Advice on buying a webcam?

[blue-eye-boy]

Hey all, well I'm in the market of buying a new webcam. Any advice, what specs, where to buy and so on. I want one with a built in mic, and the best possible video quality. My max limit is R400. Anyone know of a website maybe that compare these things, or do tests? Thanks

 

[overandout]

The two main brands that set the pace here are Logitech and Microsoft.

The best one that falls more or less in your price class is the Logitech Fusion. I am personally using this one with excellent results when Skyping with family in the UK. They are using the Microsot Lifecam NX-6000 which is also a big favourite of mine, due to the compact size and great video quality, but it is just about twice the price of the Logitech Fusion.

These guys are selling several Logitech models for very competitive prices:

http://www.pcint.co.za/components.php

I will suggest that you at least get one with a wide-angle lens, otherwise you will have to sit directly in front of the camera for the other party to see you and they won't be able to see the person sitting next to you.

It is important to buy a relatively decent one, otherwise the low-quality picture of other ones will quickly put you off the idea of using this technology. Also, the investment into a good camera will last you for some time, as the advancement in webcam technology is not quite as brisk as in other areas of computer technology, due to the fact that it is constrained by the speed of the networks and advancement in realtime-capable videoconferencing software. It serves no purpose to have a 10MP Webcam when the highest resolution that Skype and other videoconferencing programs currently offer is 640x480 (on a machine with a Core 2 Duo CPU.)

 

[blue-eye-boy]

Thanks, was thinking of logitech after a bit of googling and so on. I was thinking of buying direct, not online.

 

[overandout]

Thanks, was thinking of logitech after a bit of googling and so on. I was thinking of buying direct, not online.

PC International is a brick-and-mortar PC store in Randburg, and they do deliver as well. They do not have an online facility to buy items.

- You guys owe me for the plug! -

 

[LazyLion]

Hey all, well I'm in the market of buying a new webcam. Any advice, what specs, where to buy and so on. I want one with a built in mic, and the best possible video quality. My max limit is R400. Anyone know of a website maybe that compare these things, or do tests? Thanks

Major factor to look out for... what is the lighting like in the area where you are going to use this? Good Lighting... not an issue... but if lighting is low... then either beef up the lighting or go for a good Microsoft WebCam.

 

[blue-eye-boy]

Major factor to look out for... what is the lighting like in the area where you are going to use this? Good Lighting... not an issue... but if lighting is low... then either beef up the lighting or go for a good Microsoft WebCam.

Well I think lighting is good, florescent light.

 

[blue-eye-boy]

So I got the microsoft lifecam vx-1000. Hi-Fi Corp had them for R299, so went to Game, and they were R399! So I told them hi-fi corp's price and they gave it to me for that price. Quality is good imo.

 

[Hosehead]

Anyone care to give an update on webcams available. Is it necessary to spend R1500 at Incredible Ripoff or a logitech tracking camera? for skype or will any old R500 webcam do the same job?

 

[Gundam]

Anyone care to give an update on webcams available. Is it necessary to spend R1500 at Incredible Ripoff or a logitech tracking camera? for skype or will any old R500 webcam do the same job?

For basic Skype videoconferencing a R500 one will do. Actually just picked up a Logitech S5500 at Makro for R569 yesterday. Performs well, but if you are regularly going to be joined by another party on your side, I would recommend one higher up with a wide-angle lens. If it is just you mostly, then this one will definitely do.

I have high-end Microsoft ones and Logitech ones and if I had to choose, I would go for the Logitech ones because they perform much better in low-light conditions and they give a clearer picture.