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| Logitech QuickCam Pro 3000 |
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Hardware Reviews November 2000 • Vol.3 Issue 11 |
Logitech QuickCam Pro 3000 | ||
 Looks aren't everything, but they sure don't hurt. And in the case of the QuickCam Pro 3000 from Logitech, an attention-grabbing appearance only accentuates a whole lot of other positives. Logitech has enjoyed a great deal of success with its QuickCam line, and the new Pro 3000 shows why. The camera combines some of the best features of previous models while adding splashes of new innovative touches. The most obvious is the camera's space-age design and appearance, which features attractive metallic-tinged gray tones. Logitech carries over the familiar golf ball camera shape of older cameras but incorporates a new U-shaped stand. The camera attaches to the stand securely with a screw that lets it swivel 360-degrees horizontally but less than 180-degrees vertically. Overall, the design is good, but the camera's overall weight poses a problem. Because the camera is too light, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable that attaches to the camera's back seems to constantly tug at the camera, often disrupting the frame of focus. A heavier design would prevent much of the unwanted movement and make the camera more stable on the monitor. We actually found the included clip that is meant for attaching the camera to a notebook computer more stable than the new U-shaped stand. Once we got the camera to sit still, it performed very well. Equipped with a 640 x 480-pixel CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor, the camera takes still images and captures video at resolutions of 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels, and 160 x 120 pixels. The camera grabs 30fps (frames per second) at 320 x 240 pixels and has a nice integrated shutter button and microphone. The QuickCam Pro 3000 rendered images with outstanding clarity and focus on our test machine although images and video were a bit dark, even with manual adjustments. Also, the camera had some difficulty adjusting to low-light levels even though it dimmed automatically in bright light very well. The camera's software bundle also is very good. Featuring an extremely intuitive main interface, the software includes applications for video e-mail; videophone calls; interactive games; image editing and video editing; producing time-lapse and stop-action animation; and creating Web pages, Web albums, and video greetings. Also included is access to SpotLife (http://www.spotlife.com) for easily broadcasting live video and audio. At $99.95, the QuickCam Pro 3000 is priced higher than many Web cams, but its software and above-average image quality make it an excellent choice. by Blaine Flamig
$99.95 Logitech (800) 231-7717 (510) 795-8500 http://www.logitech.com
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