Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 Reviews

• THE SIMPLE FACTS ON THE LOGITECH PRO 4000

  
  By A2BPNEK4FJSHFS on 2003-10-18
  Ok, where do I start... After searching through dozens & dozens of reviews (Not only on this site & not only for the Pro 4000) Did I Come to the choice of the Pro 4000. I've read many negative & many positive reviews for this Webcam, so I thought what the hell & purchased one to find out for myself. here's what I can tell ya.

  1. I use windows XP on my home pc and it installed the drivers for the Pro 4000 simply and efficiantly & works great.

  2. The picture you get from the webcam is very, very clear, even when lighting is to a minimum. I bought this webcam so i could use it to see family in the UK, my brother purchased a more expensive one and the Picture quality between the two is beyond comparison, the Pro 4000 outshines his phillips and my mothers logitech messenger.

  3. I like the auto zoom feature and you can also manualy zoom as well, so you have the best of both worlds.

  Here's the negative...

  1. Yes the microphone is sensative and does pick up background noise, if your having a party or playing loud music it's gonna pick it up.

  2. The USB cable is a little heavy and can move your webcam a little, depends on how much slack you have for the wire. But you dont have to be a rocket scientist to tape a little slack down at the back of your PC so it does'nt move.

  3. Reviews have mentioned how flimsy the base is, but I have had no problems with that.

  4. It should come with more directions. Installation directions are basic, but ok. Needs to have directions regarding the software that comes with it, the movie maker is fun but it's gonna take you a while to find out what does what, just be patient!

  5. If you want this webcam to take quality digital pics then dont bother, pics turn out grainy & not at all good quality.

  6. Price, I search various places for the best deal and found some amazing prices, but then read the reviews on the company's that's selling the Pro 4000 and been detered. This is what I can tell you. If you want this webcam then buy it from Amazon, $80.00 is in the middle of the price range, but I know that Amazon has never let me down on delivery time or refunds. If your still not convinced on the Pro 4000 then buy it from Best Buy, your gonna spend $104.00, try it & see for yourself, if you dont like it, return it with no hassles , if you do like it, return it anyway & then order it from Amazon for $20.00 less!!
  This saves you time in shipping and returning it, waiting for your money back etc..

  Well, that's it. Ive never tried any other webcam's because I didn't need to! This IS the one webcam for me & maybe you....
  
  

• Fantastic camera!

  
  By AUQQWQ5GTVKTQ on 2003-03-07
  I just received this camera and I'm a little blown away by the quality of it.

  First of all may I suggest that you don't test it out, first thing in the morning, when you have bed head? The startling clarity and resolution might depress you, as it did me. Heh.

  This cam's resolution and speed is remarkable. It's comparable to the laser sharp quality imaging you get with a digital camera ... crisp, clean and very responsive. Movement is immediate, there's no lag or delay, it's like using a video camera; it's that quick. On messenger chat, there is some delay, but that has more to do with the messenger server than the camera itself.

  I had an old logitech webcam that was grainy in picture, but still acceptable for using in conferences and on chat. I decided to spend the money and buy the pro version as an indulgence. The contrasting difference between the old cam and the new one is amazing. I cannot praise it enough.

  The software included with the camera is neat too ... offering a wide array of image recording from the single photo to video stream to setting up an online webcam. Roxio is another software program included in the package that allows you to later burn your video/images onto a CD (if you have a CD burner). The software also comes with something called face centering ... this takes tonalities and hues of the person in the image and makes sure it's evenly presented when a photo is snapped.

  The camera itself has a little button on the top of it that you can press to take single shots, as well as a privacy guard to put down over the lens when not in use.

  The only negative would be the lack of manual that comes with the camera. Logitech ships it with a single sheaf of paper, explaining how to install, but nothing about how to use the software in the package. Thankfully most information can be found online.

  I read reviews here saying the camera caused failures and other problems, so I was hesitant to buy it, but I'm glad I did. I've encountered no problems with it, but I do have a newer machine. I would suggest that if you don't have at least a newer/higher level video card (iNvida or RAGE), this camera probably isn't for you. It requires system resources to make it work to its full potential, and on older machines with older cards or not enough RAM (memory -- at least 512megs), you'll likely run into problems that others have described.

  Otherwise, buy this camera. It is very much worth the price.
  
  

• Not a good webcam

  
  By A18RZ493P29JW5 on 2002-12-03
  I bought the quickcam pro 4000 so I could set up a web page camera that would upload hi-res 1 megapixel stills to my web server. Upon installation of the software I discovered that the only way to use this camera for web video and still publishing is to sign up for a service called spotlife even though early versions of logitech software had automatic ftp upload capabilities.

  The spotlife service makes you fill out a bunch of personal information and agree to share that information with logitech's "partners." The service only allows you to record low-res stills and video instead of the higher resolutions that the camera is perfectly capable of shooting. Its plainly obvious that instead of providing software to benefit the user, logitech has decided to force the user to use it's service.

  Although the software is pretty "mickey mouse" for a "PRO product," shooting video and stills to your hard drive works well, but most people buy these cameras for use as webcams. If you need a webcam, do not buy this product!
  
  

• Very satisfied.

  
  By A231WM2Z2JL0U3 on 2002-10-24
  I bought this camera with expectations that it would be a bit better than the MCI Videophones I bought a decade ago. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's a *lot* better, thanks to better resolution (640 x 480), faster frame-rate (24+ FPS)and of course more robust broadband connections. Set-up was very simple: I installed the Logitech software (running WinXP-home), rebooted the computer and then plugged the camera into the USB hub as per the onscreen instructions that followed the reboot.
  In 2 minutes, I was up and running. The taskbar icon allows you to make any adjustments you want to the image, including zooming, and a somewhat imprecise rubber ring around the lens allows you to adjust the focus if necessary (it wasn't necessary). A very nice extra is the built in microphone, which is automatically set up during install and which does not require a separate mic jack (it uses the same USB connection as the video does). About the only complaint I have is the stand for the camera; it does not really lock the camera in very securely and therefore makes touching the camera (for example, to rotate the focus ring) a tricky, two-handed operation.
  
  

• Best camera I bought

  
  By A1UR3KXPLMF9NK on 2002-09-18
  The resolution on this webcam is a true 640x480 pixels, so the picture quality is very sharp. Best for video conferencing. Still images of 1.3 megapixels gives you good picture. It is a higher version of Pro 3000, with a Digital Zoom. Cool feature. Before buying this product, I bought a Logitech Quickcam Express, but the picture quality was very poor. Price is higher, but it's worth it if you use this camera very often.
  
  
• THIS IS THE ONE YOU WANT. Buy NOW, before 31 August 2005!!!
  By AV0FF0TZ6Q2YG on 2005-08-09
  This is loooong, I know, but bear with me if you will; I think it'll really help. (Note: $20 Logitech rebate offered for the month of August 2005-- Jump on it!)
  
  Pros:
  1) Best image clarity on the market. I have Comcast High-speed Internet and use it with their "Video Mail" software to outstanding result!
  2) Ease of set-up and installation for inexperienced and experienced alike.
  3) Simple user interface (software).
  
  Cons:
  (Note: all 'cons' are of a relatively insignificant nature, and in no way interfere with the actual performance of this webcam.)
  
  1) "Flimsy stand"- Explanation: I think most users are referring to a small, screw-in piece, which connects the camera to the base. This piece has a tendency to loosen with movement, but like I said, "screw-in" -- solution? ==> tighten it back down! If you are one of those people who like to frequently move your camera about for better angles and such, a single droplet (and I do mean ONE DROPLET) of your favorite brand of cyanoacrylate adhesive (aka- "Krazy Glue" or "Super Glue") applied to the threads with the tip of toothpick should solve your woes. I say only one droplet because this piece is made to be replaceable, and allows for a wider array of mounting options, if you get too "krazy" with the "Krazy Glue" these options will no longer be available to you should you need them; or if you break the piece somehow, you'd have to buy a complete new stand from Logitech, rather than just ordering a new connector.
  
  2) "The microphone is too sensitive." Explanation: Granted, the mic IS very sensitive, but is this really a problem? Depending on your application, it could prove beneficial. Besides, the mic sensitivity can be adjusted via the included software, and the reality of webcam mics is that very few (if ANY) are reliable for 2-way web communications; you end up with a lot of overlap, echo, and "Whats?" and "Huhs?" You might as well expect to invest in a headset; even the inexpensive ones provide marked improvement over the built-in webcam mics (which are really for room or ambient noise collection anyway). [Addition: if you should decide to stick with the built-in mic, I've found that it helps to position the privacy shade directly in front of it for less background noise interference (fans, typing, etc.)]
  
  3) "The snap shots aren't clear." Explanation: Well, no solution to this one. While the camera does take 1.3 megapixel snaps, have you ever really looked at a 1.3 megapixel photo? They ain't too pretty. [Lighting and distance play heavily into this issue too.] If it's clear snap shots you want, don't look to this webcam, or ANY webcam for that matter, buy a true digital camera instead. The snapshot function of this camera should be considered a fun extra, not a functional main reason for purchase.
  
  4) "The instructions aren't clear enough." Explanation: The camera and included software are simple to install and use. Don't be afraid to tinker with the settings, and customize them to your suiting -- You Cannot Hurt It. Just get in there and "tweak".
  
  5) "The USB cable is too heavy." Explanation: Come on now, "the cable is too heavy"? A heavier gauge USB cable is a good thing people. The thicker the wires inside, the faster and clearer the data transfer. I think this complaint comes back to the screw-in piece mentioned above in "con #1" (see above). Like reviewer, Adrian Derbyshire said, adjusting the slack in the cable solves this one just fine.
  
  
  Now for my personal tidbits:
  I ran into a bit of a problem the first time that I ordered this one online. A certain online retailer, who will unfortunately go unnamed (as per Amazon's guidelines), features an image of this camera, in the version of its retail packaging WITH the flat panel clip included. Well, WATCH OUT FOLKS! If you need the flat panel clip (and I DO recommend it- much more versatile and stable than the hard plastic version), pay attention to the packaging and seller's description and listing, and if in doubt, contact the seller prior to purchase. The "flat panel clip" or LCD monitor adapter, or other similar description, is the second, `extra' stand included with SOME versions of this camera. It is the flexible, rubber coated stand that Amazon shows with this camera in their description There are apparently two versions of retail packaging available for this webcam, one with the flat panel clip, and one without. Here's what to consider:
  
  [NOTE: See Correction Below!!!]
  >If the retail box itself is primarily BLUE, and mentions some included Yahoo! software, the flat panel clip Should Be Included --
  Again, Blue box + Yahoo! Software = Flat panel clip (in addition to the first, hard plastic version).
  
  >If, on the other hand, the box is mostly GREEN, and there is no mention of included Yahoo! software, DO NOT EXPECT the flat panel clip to be included. Apparently, Logitech updated their packaging shortly after the camera's release by including the additional stand and changing the software a bit. Most retailers aren't even aware of this distinction folks, and I have found no difference in price related to this issue.
  So, Green box + NO Mention of Yahoo! Software = NO Flat Panel Clip.
  
  Now for my initial reason for this 'dissertation' -- PRICE. I have to agree with reviewer, Adrian Derbyshire again; buy it from Amazon [PERIOD]. If I had, I truly believe that I would have had far less hassle with my flat panel clip issue. Plus, their price is much better than most, as well is their reputation. Additionally, for the month of August 2005, Logitech is offering a $20 rebate on the QuickCam Pro 4000! Couple that with Amazon's current 25% off sale price and you're looking at $47.44!!(before shipping). That's less expensive than many other webcams of much lesser quality!!! At this price, I'm ordering another one for my in-laws in Germany so that we can see them as clearly as they get to see us!
  
  That's a wrap. Sorry this is so lengthy, but I sincerely hope that it helps you with your decision, and can help others to avoid the hassle that I experienced with the flat panel clip issue.
  [...]
  Well, apparently there are MORE THAN 2 VERSIONS OF THE PACKAGING for this camera! As stated in my original post, I took advantage of the sale price and rebate offer and ordered another QuickCam Pro 4000 from Amazon.
  
  When the order arrived (3 days prior to estimated btw, and that's with FREE super saver shipping!) I was a bit stunned to see a green box instead of the blue one that I expected. I immediately thought "Oh No!", but was happy to see that even though the box was GREEN, the flat panel clip WAS INCLUDED. Additionally, there is no Yahoo! software, rather MSN Messenger was included instead (Go Figure?). [I'll try to get an image posted of the this packaging in the next few days]
  
  Turns out, the customer service rep. that I spoke with at Logitech was mistaken about the packaging for this camera. She specifically told me that there were 2 styles of retail packaging and outlined the differences that I originally posted, but obviously, there are more than 2 styles.
  
  So, bottom line is:
  ---> You'll just have to call your retailer and specifically ask if the flat panel clip is included or not. <---
  
  Hope this clarifies any confusion that may have been created. One would think that the manufacturer's representative would provide accurate information,... perhaps not.
  My apologies.
  
  
  Best,
  C. Garrett
  
  
• Does not work with messenger services
  By on 2003-01-24
  In case you're buying the 4000 to send video when using messenger programs, I'll try to save you some of the time I've spent searching for help and money calling the long distance customer support line.

  Logitech advertises the 4000 for use specifically with AOL IM or MSN Messenger, however, it doens't work with recent versions of either. Logitech customer support is aware of the problem, but is not changing their advertising, or posting any info about the problem on their website or help files. Logitech also doesn't know when they'll have a software upgrade that fixes this problem - one customer service rep estimated it would be a couple of months.
  
  

• It Works Perfectly - This is a good product!!
  By A2VT44MCMAW8RD on 2004-01-11
  OK, I did my due dilegence, searched the web, compared products and manufacturers, read most of the Amazon reviews and then purchased the Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000. I received it in short order (Thanks,Amazon!) and installed it on my PC. It was very simple to install (just read the instructions) and worked perfectly from the start. I was able to get it up and running in less than one hour, start to finish, and that included setting up MSN Messenger(tm), adding several people to the contact list and sending all of my contacts a note that I was ready. I was able to make some video clips and successfully sent them to selected contacts. I also had my first video conference, using MSN Messenger(tm), with one of my friends in Germany. Worked perfectly. I have a broadband connection, my friend is on dial up - it still was just fine. I am pleased and happy. I bought two, and sent one to my son in Japan, it will sure beat paying for lot's of overseas long distance phone calls.

  IMPORTANT NOTE!!!
  Please remember to get the updated version of software from Logitech's web site - this extra step will help ensure success. You will also need to download the latest and greatest version of the Instant Messaging software you plan to use, MSN, Yahoo or whatever.
  
  

• Great WebCam....
  By A1Z4930RTKRTKV on 2006-01-28
  Lots of people do not know the difference of CMOS sensor and CCD sensor... and that is the biggest impact on the quality of the images they will have with their webcam...
  
  The QuickCam Pro 400 has a CCD (which is the best sensor) and this means a great light sensitivity.
  
  I was amazed with the quality of this camera, and believe me that all my friends mention the same thing... This is perfect for Web Conferences... I use it on Skype, MSN, and to record some movies with the software that comes with it.. Quality is Great !!
  
  The Microphone on it good as well... It may pick up the background noise, depending where it is located of course.. but in the overall it has a good quality...
  
  Another simple but real handy feature is the plastic cover that goes over the lens and will prevent it from beeing on and filming when you really don't want it...
  
  Also, it comes with two goods monitor (or shelf) stands.. CRT or LCD...
  The list goes on with Face Tracking, Zoom and other stuff...
  
  You will Love this camera... Just as I love mine...
  :-)
  
  
• The best WebCam for NetMeeting
  By A2K3XAK8BP8LA on 2003-01-04
  I used to own a Kodak DVC325 WebCam and I thought it has good quality. Well, it was true until I start using NetMeeting with my brother in Taiwan. My brother owned a Logitech Pro 3000 which delivered great quality across half of the globe to us in the USA. That became the trigger for me to spend [more] to buy the Logitech Pro 4000. After I installed it, I can't believe my eye because the quality is as good as my Sony Digital Camcorder attached by firewire (IEEE 1394) to my computer. This WebCam comes with software that allows you to set it up as a motion detector. It also has Logitech IM Companion that allows your friends to see you from Yahoo or MSN Messenger. For Netmeeting, it deliver very stable image signal without large Mosaic. Though the price isn't [inexpensive], it does do a good job compared to other model. However, when I use it for capturing live video, it is not as good as the video that I captured using a Sony Digital Camcorder and Firewire card. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a WebCam and wonder about whether you should spent the [extra money] or not, wondering no more. It will server you well. A NetMeeting won't be good without your friends/family seeing you clearly on the other end. Hope this review helps you justify the price.
  
  
• QuickCam not compatible Window Media Center Edition 2005 OS
  By ADKBLGP86K8E on 2005-03-23
  Warning to anyone running the Window Media Center Edition 2005 (MCE) operating system - This webcam will not work with any messenger program (Yahoo, MSN, AIM)!
  
  From Logitech Tech Support:
  
  Thank you for your recent inquiry about your QuickCam Pro 4000.
  
  I understand that you would like to know if QuickCam is supported on the Window Media Center Edition 2005 OS.
  
  Unfortunately, I regret to inform you that QuickCam is not supported on the Window Media Center Edition 2005 OS currently. We are not sure when and if this OS will be supported.
  
  I request you to check back at the Logitech website in future for updates that may contain support for the Window Media Center Edition 2005 OS.
  
  I apologize for the inconvenience caused.
  
  
• The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
  By on 2003-11-29
  I am new to web cams and this is my first. Thanks, Amazon, for shipping it so quickly! That was really excellent service. My system is a Dell 1.6Ghz Pentium IV running Windows98SE with 512 SDRAM, 20 Gbyte disk, not the fastest, but pretty fast.

  The Good: It is a small and stylish camera with a nice long USB cord, 7 or 8 feet. The picture quality is nothing short of excellent but being new to this I had to tweak it a lot. It sent a great live moving picture through IM to the UK and the Brit on the other end thought it was great. The camera takes really nice stills, too, and files them for you (a task I'd rather do myself, but...). It also has numerous picture size options up to "megapixel."

  The Bad: Logitech's software put 6 or 7 new icons on my desktop. I am very territorial about my desktop and I didn't like this; one would have been sufficient. Also, the software tried to sneak in a sale for RealPlayer which I don't want or need (I use MS MediaPlayer, it's free after all). Then I discovered the software shipped with it was an old version, and I had to download a newer version from Logitech...this took another ten minutes or so even at DSL speeds.

  The Ugly: This thing uses a LOT of system resources, and I should have known (Duh!) While using the cam, I noticed my cursor took seconds to respond and at times I thought my system was frozen. I had to use msconfig from "Run" to unclick all the Logitech programs that were starting up with my system start-up. I also had problems when shutting down programs to run a defrag routine, I keep getting that "Safe Mode" screen saying the system was dangerously low on resources. I admit some of these problems may be blamed on Windows98SE (a notoriously unstable OS) but they never happened before I installed the Logitech software.

  All in all the camera and its pics are great, and the camera is very, very sensitive to lighting. I just wish Logitech had considered that an end user might not want all the so-called "extras" in their software. "K.I.S.S.," I always say. Would I buy this camera again knowing what I know now? Yes. BUT...
  
  

• Logitech Pro 4000 Simply The Best.
  By A1IAAQ57MT76IJ on 2003-04-03
  Well after contemplating for a while on which web cam to buy I ended up buying the Logitech Pro 4000. Main reason I brought this camera was because of the features that it has and the fact that it has a CCD lens over the standard CMOS lens that other webcams use. Prior to purchasing this cam I was using a Creative Webcam 3 which I guess did the job for most of the time. But it was always a problem under low lighting and also suffered from very grainy images or videos. However none of these problems occur with the Logitech Pro 4000 even under very low lighting! I am completly happy with this webcam and I have to say that it is one of the best things I have ever brought for my computer. I highly recommend this webcam to anyone who is contemplating on which cam to buy. It was so easy to setup right out of the box! The zoom, pan and tilt functions of the camera is such a nice bonus as well. But what made it best of the best in my book was its ability to out perform my Webcam 3 and no doubt others under very low lighting. In fact even under the very lowest of lighting conditions the Logitech Pro 4000 still out performed my Webcam 3 under the best lighting conditions possible in my computer room. This camera is worth every penny and I cannot say enough good things about it. So as I said before if you want the best webcam on the market in my opinion look no further than the Logitech Pro 4000 and I wish to say a Big Thank You to Logitech for creating such a fantastic webcam!
  
  
• Perfect for international communication
  By A2PKMVPX8JUPS5 on 2005-11-01
  I bought this last christmas and I have to wonder where my life was without it. I use windows XP and it was super easy to install. It works perfectly with MSN messenger and Yahoo messenger. I live in the US and have family back in England I don't get to see very often. This webcam is a perfect solution as I can chat with them online. I bought my brother the exact same model for his birthday and we chat with it all the time. I recommended my Mum to get one, and we can now video conference with each other without having to type a word as it has a built in microphone.Both sound and picture quality are superb and it has a user friendly zoom tool. This comes in very handy as we have a 4 month old that the grandparents constantly want to see. I would definetely recommend this to anybody that is looking for a good quality webcam that is very user friendly.
  
  
• Logitech Rebates are deceptive
  By A2YHLNC5VCG5J1 on 2005-11-28
  I purchased this product and so far am happy with it. I do, however, believe that Logitech as a company is deceptive in it's rebate allowance. I typically review rebate information very closely, as I know that rebates include as many restrictions as possible to avoid to company paying them out. I read the Amazon rebate description carefully a couple of times, and felt I could get the rebate upon purchase. When I went to Logitech to fill out the rebate, there was additional information restrictions that said you had to purchase BOTH a desktop AND a notebook webcam, and that both had to be on the same receipt. I found this to be not only deceptive, but also a little ridiculous, as I wonder how many people would actually buy BOTH a desktop and a notebook webcam.
  The best advice I can give you is assume that you will pay the price without the rebate, and count yourself lucky if a rebate is ever provided.
  
  
• Workable but very poor optics, weak to useless bundled s/w
  By AHROSV6WJOEGY on 2002-12-15
  This is a workable little device, but I wish Logitech had put in better optics. It has very crude optics, but there's a manual focusing ring. I couldn't find mention of that feature anywhere, so you've learned something here already!

  It needs a lot of light to provide a clear image, so if you're trying to use it for work you need to either have a big bright window or setup special lighting arrangements.

  The problem, though, is the supporting infrastructure. Logitech partners with a vendor who provides web cam support, but this partner focuses "adult recreation" and unsurprisingly isn't the most honorable of vendors. Every visitor to your site is invited to install some oddball spyware program; and you can be sure many will. That's not going to make friends! So the supporting web site is unusable.

  I tried corporate video conferencing using AT&T's WebEx to see if I could do [inexpensive] desktop vc across firewalls. The image you see is very small (resolution is limited in this mode to 640x480 and the picture is smaller than 640x480 pixels -- I don't understand that one yet!). Unsurprisingly, when you think about it a bit, WebEx couldn't keep up at all. So forget use across firewalls without some custom firewall configuration.

  I tested point-to-point video across a corporate WAN using Yahoo messenger (no firewalls). That worked better and might be feasible if there's no firewall. Image is only 640x480, the software supports 800x600 ONLY for video capture, not for video conferencing).

  ConquerCam is a [$$$] shareware package that does work well with this device. For sharing a whiteboard I use ConquerCam to acquire one image a second and ftp/transfer the image to an accessible server. This would work much better if the optics in this thing were improved; the optics are not the equal of the effective resolution (native lens resolution plus any on-device lossy compression). To get even barely useable results the device must be perpendicular to the viewed surface, this is hard in the absence of a tripod mount.

  In summary, poor optics, light sensor adequate, poor bundled software. I'd happily pay twice as much if they would use USB 2 or Firewire (to get adequate throughput -- USB 1 is barely up to transferring 1-2 XGA images a second), better optics, and include a tripod mount.
  
  

• Worthless Junk
  By A375FHPD7FQ45O on 2002-11-19
  I bought two of these cameras. After installation, the software ran successfully one time, then produced a "Server Busy" error on all later attempts. The software is buggy. Newer software is available on the Logitech site, but the download time is 3+ hours at 56K. Logitech tech support is poor. I got a 3 page list of suggested fixes from the Logitech site, tried them all, and experienced the same problems. Fortunately, I had opened only one of the camera boxes, so I can return the second one to Amazon.[com] The first one is going in the trash.
  
  
• Best webcam I have ever seen/used.
  By A330KR7Y0NLGFH on 2004-02-21
  After testing this camera I found the following things

  1. Video Qualtiy - The video quality is amazing. I got 640 x 480 @ 30 FPS. I use Windows Movie Maker to capture and edit. Awesome and free. (or Virtual Dub, I like windows movie maker format a little better though)

  2. Image Quality - The image quality is great, for its design. The resolution is 640 x 480 = 307 200 dots in the picture. For photo quality you need 2 000 000 minimum. So as you can see its no where near that. But for web shots its great.

  3. Base - I heard many complaints about base. I know why. If you look at the webcam base there is a little notch for the webcam to be put in a certain way. If you dont' put it in right then it will not stay in very well.

  4. MSN 6.x - If you plan on using this with MSN 6.x and both parties have windows xp and a webcam use the video conferencing feature, much better then the normal webcam feature.

  TIP: In the cmaera settings, Take white balance and take it off of auto and put it on the one that makes it look the most natual. For me I have flourescent lightbulbs and incandescent looks the best.

  TIP 2: If you want to avoid a crappy and grainy picture/video, make sure you take exposure off of auto and lower the gain. Less gain, less grain. Only do this if you use the same lighting all the time.
  
  

• Works well with MSN messenger.
  By AA6RWJFWFADKU on 2003-12-01
  I am a software developer who telecommutes full time from my home in WA to my job in AZ. I really like this webcam. It was easy to install and it is easy to use. The picture is great and the microphone works really well. MSN Messenger plays a big part in my communications with my colleagues and the Quickcam Pro works well with MSN Messenger.

  When people complain about the picture quality, you have to ask them "what software are you using and what kind of Internet connection do you have?" With MSN, if you choose the "Video Conversation" option, you will get the camera's best picture. But, if you choose the "Video Conference" option, the picture quality is not the best. This is an issue with the MSN Messenger software, not the camera.
  
  

• Mixed bag of good and bad
  By A3HV45Z519U2GL on 2002-12-28
  Construction is very cheap; Logitech should include super glue to mount the camera on the base. Don't try to adjust the rubber focus ring unless you're just out of the shower; it requires bone-dry fingers to grip and not slip. Tech support is pretty bad; "return it," is all they say (and then, I suppose, I'd get back a refurbed one). Spotlife isn't too expensive, but it's a shame if the other reviewer is correct in saying that it was not required to webcast from previous QuickCams. The follow-the-head feature is neat and the included software is functional, if not pretty good. In conclusion: although I never had the 3000, I'd bet the 4000 is Logitech's recession version - rather than raising the price when the economy won't support it, spend less in manufacture and support AND make the end-user cough up more cash in the long run. Face it, folks: it's where Microsoft and Intuit are going...I hope DELL doesn't adopt the model; they're the last refuge of "Pay a little ONCE and enjoy."
  
  
• I cannot believe the reviews this camera got
  By A1UNYTDA0XZARN on 2003-10-13
  I cannot believe the reviews this camera got !

  So far my experience with it has been sub-optimal.
  Setup was very simple.

  I dont see what is so great about it. It performs about the same as my connectix/logitech quickcam vc-which was poor.

  The pic is fuzzy and no amout of fooling around with the focus ring gets it sharp.
  The camera stand is flimsy-a piece of junk.
  The visor falls off.
  The camera is too light for the usb cable and you really can't get it to stand up straight-not to mention aiming it.
  The cam moves rolls around in the ball socket thing.

  PIECE of CRAP
  
  

• Excellent choice for small businesses
  By A4IL0CLL27Q33 on 2006-01-27
  I purchased three as a test. One went to Detroit, one to Orlando and one stayed in NY with me. My two remote sales people, neither of whom are techies, had the cameras set up with their laptops in 15-20 minutes. It took us 20-30 minutes to figure out the volume settings on one of the Dell laptops and then we tried our first internet video chat. It worked like a dream. The built in video phone call software is amazingly easy to use, and it seems impervious to firewall problems (must use port 80).
  
  After a week I purchased 5 more and now we all have one. Four people have it attached to laptops and four have it attached to desktops. We all use XP, fully patched.
  
  My people love it AND our phone bills are down around 10%. More importantly, my remote sales people feel like they are more a part of the company, and it looks like the people in my office have stepped up their response times to requests made by the sales people because they can actually look each other in the eye.
  
  I logged on today to buy 3 more cmaeras - this time for buyers at key customers. Let's see how things work when they can video conference with me right from their desk when they need something. If I dodn't think that the installation process was idiot-proof, I would never try this with my customers - none of whom have CS degrees.
  
  
• Great Camera inferior support and drivers
  By A2OM6X71U37NTB on 2003-01-03
  This is a great web camera. It comes equiped with a motion detector that works well and great video. Excellent support software for setting it up and making movies. It blended well with all of my software, Netmeeting, Yahoo, Windows Messenger, ect. However it installed well with a new Dell w/Win XP and cost me 4 days on a another XP machine with the SP-1 service pack installed. They have a patch but quickly refer you to microsoft for support. You will need to remove your SP-1 and hopefully you can. I had to reinstall XP on this machine. Then you have to remove registeries using regedit. You are going to spend time talking to Microsoft as Logitech won't help. They have an SP-1 XP patch that apparently didn't work. The camera is worth the trouble. I have been through several including the Intel Line. This really is a great line of Web Cams.
  
  
• Poor software, marginal optics
  By A6I84XRTGWF6V on 2004-05-20
  I wish I'd weighted jfaughnan's evaluation more before purchasing this camera...

  1. Software = useless for webcam image uploading. For additional software from a third party, Logitech points to a website that hasn't worked since 2003. Logitech's technical support is extremely poor: incomplete and incorrect responses to basic questions appear to be standard.

  2. Very low picture quality in low light. I am not sure what some other reviewers were raving about; this camera does not perform well in anything but a very highly lit room. Compared side-by-side to my very old Intel CS430, the Logitech had distorted color and an overall poor quality image (regardless of endless tweaking of calibration tools).

  3. Motion-tracked video capture is very poor. I originally thought that I finally had something worth considering keeping the camera for until opening a saved clip. At first, the video appears well-lit, then almost instantly the video becomes 80% darker. Again, no setting adjustments overcome this flaw. Very odd.

  4. If you still think you'll test the camera yourself, don't buy from Amazon. You'll end up being out the shipping cost to send it back. Do yourself a favor and buy it from a local store. I used to love Amazon until this purchase.
  
  

• Love this little webcam
  By A2I66TM48M1CIT on 2004-12-07
  At first I was a bit hesitant to get this camera, because some of the reviews were negative about installing with Windows XP SP2. Well, I was up and running in about 5 minutes, with no problems at all. I went to the logitech website and downloaded the most current driver for this camera. I already had directx 9. If you don't have that installed, logitech will ask you to do that first. After I downloaded that, I closed out all of my extra programs, including my antivirus program and yahoo messenger. Then I ran End It All, a neat little program that will close out many of your hidden programs that are running in the background, and can be found for free on downloads.com. I do this for any program I install, to ensure a clean install. Believe me it makes a difference. I clicked on my new downloaded driver and I was ready to go. (Do not plug in your camera till you've installed the driver and you are asked to plug in the camera. This is very important.) Never even used the CD that came with it. That would be outdated by now. The picture was so great, much to my dismay because it showed all of my wrinkles (I'm 58). Recorded videos in a manner of minutes, and emailed to people for feedback. They received and were able to play them with no problems. Audio was excellent. If you're hesitant, like I was, try it out and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
  
  
• Quite Pleased
  By AHLZGWYNFXM8N on 2002-10-27
  Having owned the previous model (3000) for about a year, and happy with it, this newer versions improves on a few shortfalls.
  First of all, the stand is MUCH improved. It pivots & rotates nicely. Secondly, the viewed image, picture is noticely better and with added zoom feature, I am very pleased. Having seen some cheaper webcams, this is certainly worth the few extra dollars to own this quailty webcam.
  Happy "camming"
  
  
• Greate Web Cam
  By on 2003-04-30
  This is my first WebCam. I do own still digital cameras. Just installed the Camera and S/W last night. It is a good looking device, not Military hardware, but good quality. Installed on a Dell w/Win XP Pro SP1 2.2GHz. Installation was smooth. Works great with Netmeeting, except that the audio has to be run using the computer's microphone (still have to investigate this). On AIM, once you start the AIM companion, the thing was easy to use, just use the companion to start the IM chat session, the first thing will be other person will see is an invitation link to your video session. On connection the Video comes out. Like very much the animation features of the S/W and Movie support. I purchased it more as a Teleconferencing item. Need to explore more about it. Image quality is very good to be just 640x480. I have not tried the still photography support yet.
  
  
• Great camera, good price
  By A2LMSGCTXRJK1T on 2005-11-18
  I bought two of these cameras when my girlfriend was going to move overseas for a few months. We were not disappointed! Using the camera/microphone along with MSN messanger we are able to have really nice, fluid conversations. There is little to no delay on the voice, and the video really depends on your internet connection. Most of the time it's very smooth, only blurring if people move quickly.
  
  When I bought it i got a rebate for $40 i think, and that's what really influenced me to buy. Maybe wait for the 5000 to come out with a rebate now? I'm not sure. But i definitely recommend this camera and any future upgrades of the same model!
  
  As for people trying to communicate overseas, skype is a good program. And Lingo is by far the best broadband phone company I've ever found. Free equipment, $20 a month for unlimited minutes to all of the US, Canada, and Western Europe!! If you get referred you get a free month and an extra $25 credit. It really saves money and calling cards!
  
  
• video is clear but the color is fade.
  By A1HYTFNCKIV3JE on 2005-11-28
  I bought both Logitech quickcam Pro 4000 and quickcam notebook Deluxe at the same time. Here I will discuss only Pro 4000. The video of Pro 4000 is very clear when I chatted with friend in Los Angeles. My friend said that the sound and video is very good.
  
  However, when I chatted with friend from international, the video is stopped...It may be because of the connection. When in the low light condition, the quality of video is grainy but still see the activities that I monitored (my baby). (However, this is better than quickcam notebook deluxe. The Deluxe, when is in the low light, it's very dark and can't identify the activities from the video.)
  
  And when doing conference call over internal LAN to another computer, its sound is echo. I can hear my voice from far away.
  
  I got this one is quite expensive (79$). When compared with Logitech quickcam fusion ($99), I think the Fusion is better. No problem with sound and ultra-wide field of view. and when compared with Creative web cam Ultra, the pixel and color of video of Ultra is far better too. The still image of Ultra is far more clearer. But the Ultra is not compatible with my Labtop. Thus, I choose pro 4000 instead.
  
  
• Supported under Linux
  By A145J3VRMT3E7X on 2003-01-06
  A couple of the other reviewers mentioned that the Windows software shipped with the camera was quite poor. I haven't noticed, as I've been using camera with Linux. The camera works fine with the Philips USB Camera Driver.

  Amazon rules don't let me include a URL, but a quick Google search should bag you the driver site for the (binary only) PWCX driver needed by the open source PWC driver, that ships with the kernel, to get the best out of the camera hardware.
  
  

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