. Overall, shots we captured lacked the fine focus and detail a standalone digital camera typically offers. In addition, colors were dull and grainy, and white balance and contrast were a problem in most of our shots. The camera's poor image quality is due primarily to the fact that still images can only be captured at 640 x 480 pixels or 320 x 240 pixels. Thus, shots are really only suitable for Web posting or e-mail attachments. In addition, the camera lacks an LCD (liquid-crystal display) for framing and reviewing shots. There is a small display panel on the back of the camera to indicate the selected capture mode and the number of shots that can be taken. At $149.99, the WebCam Go is more expensive than most basic Web cams on the market. However, we'd be willing to shell out the few extra dollars for the camera's traveling ability alone. In addition, the camera ships with adequate software, including Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, Polaroid PhotoMAX, WebCam Control, and WebCam Monitor. by Blaine Flamig
$149.99 Creative Labs (800) 998-1000 (408) 428-6600 http://www.creative.com/destinations/webcam/
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