Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 WebCam Reviews

• One of the best webcams out there. Quickcam Pro 5000 vs. Quickcam Fusion

  
  By ABIVKBMSIPEDY on 2006-06-10
  Trust me, you don't want to waste your money on a cheap webcam. The price for this item might seem a little expensive for a webcam, but you get what you pay for: it's much better quality, design, smooth video, and extra features.
  
  The Quickcam Fusion uses a CMOS sensor, whereas the Quickcam Pro 5000 uses CCD. Fusion does use a higher CMOS sensor compared to low-end webcams, BUT low quality webcams also still use CMOS technology. Most will argue CCD as being better than CMOS. Granted, the results also show (read on further).
  
  - The Quickcam Fusion can tilt 90 degrees back, but it can't tilt forward AND it CANNOT swivel from side to side.
  - The Quickcam Pro 5000 can tilt 45 degrees up, about 10 degrees down, AND 360 degrees to the sides. The Quickcam Pro 5000 wins in terms of mobility.
  
  The rubber tail is much more flexible on the Quickcam Pro 5000. You can straighten the tail to lay flat on a desk or on top of a CRT monitor; or bend to put it on your LCD monitor. Unlike the Quickcam Pro 4000, the 5000 does not come with a second base to attach; I mean, there's really no need for it since you can just adjust the tail.
  
  If you plan on taking lots of STILL pictures with the webcam, then the Fusion would be a better choice. The Quickcam Fusion is true 1.3 mega pixel; whereas the Quickcam Pro 5000 is 1.3 mega pixel INTERPOLATED -- meaning it is software enhanced to create a high resolution still picture. However, the whole point of a webcam is for video, anyway; they have digital cameras for taking still pictures. So, in terms of video, the Quickcam Pro 5000, overall, has a clearer video with more vibrant colors. However, bright light will look washed out in white. The Fusion doesn't do a good job with fast motion, as it will blur -- but it does, however, do a better job in low light conditions.
  
  The Logitech Pro 5000 has a wide lens of 63 degrees; the Fusion has a wider lens of 78 degrees. If you plan on using the webcam with lots of members, then the Fusion would probably do a better job of fitting everyone on the screen; however, if you plan to use it alone more often, the Logitech Pro 5000 would be a better choice.
  
  With the Logitech's top-line webcams -- Logitech Quickcam Pro 5000, Quickcam Fusion, and Quickcam Orbit -- includes the Logitech Video Effects. With only those Logitech webcams, you can add cool special effects on yourself, like glasses or gas mask, while you chat with your friends. Like the face tracking feature -- as freaky as this may sound -- it will try to recognize the position of your eyes, nose and mouth and add those special effects on you. I really like this feature and it makes chatting a lot more fun. However, don't expect it to work 100% perfectly: moving around too much would make the special effects disappear and the camera would need to detect your face again; it can be a pain for many, especially when it complains that there isn't enough light to detect. It'll probably work better for people with distinct big eyes and lips. I am Asian but it still worked for me. (Um, whatever that means.) Just remember not to move around too much. You can also choose different avatars, such as a 3D shark, that will follow your movements. The Logitech Video Effects is an extra feature, which some may not really appreciate, but when it works, trust me, it is a lot of fun. You can download more video effects from Logitech's website. Along with the video effects, you can also record video at 640x480 and save it as a (somewhat) compressed AVI.
  
  You can adjust the exposure, brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, white balance, gamma, mirror horizontal/vertical, etc. The microphone is located above the green LED on the webcam, and it does a really good job picking up sound.
  
  If you prefer a more modern look then you'd probably lean more towards the Fusion, whereas the Quickcam Pro still has the early round eye-ball webcam 1.0 look. But personally, I like the black finish and silver rings on the Pro 5000; it goes well with my black monitor. However, what's more important is the video performance. Overall, the Quickcam Pro 5000 is one of the best webcams out there today. Don't settle for a cheap webcam - it's just a waste of money.
  
  IMPORTANT: The software CD inside the package might be outdated (most likely), so don't use it if it is. Just download the latest from Logitech's website. And make sure you install the software first, before connecting the camera, to avoid any further issues.
  
  

• excellent video quality

  
  By A2NXCQS8E99C6R on 2006-01-17
  I've used this webcam with 3 different people so far, and they all report good image quality. One person said that, when the video is viewed full screen, the picture quality is almost as good as a standard definition TV. From my perspective, I could only judge the picture quality of the other parties, and they were pretty poor, probably because they used cheap webcams that were a few years old.
  
  I have used 2 different instant messaging software, MSN and Skype 2.0 beta. While the picture qualities were similar, Skype had significantly better frame rate, and hence motion was not as jerky. However, neither system even came close to 30 frames/sec.
  
  One tip I have is that if your room is dark or you have strong backlighting, you should switch on the low light setting in the software.
  
  

• Great Camera, Horrible Software

  
  By A22VNF8GION1EB on 2006-07-07
  I've tried several different webcams, and the Logitech 5000 by far has the best image. Its especially good under low light conditions, where the other cameras I tried didn't work very well. I use the 5000 regularly for videoconferencing via Skype, and it works very well with this service.
  
  The software, however, is downright awful. When trying to set the audio, for instance, the whole system will freeze up completely. I couldn't kill the process at all, and I couldn't even reboot - I had to physically hit the power switch on the computer to restart it. As a programmer, I can tell you that it takes some pretty bad coding to completely lock up a system like that. As a workaround, I had to change the settings on my microphone manually in windows Control Panel and then never ever touch the Logitech camera settings program.
  
  In scanning the web, I've noticed that many other users have had similar problems with their Logitech software. Its a shame that Logitech would release such a nice piece of hardware with such horrible software. So, if you buy this product, cross your fingers that their software will work with your system.
  
  

• Good webcam, if its compatible with your PC

  
  By ARTXSD1Y8ZZRO on 2006-10-20
  Read the great reviews here so I bought two Pro 5000 webcams. Installed with the included software (v9.5) and got the notorious BSOD (blue screen). Tried on 2 different boxes, both nearly new mid-range Dells; same result. Software installs fine but as soon as the computer detects the webcam hardware it barfs. Forums on the web (including Logitech) show that this problem has a high occurence rate and not just on Dells.
  
  There is a new version (10.0.0 Build 1439) downloadable from the Logitech website; surprisingly, it installed cleanly and smoothly with no problems. BTW, there is no upgrade path from v9.x to 10.0, it has to be a new install.
  
  Performance: works quite well (at least with Skype 2.0), especially in low-light settings. For high back-light issues, override the automatic setting under Advanced Settings and adjust the gain. Face-tracking was bothersome, too distracting with all the zoom-in/zoom-out movement, I eventually disabled it. Automatically recognizes resident software that could use the webcam (Skype, MSN/AOL/Yahoo/Windows Messenger). If you opt to not use the headset you will find that the echo cancellation works well. v10 software records in wmv format, not avi (v 9.5), for those who care. Avatar concept is interesting. Not happy that the included software didn't work but pleased with the final outcome.
  
  My advice would be to create a system restore point (XP) before you start this process because there are some very frustrated end-users reporting unresolved problems with v9.5 and v10.0 ranging from corrupted OSes, BSODs and 100% CPU utilization(v10.0). Most of the problems seem to be with the newer machines running XP. My CPU utilization rate is high (50%) for the quickcam10.exe process, this is on a Pentium D820 dual core running XP SP2. Easily met the system requirements and one would think that with the CPU resources allocated to this process I would get the advertised 30 fps, not so, there is definitely a noticeable lag when moderate movement occurs.
  
  Bottom line, works very well on my 2 PCs with Logitech v10 software. I would give a 4 star for performance, however with the reported problems and potential user research time for compatibility issues I will downgrade to an overall 3 star rating.
  
  

• Keeping a dispersed family together

  
  By AG77OCMX1WB on 2006-02-23
  I have purchased five of these cameras for distant family members, all of whom are seniors and largely casual computer users. In every case, they have reported that installation of the camera's software and hardware went smoothly and without incident.
  
  The Quickcam works seamlessly with instant messaging software freely available on the Internet. This software enables you and your correspondents to know when each other is online and available to engage in a video conversation. We have encountered some difficulties with MSN Messenger. Navigating the maze of commercially-oriented distractions, in order to acquire the necessary .NET Passport, which is a prerequisite to downloading MSN Messenger itself, can be a challenge. Downloading and installing Skype, on the other hand, is as easy and simple as installing the camera.
  
  The QuickCam provides superbly sharp images, adjusting itself automatically to maintain the right exposure level. Color balance depends on available lighting and is not automatic. For those who want to tweak the balance, rather than change the lighting, the software provides a means to adjust the balance to obtain the most pleasing color tones.
  
  The QuickCam Pro comes with a built-in microphone, but I can't comment on its sound quality. My family had already been using headset microphones to carry on audio conversations, with Net2Phone and Skype. We split the audio signal coming out of the computer's sound card, with a duplex adapter picked up at Radio Shack. That way, we can hear through both the headphones and the speakers; turning down the speaker volume, if necessary to avoid echoes, and turning it up to share the conversation with others in the room. With the Quickcam Pro, we have so far simply continued to use the headsets, rather than change over to relying on the computer's speakers and the microphone built into the camera. If one keeps the speaker volume down and arranges their placement relative to the Quickcam's microphone, to avoid feedback, one could eliminate the fumbling around we now go through in locating, disentangling the wires and putting on the headset when a call comes in.
  
  Another plus for the Quickcam Pro is that it works with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Two qualifications, however. First, before you purchase a Quickcam Pro 5000, check your computer's specifications against the system requirements listed on the box. Your computer must be using a recent version of its operating software and have a processor speed faster than 500 MHz. The Quickcam Pro software will not install on a computer that can't handle the processing demands of streaming video images with 1.3 megapixel resolution. Second, for a social experience which is not constantly distracted by the breaking up of sound and images, it is really necessary to have a high-speed connection to the Internet. If these two conditions are met, you can look forward to endless hours of free, "almost as good as being there" visits with family and friends.
  
  
• Perfect WebCam... U will love it !!
  By A1Z4930RTKRTKV on 2006-05-26
  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 5000 has a CCD (which is the best sensor) and this means a great light sensitivity.
  
  I had the QuickCam 4000 and since I was impressed with the quality, and all of my friends stated that the image of my webcam was really great (compared to the cheap ones), I decided to give my 4000 to my parents and get the new one.
  
  Acctually, there is not a whole lot of difference between both of them, and I keep most of the coments I had for the 4000 to the 5000...
  
  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...
  And I must say I am a fan of it since the 4000 :-P
  
  
• good image
  By A2RLJEJXGL8EJN on 2005-11-26
  Good image quality. average sound. you may expiriance a problem to install software and then device itself from CD, which has older version of the installation software. Fortunately there is a latest version of installation package on Logitech support website. I was looking primarily for image quality and I'm quite satisfied.
  
  
  
• Poor software = only two stars
  By ACHTDPEQYSEQL on 2006-07-26
  In the box you will find not only the webcam, but also a headset for use while using Skype or other internet phone / chat services. The webcam has a flexible support that you can conform to your LCD monitor for a secure fit.
  
  The webcam itself is pretty nice and I understand the good reviews that it has received for the quality of the video. I plan on using the webcam with Skype and the hardware is exactly what I needed. However, the software that comes with the webcam is horrible.
  
  The first time that I tried to install the software onto my computer, I used the installation CD that came with the webcam. I followed the directions and after rebooting, I plugged in the camera per the instructions. Instead of finding the webcam, my computer showed the blue screen of death. Unnerved by this experience, I restored my computer to a time prior to the software installation and downloaded the latest software from the Logitech website.
  
  The downloaded software installed without crashing my computer. However, during the installation process, I got numerous errors from Windows stating that the hardware was not compatible with Windows XP Pro. I was given the option of continuing the installation which I did, but why was I getting these errors at all? The camera seems to work just fine, but how long till my system suffers a crash?
  
  Another complaint that I have is that the installation will put several programs onto your computer that startup when you start your computer. I good piece of software will give you the option of whether or not you want it to start when Windows starts. However, the only way to prevent the webcam software from starting every time you start windows is to edit your registry. I run some processor intensive programs on my computer which is why I don't want random programs running when I am not using them. If you don't mind all of the Logitech programs running in the background, then this last point is probably not a big deal to you.
  
  In summary, it seems like a descent webcam and the face tracking option is pretty cool. However, I am concerned about the compatibility with Windows XP Pro and the numerous programs that Logitech will have running on my computer. Do not use the CD that came with the webcam. Instead be sure to download the latest version from the Logitech web site. I will be returning this camera to find one more compatible with my needs.
  
  
• Beware of incompatibility issues
  By A10J4O3J4F0XZ on 2006-06-19
  Image wise, this cam is probably the best in the market, period . However, Logitech needs to solve some incompatibility issues with windows xp. After installing the Quickcam 5000 my computer would only boot up to a black screen. A quick web search found many others around the globe having the same problems. Apparently it has to do with some audio features of the cam, nonetheless I had to go back to my old cam until Logitech comes up with a decent solution. Some people seem to have had a smooth ride though, so try at your own risk.
  
  
• Install Problems
  By A3T0GNP4ZU9LZ1 on 2006-01-29
  Camera looks great, but crashes system every time I plug in to USB port. I am running Windows XP SP 2 on a 2.4 GHz P4 with 1 GB memory so there should be no system issues. I downloaded the updated software from Logitech and this didn't fix the problem. I plan on returning the camera.
  
  Also, according to the support email I got back from Logitech, which was no help, "The Logitech video cameras are compatible with the USB 2.0 specification, but not compliant. This means the Logitech camera will function properly when plugged into a USB 2.0 port, but the webcam feature will function with the USB 1.1 specifications. The biggest difference between the two USB specifications is speed. So the webcam will work and have full functionality, but it will run at the maximum 12Mbits/sec speed of the USB 1.1 specification."
  
  
• Works on Mac
  By A1N4494PGV23FB on 2007-10-27
  Finding information on what web cams will work on a Mac is not simple. Apparently Macs with OSX 10.4.4 and are compatible with any web cam that is UVC configured. Finding out what is UVC configured is not easy either, but this Pro 5000 is. Apparently not all Logitech cams have this configuration. I have a Mac Mini with 10.4.10, and the cam worked right out of the box with no software installation necessary. As indicated in other places, the mic on it does not work on the Mac, but I have a mic anyway for use with Skype. I suspect that this cam would work better on a PC with the software that comes with the cam. On the Mac, there is no capability that I can see for adjusting white balance, light sensitivity, etc. I have no way of comparing this cam with others, but it does what I want it to with Skype, giving an adequate picture in a room with average lighting. Daylight gives a better picture.
  
  
• Great Picture, Great Design
  By A1Z763Y6ZLF5CZ on 2005-12-13
  I am very happy with the picture quality of this camera. It also has face tracking software that has worked very well (much better than the hardware solution I saw in the original quickcam orbit). The base is ingenious and flexes to fit almost any surface. I set it flat on my desk pointed up at me as well as on top of my flat-panel monitors (pointed straight ahead basically). I can't imagine it not working on a standard CRT as well.
  The microphone works well too. As soon as I plugged it in I stopped using my bluetooth headset for computer calls. I get very little sound repetition/echo even using it in a "speakerphone" environment. Still shots are so-so, but that's expected with a webcam.
  
  
• Great purchase, worth the money
  By A102L5Q8UF3L6N on 2006-03-10
  I purchased 2 of these cameras a few weeks ago, one for myself and the other for my boyfriend who lives on the west coast. We have been using Live Messenger (the new version of MSN) with the camera and are pretty impressed with the picture quality. While this camera is pretty expensive (compared to say the Logitech BuddyCam pak which comes with 2 cameras for around $50-$60), the extra features that are enabled with this camera, make it well worth the price. The face tracking and the ability to zoom in and zoom out are some of the best features. We chose to only use the cameras for video and our cell phones for the audio, since the audio can be very choppy at times with all the internet congestion. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone looking for a more high end camera that is under $80.
  
  
• Software crashes with AMD 64 X2 CPU
  By A3ATEN6LN0ZBB4 on 2007-02-22
  Go check out Logitech's own forums. The software for this camera crashes Windows if you have a new AMD dualcore CPU. I have contacted Logitech about this and they offer no fix nor pretend to have one in the works. Don't get this camera if you have a CPU like mine.
  
  
• Software its weakness
  By A2MUK1LZNHF7PN on 2006-11-12
  I bought this camera to replace my Quickcam 4000 (USB1.1) but was very disappointed with the software drivers that came with it. I also went to the website to download the latest software but encounter several problems. The installation was straight forward--load the disk, reboot and connect the camera to a 2.0 USB slot. The setup was real easy and the picture/color quality was actually very good. Here's where I run into the problems. I found that whenever I reboot my computer (Core 2 duo with 2.4Ghz CPU, ATI 1900XTX, 2 WD Raptor HDs, Intel MOB D975XBX and Corsair DDR2/800 memory), the Quickcam Pro 5000 would never show up in the hardware setup (as being installed). I had to unplug/replug the USB connector to get my computer to see the camera. Shortly after-- my audio (using windows media player or Intel's Audio Studio software), started to sound scratchy or muffled. When I uninstalled/reinstalled the camera, the audio would be good but only a couple of minutes. It seems like there was a conflict between Logitech's software driver and intel's hardware and XP Pro. I made sure I had the latest audio and mothboard drivers as well but still encountered the same old problems. I later read some comments from other people on different websites who encountered similar problems. What was really frustrating was that when I uninstalled everything and reinstalled my Quickcam 4000 with its software--everything when back to normal--audio and hardware recognition. I've been using my old camera with my new system for about 4 days now and haven't had any problems. The only I can say is that if Logitech can get the software squared away--this will be a very good camera. It has a 2.0 USB connection which should make video/audio very quick. Until then--I'll have to wait until they sort it out.
  
  
• Awesome
  By AJDF5L8U9R9F1 on 2006-02-17
  I'll try to stick to the facts, but first let me say that this little gadget has been awesome and has helped enrich the lives of my family by being able to keep in touch with family thousands of miles away.
  Good picture quality, face tracking is cool, logitech extras are good. Hook up was easy. Directions were simple. I don't have a single complaint about this thing. In fact, I plan on buying some for my parents next Christmas so my new daughter can see and talk to her grandparents.
  ENJOY!!
  
  
• A good webcam
  By A144884C16053V on 2006-04-03
  this is really a good webcam, and well worth its price i should say. Its face tracking feature, microphone everything works fine. the picture quality is also very good. i will certainly recommend this webcam for budget buyers. its well worth the money.
  
  
• Great Camera But;......
  By A360329EXDLF7Y on 2006-04-01
  This camera has great video and works well with skype but the avatar software has much to be desired. Works sometimes but most times it does not. I have a FAST pc with a meg of ram so I know it is not my pc. I also have 256meg of video ram. If you want a great camera for just voip, this is it. The mic features work well too.
  No regrets from me.
  
  
• No problems here
  By A2DC7XPHNFLXOB on 2007-07-10
  I have Windows XP service pack 2. Before I even plugged the camera in I downloaded the latest software and drivers from the Logitech web site. I installed the software and when prompted plugged in the camera. I have had absolutely no problems with the camera. My system is a homebuilt AMD 64 system. I have all the latest XP updates.
  
  The camera itself works great. Even with only light from the monitor you can get an excellent picture due to the right light technology. I'm very happy with this purchase though I was wary because of some bad reviews. Glad I gave it a try.
  
  My guess as to why some people have such nightmare stories is that they didn't follow the instructions. You need XP service pack 2 and the latest drivers before even plugging the camera in. People need to read and follow instructions before laying the blame on the company.
  
  
• This is a great deal
  By AX6ZJZPKFIZJ0 on 2007-02-14
  Can only agree with the other positive reviews... After researching lots of cameras and sites, i settled on this, but had some angst from some of the problems I'd seen. can only attribute it to older versions of the software....I did the install (before connecting the camera), let it get the latest software update, finished the install, and was on the air. Great quality, the "track me" works very well. Am very pleased with this for great quality at a reasonable price, in a technology where you get what you pay for.
  NOTE for mac users: There are two models of this camera.. The older one ( P/N 861205-0000, USB id 0x08c5) does not work with mac. The newer version, P/N 861306-0000 usb ID 0x08ce) does. from what i've researched, the newer models will have "rightlight 2" advertised for them. the macam project says they have someone working on a driver for the older models, but it's not there yet. So it's great for Wintel machines, get the new version for macs.
  
  
• Best Consumer Camera with Professional Touch
  By A8HP5JF085TI4 on 2006-11-17
  I have used this camera for last 2 days continuously with people over seas and with domestic friends, and i have not had a single complaint about the quality of picture. People need to understand that upload and download speed are different at all locations. So if you have a broadband connection (i prefer cable) this Camera is the best in its category.
  
  PRO
  Great Video Quality, Very Very Easy to Install, Graphic effects Software I just love it.
  
  CON
  You will only have issues with this camera if you are not that technical to play with it, in others words the problem will be between the keyboard and the chair ;o)))
  
  
• Excellent product
  By A1T1M3B45Z9K0B on 2006-09-09
  Excellent product. Very easy to install. I've installed it on a Dell 12.1 laptop with Windows XP pro. Works seamlessly with Skype. My friends and family tell me that the picture quality and sound is the best they've ever experienced. People I talk with do not experience any echo at all.
  
  The only downside is that it's a bit large and doesn't fit that well on top of my laptop screen-- it's not stable. If you have a thin screen (less than 0.5 cm) then you might experience the same problem. It won't fit that easily on a CRT monitor either but on normal LCD monitors I think it would be fine.
  
  
• Tried Every Brand - This is Best Video
  By A3FNA0D0GBPNIE on 2006-08-25
  I have tried the top end cameras from Microsoft, Logitech and Creative. For video quality this is by far the best. The software is a little quirky with Media Center Edition of Windows but I have found that as long as you unplug the camera before booting or re-booting it works fine.
  
  Once you have it running, I have checked the video quality on Skype, MSN Live and SightSpeed and the quality is better than the Microsoft LifeCam 6000, the Logitech Fusion, and the Creative. On top of the imporatnt stuff, the kids will ove the software. Highly recommend this camera.
  
  
• Buyer Beware
  By A3P5EHCLI23CAP on 2005-12-15
  My experience with the Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 WebCam was not a good one.
  
  When loaded on my Toshiba laptop, the QuickCam Pro 5000 software caused all of my audio files (Windows Media, iTunes, CDs, and e-mail "You've Got Mail") to sound like "The Chimpmunks."
  
  After spending one hour on the phone with Logitech support and Toshiba support, I gave up, removed the Logitech software from my system, and returned the entire package to the store.
  
  Frankly, it shouldn't be that big of deal to get a major vendor's Web cam product to run on a new Toshiba Qosimio media system running XP, configured with new drivers and 2 gigabytes of memory. My advice: proceed with caution.
  
  
• Works great with Mac OSX 10.4 & iChat AV
  By A37MMNDQXZGQI on 2007-08-20
  This was plug & play on my Mac. I'm running OS X 10.4.10 & iChat AV 3.1.8... Required no software or drivers! Excellent image & sound quality. I'm super happy with this Logitech quickCam Pro 5000 after a disappointing experience with a Macally IceCam that had low picture quality and no mic. Albeit the IceCam was very lightweight & portable which would be convenient for notebook travelers.
  
  
• fusion vs pro5000
  By A32MD0SJ1G9LCV on 2007-01-24
  The winning points for this webcam are great low light ability and nice field of view. The Fusion is supposed to be a step up from this one but its' low light capability is markedly different (not as good, in my opinion). But one would expect the visual experience to be somewhat different since the fusion uses a cmos sensor whereas the 5000 uses a CCD. Cmos sensors have been playing catch up to CCD technology for quite a while now and are almost equivalent now but in absolute terms, I think CCD still has a slight edge over CMOS when it comes to image quality. Setup was quick and painless. Go for it.
  
  
• Good camera overall
  By A2Q6YFVGLK01TL on 2006-10-03
  In just a few months I have purchased three of these cameras; the first camera was for ourselves, and then I purchased two more, one for one set of grandparents and another for the other grandma. The main use of this camera is with web conferencing (via Skype). It is a great camera with a little wider angle than most other webcams I have used, so you get to share more of what is happening on your end. The driver/software for the camera (I downloaded the latest version) is very complete and complements the camera nicely to provide echo-free communication as well as automatic color balancing and lighting.
  
  One thing I have noticed is that if there is a lot of dark colors in the scene (like if I am wearing a dark shirt), the camera over-compensates and the image is somewhat over-exposed. The opposite is also true... a very light shirt will make the camera under-expose the image. However, I have found that this is not a big issue and I can easily "fix" this by adding some more light or dark objects to the scene if really necessary.
  
  In closing, I am really happy with this camera and I have already recommended it to several friends.
  
  
• Nice Cam....but messes up my windows XP
  By A2IRQ7FLJVVJ1X on 2006-09-04
  I just got my webcam and I installed it immideatly. Everything was working fine. I was checking to make sure everything worked and messed around with it a little bit.
  After 10-15min, my monitor just went black...and I had to reboot the computer. Everytime i logged on I would get an error message from windows saying that some driver had caused this error and my windos operating system (XP) wasnt working properly. After a few reboots I had to uninstall the Logitech webcam driver so get it to work again. Obviously you need the webcam driver to use the webcam so Im thinking of downloading the software from logitech to see if that will make a difference. If not then i plan to return this which is a shame because the 10 minutes i did get to use it seemed quite nice for my first webcam.
  
  UPDATE: I got my webcam working fine now...just went to the logitech website....downloaded their software..and followed some simple steps to get the webcam to work fine without cauisng problems with Windows. I really recommend this camera...because it look better than i thought it would.
  
  
• Great webcam
  By A6D91KPQGIDKZ on 2006-02-02
  I have three of these now. Much better than the 4000 version which has bad echoing. The 5000 version corrects that issue. I use them with MSN instant messenger. There is a program (which I can't remember the name) that was installed while installing the webcam drivers that kept my monitors from going into sleep mode, so I had to install it. I think it was a utility to keep up with Logitech updates. Sorry I can't remember the name. But, the program is not necessary for the webcam to work. This is a great product. I don't know why anyone would give it less than four stars!
  
  
• Not as good as my old Intel cam
  By A2V49ENCJR9BDC on 2006-01-13
  Purchased the Pro 5000 as a Christmas present to myself. The clarity of the picture is no where near as sharp and clear as my old Intel PC webcam. This is due to the CMOS lens used, which is more of a wide angle lens. Found it was hard to adjust settings when a white or light colored shirt was worn. I do like the zoom and way you can adjust the framing of the subject with their controls loaded on the desktop.
  
  

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