Logitech QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks Reviews

• Great Video - Horrible software, CPU, bloatware

  
  By A3A0KPQ1458501 on 2008-03-28
  Just like the 5000 series cameras before these (the "9000" series), Logitech has built a camera that puts out superb video (this one's video is better than the 5000 series, and those were better than the 4000 series).
  However, the software, lack of control, and enormous pile of bloatware that gets installed with the camera, coupled with its enormous system resource demands, make this another clunker.
  
  Environment:
  P4 2.4 GHz processor
  Windows XP Pro SP 2
  DirectX 9c
  USB 2.0
  
  First, the good:
  Color and picture quality are outstanding (although focus is not good - more on this below). The new support for large quasi-hi-def picture sizes produces amazing images.
  
  Now, the bad:
  
  Machine resources:
  
  You better have a FAST machine. And I mean FAST, like a Core 2 Duo, or forget it. A simple 320x240 capture/preview (not even writing the video to disk) sucks down 10% more CPU on a P4 2.4 GHz machine with Windows XP Pro, than the old 4000 series cameras did.
  
  Holy cow --- a 2-way 30 fps 352x288 video conference with the older 4000 series camera would use 55% CPU on my test machine. With this camera, it's about 80% and that's with auto focus, auto-white-balance, auto everything turned OFF and NOT using the audio from the camera.
  
  This is just like the 5000. And just like the 5000 series, once THIS camera's driver has been installed, even the older 4000 Logitech camera now uses CPU like a pig (this thing overwrites DLLs that the older cameras also use).
  
  I've been down this road before. The only way to make the older camera work efficiently again will be to completely uninstall this thing, and reinstall the old driver.
  
  
  Support for other applications:
  
  I only test these cameras using Amcap and Vidcap32 (the ubiquitous, standard, simple, generic Windows capture apps) and our own custom-written videoconferencing code that I wrote myself. So I have nothing to say about Skype, IM, etc.
  
  Just like the 5000 series before this one, this camera DOES support the proper DirectX interfaces. So if Skype or some other app is freaking out on you, it is not this camera's fault. It is Skype, or whatever app you are running. My code works just fine with it.
  
  But... just like the 5000 series, if you install the "driver only" (to spare yourself the bloatware), half the camera's functions will be broken.
  When I installed it driver-only, it would only do about 10 fps, in any kind of light, with any picture size, no matter how I set it.
  After I installed their obnoxious applications, it snapped into shape and would obey settings to do 30 fps.
  
  Bloatware:
  It installs services and several auto-startup pieces of junk that you have to hunt down in the "Run" folder in the registry and delete. Otherwise, every time you log in, you will have these things running, and the tray icon app, and two other apps, will always be running. No matter what you do, these will always restart unless you ditch them from the registry and the services control panels.
  
  Their apps also "phone home" to Logitech periodically, registering your purchase and checking for updates. (Yes, it does, I sniffed the network traffic.) If you don't mind Microsoft and Logitech spying on you and connecting you to machines without you even knowing it, fine. Personally, I find that behavior deplorable.
  
  If you are a programmer (like me), you can get rid of this junk. But if not, you are stuck with this stuff hogging down your machine all the time.
  
  Focus:
  
  The auto focus function works, but overall, this camera's focus is poor. Whether on auto or manual, it cannot focus well on objects that get more than about 2 feet away from the camera. They probably honed the focussing algorithm expecting you to be sitting close to the camera. That's a reasonable assumption, but it's too close-focussing. Even sitting at a normal distance from a PC monitor, it just cannot focus sharply on my face. It also has AWFUL focussing at the edges of the picture no matter what.
  
  Conclusion:
  Great video, but poor focus.
  
  If you are just an ordinary user who plugs junk into their PC and doesn't even know what CPU usage is, and you are using a hot fast Core 2 Duo processor, this camera will do a good job for you, as long as you don't sit too far back from the camera.
  If you already let Microsoft spy on you with all their automatic junk turned on all the time, then you probably won't mind Logitech doing that to you to.
  
  (Hope you like Windows Media Player opening ports in your home router without telling you ---- didn't know they did that, eh?)
  
  

• Description is wrong, only 640x480 not 1.3 MP

  
  By A1DI2L1TAAV99W on 2007-11-08
  I just got the camera yesterday, and discovered that it only has a VGA sensor (640x480) not the 1.3 megapixel sensor advertised. It generates the 1.3 megapixel images through "software interpolation".
  
  

• RightLight really works

  
  By A33SJOJMA35U77 on 2007-08-02
  Try this on other webcams: Face the webcam, look at ourself at the camera. You should be focused and clear. Now take your cell phone, turn it on so that the screen is on. Now face the cell phone screen on the webcam close enough so that the webcam only see the screen, try to focus the lense if possible.
  
  On this camera, the lighting adjust quickly and you're able to see the screen, turn the lense and it focus correctly. Other cameras I've tried, the cell phone screen is a blur and all you see is white like it's looking into the sun or something.
  
  

• easy to use

  
  By A2EX39EUDLRPTQ on 2007-08-01
  super easy to use. loaded the software, plugged in the USB and I was up and running.
  
  

• Good quality and OS X (>10.4.9) support

  
  By A2LPGF2IEJN7O1 on 2007-10-18
  This webcam is vastly better than the MacAlly webcam I bought before I got this one. It works with Mac OS X 10.4.9 and greater without installing any software. My only wish is that it actually came with OS X software to adjust the brightness and contrast, because it really doesn't work well in low light without some adjustment. Fortunately, I already had a piece of software that will adjust those settings. I have recommended this camera to several friends, and I haven't heard any complaints yet.
  
  
• Surprisingly good little webcam
  By A287VIG5J2SQTX on 2007-11-30
  I use Skype a great deal and I wanted a webcam that I could take on the road with the laptop and that would fit easily in the laptop bag. This is the one! It's quite small and my correspondents have been very impressed with the image it takes. They say it is as good as any camera they've seen, including the large ones on desktop PCs.
  
  
• Great little webcam
  By A2RXB0FKSWWPF on 2007-11-04
  I have never bought one before but read the reviews and purchased this. I really like the camera. It is a bit big but it comes with a small little carrying bag. I like the software. It did take me a bit to figure it out but when it is installed it worked great with Skype. That is the main reason I bought it. Buy it!
  
  
• Poor driver software and outdoor images saturated
  By A36XIHQKOKMHFQ on 2007-11-26
  I have had this camera for a few months now, and I'm really quite disappointed by Logitech.
  
  First of all, the driver software is poorly written: it is huge (35 MBytes!) and unstable -- it crashes easily, and kills the computer (blue screen of death).
  
  Next, the image quality is great indoors, but outdoors everything is saturated. I tried to adjust everything, contacted customer support, sent them photos taken with the camera, but nobody seems to be able to help.
  
  I give it just a little more than 1 star because when it does happen to work, it works nicely.
  
  
• Not Really Skype-Compatible
  By ASR2E2TD7EQXD on 2008-01-18
  Both Logitech and Skype endorse this product for use with Skype for video calling. But not so fast....
  
  The install disc carries the Camera driver and the Logitech Software, which includes neat features like anti-echo and video fx. But...to work with Skype you must uninstall the Logitech Software (leaving the driver installed). Otherwise, when Skype attempts to access the camera for a video call, it will be unable to, as the Logitech software is in the way and Skype will request that you to turn off "any devices or programs that are using the camera." You cannot turn off the Logitech software independant of the camera, nor turn on the camera without invoking the software.
  Once I uninstalled the software, video calling was automatic with Skype, which will detect whether the party you are calling is video-enabled and show a video calling option if they are. But of course, the camera itself is now an inert device that must be driven by some other webcam software (like Skype).
  
  Other than that, it is a fine camera and decent mike in a nice compact package and comes with a handy travel pouch.
  
  
  
• Easy Open!
  By A693I4BF4GES4 on 2008-03-02
  Works perfectly on XP! I'm only using it for Skype, so I didn't install all the software, just the drivers -- Skype can handle it from there. The anti-echo feature works well, so it can be the mike instead of having to use a headset. And, a greatly appreciated feature: the item is packaged in one of those usually bombproof plastic shells, but there is a corner one can bend back and a set of perforations, so it is easy to remove from the packaging without the use of large cutting tools and copious profanity.
  
  
• Poor software & time-consuming problems
  By A3CUX8G6FBO2PW on 2008-03-16
  The Logitech software is among the worst I've ever encountered (and I'm an experienced developer/techie who others come to for help).
  
  First, rarely do I run into software that won't even install or is this astonishingly frustrating. For background, I'm using a Dell laptop w/ Win XP SP2, it works well w/ other software and in general is in good running order.
  
  The Logitech software would begin the installation, then present the License Agreement screen -- which I was supposed to accept. Problem is... there was no way to "accept" and the Next button woldn't work. I went over and over the license agreement trying to figure out what trick I was missing. Finally, I gave up (after over an hour or so of re-installing). I found the Logitech website and downloaded the program. The downloaded version did have a radio button to "Accept" and the software _finally_ installed.
  
  Part of the time spent on this matter is that there was NO help available for solving this problem.
  
  So now I have the software installed. I tried using a Video Effect. I select one and it shows w/ a green arrow button... but the button doesn't work nor does the "effect'. Hmmm... how does this work? I go to Logitech's site... spend time on their forum... find there are reports of the effects not working... but after going around in circles following posts that refer to other posts, I haven't found any solution. I also can't get the Privacy Shade (to display a Picture instead of a Video) to work either.
  
  There's really not much else to the software. So, it's mostly one headache after the other. Even in the Quick Capture application, the saved snapshots and clips are only given a single row in the Window. The Window is a fixed size (can't be stretched). This makes no sense. Who designed this? Who reviewed the design? The scroll arrows (needed if there's more than a few pictures or clips), sometimes jump in and out of sight.
  
  The bottom line is that the Logitech software is poorly designed and poorly written showing a lack of care and attention to detail. I have yet to find any useful help information on their website. The result is hours of frustration w/ this product.
  
  Perhaps if I uninstall and start over, I may get the "effects" working... or not. But, if I had known before buying this product that I was getting can-of-worms problems to be solved, I wouldn't have. Is this how you want to spend your Saturday or Sunday?
  
  
• good webcamera
  By A3EZ31MIF4J1AQ on 2007-10-17
  It's good camera, focus well and lightening well. but can't fit very well on my dell 1505.
  
  
• Multi System!
  By A1NB1WIFT1VB06 on 2008-02-03
  Great camera for Skype, lots of nice controls for XP using Logitech's drivers. The "no installation" Windows drivers are not as nice. It works with OSX 10.4 out of the box using Skype, but lacks the nice brightness and color control that the XP drivers give but the quality was still nice. It even worked in Linux with Ubuntu 7.10 using Skype, having both the camera and microphone recognized out of the box!
  
  
• satisfied with the purchase
  By A2A8P5ANT2IFY6 on 2008-02-17
  using it for a week. works right away on XP desktop, XP Laptop, and Vista Laptop without installing any driver/software and worked with all the IMs using that's include MSN, Yahoo, and Skype.
  Satisfied with the quality of web cam for the money.
  
  
• Works on a Mac w/Skype
  By A1LFN5TXQ0B1HB on 2008-04-28
  I like this camera because it is quite small, portable - it fits in the palm of your hand. As the name implies, it is intended for clipping onto laptop screens - there is no good way to get it onto a tripod like some of the desktop models. The portable factor also means a short USB cable - good for travel, not so great if you wanted to clip this thing on your flatscreen at home with a desktop. In that case, you'll need a male-female USB extension cord. A small mesh sack rounds out the package, allowing you to store the cam safely during travel.
  
  I am very happy to report that this camera works fine with Skype on an Intel Mac running OS X 10.5.2 - I did install the free sourceforge Mac Cam driver but that may have been unnecessary. Skype found the camera (See Preferences / Video) and the only other thing then to do is to tell Skype to use the microphone on the Camera (See Preferences / Audio) instead of a line-in microphone. Thus, even a mac mini can be turned into a conference center.
  
  Like most web-cams, the picture quality is so-so, particularly if you are in a high-contrast environment (i.e. it's daytime with a window behind you). The logitech software allegedly can do something about that but since this camera is not officially supported, I didn't even bother. Instead, I opted to invest in iGlasses, a very functional and easy-to-use piece of shareware that adjusts contrast, brightness, etc. for most web-cams very, very well.
  
  So, overall I am happy with this product. What would make it a 5-star is if Logitech abandoned its in-house software and bundled iGlasses with its Mac-centric stuff instead.
  
  
• Nice webcam!
  By ALB24L41JRY9L on 2007-12-04
  So far, so good. Nice and crispy resolution, good sound, no echo... For the price, it's a good choice!
  
  
• Very good webcam
  By APTCUG9X0EEWK on 2007-12-05
  Small and convenient portable webcam. It provides clear slow motion picture and the user can take his picture by himself without any help from other people. Over all it's a very good quality webcam.
  
  
• Great buy
  By A1X5QQV7AFAA37 on 2007-12-30
  This is my first webcam and it's so easy to use! It works just fine with Windows Vista too!
  
  
• Garbage in a Small Package
  By ACC2T0QXAJFYA on 2008-05-13
  Are you looking for a webcam that (a) makes you lose all your sound, for all your programs; (b) makes your computer spontaneously reboot, even when you aren't using the camera (surprise!); (c) is backed by technical support where you have to pay the phone charges, but it doesn't really matter anyway because the person at the other end is useless?
  
  Then this is the webcam for you!
  
  The software developers at Logitech are either (d) profoundly incompetent, or (e) incorrigibly malicious, taking keen delight in knowing that, at any time, with no warning, you could lose all the data you just typed in.
  
  Anyone want a used webcam?
  
  
• Good value for money and works well with Skype
  By A2M6JM3QTWIRXA on 2007-12-30
  Was easy to install and it is easy to use. Gives a nice and clear picture, good sound, no echo. Works very well with Skype, the called party gets a nice and crisp picture.
  
  
• Awesome Laptop Cam
  By A3CWUXI40ZDFY on 2008-01-21
  I wanted a webcam that had the following features:
  
  - physically compatible with my laptop (Toshiba)
  - Clear video display (I've had bad experiences before with other webcams with grainy displays)
  - Inbuilt microphone with good sound quality
  - Compact and portable
  - reasonably priced
  
  The quickcam deluxe edition scores high on all the above features, and I should mention that the sound quality (of the mic) is really good. In addition, the logitech software offers cool features like image manipulation and privacy shades, which are real fun to play around with.
  To conclude, I highly recommend this webcam for users who want a bang for their buck!!
  
  
  
• Works great on a notebook
  By A2XHDW37KXBN7D on 2008-02-09
  I bought this camera about a month ago to allow video conferencing from Japan with my family. It works great, and greatly enhances communication to have video! I really like that it comes with a travel case, since I normally keep it in my briefcase. It's very small and portable, which is my primary criteria.
  
  My only gripe with it is that the clamp does not adjust enough to clip onto my LCD monitor when the laptop is docked. It works great on the laptop itself, just not at my desk when I'm not on the road.
  
  
• Logitech QuickCam Deluxe
  By A2AVDZHZRBWHYF on 2008-03-03
  I originally purchased this web cam from Dell after shopping 2 retail stores.I found it on Amazon.com for 24 Dollars less than Dell. This camera had more features than the two I saw at the retail stores. I returned the web cam to Dell.I also checked ten other web sites for the same product, and found Amazon.com to be the cheapest. Plus Logitech was offering a Rebate so the camera cost me less than ten Dollars, with free shipping and no sales tax, it was like I got it for free. Logitech is a name you can trust, for quality and features and it fits perfect on my Lap Top. The sound and picture quality is phenomenal.
  
  
• Cool_Logitech_Device
  By AIFFVX7ZZJ7N4 on 2008-03-14
  This is one of the cool Logitech camera. It has a software feature to adjust the brightness control, face tracking. Its a small camera with slick design. Installation takes 5 mins to finish but once installed the picture quality is very nice. You can capture the photo using the software control. It comes with a small cute pouch to store it. Overall I am happy with teh purchase and with 30$ rebate it was steal. Logtech has been all time reliable in web cameras.
  
  
• Nice Camera for the price
  By A2GQ4ZBH66LI8Q on 2008-04-12
  I got this camera for $50 and there is this $30 mail-in rebate. I believe it is a good value for $20. I am using it with Windows Vista Business + Skype or MSN Messenger. It works plug and play so I do not recommend installing logitech's software which will take up space and will annoy you by opening up each time you access the device. You'll have to disable this software etc. eventually. A huge problem I have is the on-camera microphone. It eats up the cpu, so you have to go "control panel -> sound" and disable it. Then pick another microphone for sound from skype's settings. Picture and color quality is great though which is the main purpose of this camera anyways!
  
  
• More than acceptable
  By A9L6XA2NETNRM on 2008-05-11
  Works great for skype (built-in microphone is more than sufficient), and with the $30 rebate, it was a fantastic deal. A quality product all around.
  
  The only trouble I've had with it was that even with adjusting the settings and lowering the exposure as much as possible, the image was still rather overexposed when I was sitting outside in direct, bright sunlight. Indoors at night, though, it seems to do just fine.
  
  
• MAC Powerbook
  By A1DVQCZ8J9IOD3 on 2008-05-12
  I bought this to work with my MAC Powerbook. It's plug and play. No need to download any software which means you can't use any of the extra features, but I didn't need them. Camera works well, good image, with a focus ring on front. Only slight issue is that the clip to put it on top of the laptop isn't very well designed in my opinion.
  
  
• Not entirely Mac Compatible
  By A3GCPNKE99I8X8 on 2008-05-14
  We bought this because we heard (at a store) that it was Mac Compatible. It is very easy to use with a Mac, but does not have any of the additional features. The software it comes with is not Mac friendly. Overall, it works fine, but has been tough to find a way to focus it consistently.
  
  
• Poor Skype Cam
  By A11JK9WSDTQD50 on 2008-08-02
  I use this webcam mostly with Skype and I am always disappointed in the picture quality. I've tried changing the room lighting and played with the camera's setting without much luck. If you are looking for a webcam to use with Skype, keep looking as this is not it.
  
  
• This is a Good one
  By A1XLR6FZLKXP69 on 2007-11-26
  I have just taken it but it works good for me. It has no lense cover. It is good in face detection and masking face with B&W and other color.It works in low light as well with the selected mood. But It looks me little more in proce ~10$.
  
  

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