Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 Reviews

• Amazing Video Clarity; Troublesome Vista Support

  
  By A3MLKJ1HHA2SX0 on 2007-10-12
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2ZL1AFCPWY5BZ The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 is one of the better webcams I have had the opportunity to use over the years. Its stylish design fits easily on top of my LCD screen, while its functionality and features continue to impress. However, Vista functionality can be an adventure at a few times.
  
  First, let's talk about the good -- picture quality. Let me put it to you think way: This webcam works better than my high priced Sony Camcorder at picking up video in low-light settings. I was simply amazed the first time I used it in a room with compact flourescents in the middle of the night and had such remarkable clarity and picture quality. Logitech credits this ability with something they call RightLight technology (in the video review I get it backwards -- sorry Logitech!). Whatever you want to call it, it's one of the features that definitely makes this webcam stand above the rest.
  
  Next, the optics themselves are impressive. The 9000 utilized Carl Zeiss optics and you can tell the difference between this webcam and others. If you want to find out what makes Carl Zeiss optics so good, I encourage you to do a quick internet search or visit Wikipedia to look it up. It's hard to describe in text how this optics setup helps -- this is definitely something you have to see to believe.
  
  Overall, I found it worked well with all the major instant messaging applications -- AOL, Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo. It also worked very well as a stand-alone camera taking incredible video and decent still shots -- but remember, if you want to take a lot of still shots the quality you get from a product like this is fair at best compared to what you will get with a decent digital camera.
  
  Now, let's talk about a few things that weren't so good about this webcam. The biggest struggle I had was with Windows Vista. Even though the box proclaims it is certified for Vista, I had numerous driver issues. The Logitech 9000 worked in Vista just fine, but for some reason at random intervals it wanted to re-install its drivers. One thing you should know if you purchase this camera is that when installing it you will want to make sure you have the installation program check for updates. I found there were two driver updates for the camera during install. However, even with these updates I continue to have that random re-installation issue.
  
  The "helper application" that comes with the 9000 lets you do a lot of things -- such as configure the webcam, add effects, etc. Although I had no problem configuring it I never got the effects to work. However, this wasn't a big deal for me as I have no use for the special effects.
  
  Overall, if you are looking for a quality webcam that can produce terrific results I highly recommend the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000. Just be aware of potential Vista issues (which hopefully Logitech will solve). Other than that it's so easy to use even beginners to computers will be able to get it up and running in no time. A quality webcam at a good price considering all of its features.
  
  
  

• For Mac and OS X

  
  By A3PKKHND98ST7H on 2007-12-06
  This review is for the benefit of Mac users, not Windows. I bought the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 and the Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision to choose a web camera for an iMac G5 2.0GHz, the generation immediately before the G5 iMac with the built-in iSight camera. And I'm running Mac OS X 10.5.1, the most updated (to date) Leopard. There is currently a camera for sale at Apple retail stores that is labeled the Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision MP, for Macs. It is the same hardware as the Ultra Vision and Ultra Vision SE for Windows; all the Ultra Vision cameras differ only in cosmetics, color--they're all the same hardware.
  
  On a Mac, the cameras both run on the built-in Apple drivers. There are no Logitech drivers, no Logitech software. Therefore none of the Logitech special effects or light and sound management that the box lists work for Mac users. No autofocus, no RightLight2, no RightSound. Kind of a drag. In addition, there is no ability to manage color, light balance, etc., from any operating system software on the Mac or from Logitech. This is pure plug-and-play, and you get only the most basic functionality: The camera and microphone work (not sure about quality of sound on receiving end) to deliver picture and sound, neither tunable with what is in the box.
  
  What the two cameras have in common is that they work for Mac users. According to what I've read, any camera that is labeled as Microsoft Windows Vista-compatible or UVC (USB Video Class) will work just as these do in Mac OS X, with this prereq: You have to have OS X 10.4.9 minimum. Tiger (OS X 10.4) is currently at 10.4.11; Leopard is at 10.5.1. Both will support video and sound on UVC cameras.
  
  That said, the Pro 9000 and Ultra Vision differ in some significant ways. The focus on the Pro 9000 (P9K hereafter) is tighter than on the Ultra Vision (UV hereafter). The focus on the UV is comparatively lower in resolution; you can see jaggies on straight lines on either camera, but they're pretty visible on the UV, and you have to look for them on the P9K. I would say the P9K is definitely superior, and neither is as good as the iSight cameras built into any of the current Mac lines (but then, if you had a Mac with iSight, you wouldn't be reading this). The P9K's resolution is finer than the UV.
  
  As to color I would say that if I could have a compromise between the two cameras, the UV and the Pro 9000, it would be better than either. The Pro 9000 color/exposure is a bit washed out; the UV is a bit dim. E.g., a blue pinpoint oxford shirt looks barely blue on the Pro 9000, and much more saturated on the UV. The entirety of the UV's color tilts heavily toward blue, while the Pro 9000 goes more toward yellow. (I would be curious to know if the color balance varies by model or by individual camera. I'd also love to see if other brands, say, Creative Labs, differ too.) Both cameras adjust to changing light, but in low light the Pro 9000 is not just a little but significantly better; in very low light, the UV nearly blacks out, while screen light is enough for the PK9 to deliver a passable image, albeit with low frame rate and lots and lots of motion blur.
  
  Note that on a G5 or earlier (any non-Intel Mac), the support for iChat and PhotoBooth's effects is limited--specifically, they'll do the first two panels (color effects, including charcoal, Andy Warhol-ish, X-ray, B/W, sepia, and the pinch, swirl, and similar effects), but none of the backdrop effects, either still or moving.
  
  I found both to work with iChat, PhotoBooth, Skype, and several of the shareware camera apps available. So I would say they work, period.
  
  While neither Apple nor Logitech provides much more support for cameras, eCamm.com has a bevy of camera titles that provide extra power for web cameras on non-Intel Mac hardware. iGlasses, PowerBoost, and a couple other titles provide color tuning, restore some of the effects capabilities that PPC Macs don't get in iChat and PhotoBooth, and provide recordability with QuickTime output. They do good work. iGlasses provides some control over brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, gamma, sharpness, gain, white balance. I didn't find these to really improve the images on the P9K, but they did help the UV. Once you get a camera, you may want to get some of eCamm's software.
  
  

• Logitech have surpassed perfection !!

  
  By A1Z4930RTKRTKV on 2007-09-07
  They have got this one right.. That is for sure...
  I had the previous Logitech Pro 5000 and this one beats that one (which is also good) miles away !!
  
  The quality that I have all my family and friends reporting on Skype is just asthonishing.
  Because of that, I got a 2nd one and start using it myself during all my trips and I could see the diference from the previous one.
  
  The range of colors is what calls the attention, very good in bringing the true colors of the place you are without have to deal with the controls of it.
  
  The Auto Focus on it is just something to bring the attention to, since you can acctually get close up on stuff that other cameras would not pick up.
  I could even show what I had on my monitor to friends and they were able to read it ! (using Skype)
  
  The lens are just great (All sony cybershot's uses the same lens if that tells you anything !!), to which I believe is also the reason for all this image perfecion they have reached with the camera.
  
  And the sound is really good, with eco cancelation and all the bells and whistles.
  
  I mainly use it for web conference, but if you would like to make videos and send them out, that does the job with an A+!!
  
  You will be satisfied with this one, and the price is worht the equipment you are going to get...
  
  That's why I got 2 of those already for my family !
  Go for it !
  
  

• Superiour image quality, but does not work with Skype

  
  By A2YOG7QOVAAIUK on 2007-09-21
  Camera is useless, if used with Skype (freezes after about 20s, however, if you do not use the in-built mic the cam works fine and offers great picture quality)
  
  This is what Logitech support says:
  
  "ALL Instant Messenger (IM) issues are either "IM" or "networking" issues...they are not Logitech problems...end of story."
  
  and... "The only fully supported video conferencing software is Logitech's own VideoCall service."
  
  Btw: to use the VideoCall Service, you need to subscribe to their VideoCall plan, which incidentally is $6.95 per month
  
  My opinion on that: Logitech might be right, that IM services have not implemented some APIs fully or correctly, and that this may be the reason why this camera does not work ... however, there are mainstream services such as Skype, Yahoo, Aol ... and I'd say that it is the task of Logitech quality assurance to make their products work with these existing major services... or to state clearly, that they don't support skype & Co ...
  
  
  

• What Do You Know? I DO Need This!

  
  By A3BTL4FV6ODKAT on 2007-10-20
  Despite being a computer programmer for... longer than I can now apparently remember, I have never been someone with much desire to be on the leading edge of computer technology. Let somebody else try it out, help work out the bugs, and come up with a convincing argument for why I need such and such a thing, and I'll THINK about it... for a few years. Thus, I was late to get on the Internet, late to buy a home computer, and laughed out loud at the thought I might ever want or need a web cam... until now.
  
  As a still camera, the QuickCam Pro 9000 can take better pictures than my old and long gone digital camera, though at maximum resolution you'd better content yourself with emailing them one at a time. However, it is not a complete substitute for it because even with a very long extension cord that desktop will get heavy in a hurry.
  
  As a video camera, the QuickCam Pro 9000 is truly amazing! At maximum resolution people only familiar with older generation web cams will be openmouthed with astonishment, and viewers of the resulting videos will be able to make educated guesses about their dental health. It has a "Face Tracking" feature that can be set to follow one face or multiple faces and will do so quite well no matter how the subject(s) move, though the resulting video is not recommended for anyone susceptible to motion sickness.
  
  In short a person who did not think he needed a webcam now wonders how he ever did without it.
  
  Defects? Well, the software that comes with it is more than a little buggy; you WILL want to download the latest software from their web site, which cleared up my problems. I also don't like the fact that you can select only a single image size for both still and video because only the three smallest image sizes work for both still and video. If you select any of the five larger image sizes for taking still photos, you will have to reset it for taking videos and vice versa, which since the newest version of the software finally saves my settings between runs, is more than a little annoying. (Note: the latest version of the Logitech software has added two more video image sizes: 1.3 and 2 megapixels, leaving only the three largest image sizes as still photo only.)
  
  A nice accessory would be a tiny protective carrying case because it is small enough to haul with you on trips. The original package will do the job, if you opened it carefully enough, but it is too bulky to fit well in a suitcase.
  
  Note: a more expensive Mac version (apparently because certain features available to PC's in software must be replaced by hardware) is now available: Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro. Word is that there is some cross-compatibility, but I wouldn't count on it. Purchase the one that is compatible with the machine you will mostly be using it with.
  
  
• Works Okay With Mac OS X Leopard
  By A3VC5NV5NAJ2V4 on 2007-11-18
  The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 is an expensive but excellent webcam. The quality of the picture is pretty good. The picture delivered is sharp and clear. Also, the webcam adjusts to lighting conditions automatically, even on OS X Leopard. The picture looks great in most lighting conditions, including low light.
  
  One caveat though is that on the Mac, the frame rate is a bit low. This is in contrast with what is experienced on the PC running Windows. This is probably due to the lack of special drivers for the camera in Mac OS X.
  
  The webcam was connected to a G4 PowerBook laptop and an Intel-based Mac mini, both running Mac OS X.
  
  So far, the camera works with the following Mac applications: iChat, Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, and Photo Booth. It doesn't work with iMovie.
  
  I also tried plugging the webcam into the Playstation 3. Amazingly, the webcam works on the PS3. Frame rate, however, is like that on the Mac.
  
  Update: The frame rate of the camera on the Mac leaves a lot to be desired. This has to be worked out by either Apple or Logitech (or both).
  
  
  
• Great quality - painful to install
  By A1ST9PG26FSN2H on 2007-10-03
  The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 has probably the clearest image for any reasonably priced WebCam. My daughter grabbed it from me as soon as it arrived and when we got it working her friends were astounded at how much better the image from our house was than all the other friends' webcams. The auto-focus does a nice job of keeping the picture in crystal clear focus even as you move around and get close to the camera. We used it to make a couple of short videos and at even larger sizes, they still looked great. We took some still pictures at the highest quality and they were razor sharp. Sound quality was also exceptional. The camera has the ability to automatically adjust to the light in the room and that worked nicely. It lets you turn the feature off in case you don't like the result. The camera has a well designed stand that lets it wrap around flat screen monitors and sit nicely on top of regular monitors.
  
  Installation was painful on our PCs (Windows XP fully updated), however. On my daughter's computer we had to install twice to get all the correct editing software that comes with the camera. On my computer, the first try caused the installation to crash and when we finally did get everything installed after a couple of reboots we couldn't get the software to recognize that the camera was installed. We ran an update from Logitech, rebooted again, and everything was finally working. The Skype problem that has been reported in some reviews here seems to be related to the current version of Skype but people have been reporting success using Skype Version 2.5.0.154. Apparently, the Skype developers are aware of the problem and are working on a fix.
  
  Overall, this is an amazing camera. My daughter uses it to talk to her friends using Live Messenger and it works perfectly. It does a fantastic job as a still and video camera (at least one that is attached to the computer). The software lets you add all sorts of silly effects like putting an arrow through your head or giving you silly sunglasses (with more effects available for free downloading from Logitech) and it does a great job of keeping them in the right place even as you move around. I can strongly recommend this camera to anyone in the market for something better than one of those cheap, poor image cameras.
  
  
• Incompatibilities/Arrogant Product Support
  By A2GI5XADUC7DH3 on 2007-10-04
  I upgraded hoping to improve issues with software instability and graininess of an older Logitech model. At this stage, I expected more for a product that is at the expensive end of the Webcam range.
  
  My Issues:
  
  1) As others have noted, the product is unstable with Skype, the main application I hoped to use the camera with. Having installed and reinstalled many times I am at the end of my rope with this. It works with Sightspeed, but I prefer to use Skype.
  
  2) The camera is sharp if you sit a certain distance from the camera, but doesn't seem to refocus as you move closer, even though the indicator in the software indicates that this is happening. When I use the zoom feature the camera doesn't seem to be able to refocus, so headshots are particularly blurry.
  
  3)Perhaps the most galling, when I called Logitech (at my expense) to debug their camera/software their support person was arrogant, bordering on rude. He asked if the camera showed any images. When I said yes, that was the end of the conversation: when I mentioned the problem with Skype (and perhaps Windows Vista Home Premium) he curtly suggested that this is not Logitech's problem, and that I should take this up with Skype. As for other instabilties he suggested that I get on the phone with Microsoft (lots of fun, I'm sure). Through all this there was almost the tone in his voice that if I was foolish enough to buy this thing, then that's my problem (almost a "smirk" in his voice).
  
  I see where others have had good experiences, so maybe it's the Skype/Vista Home Premium combination, but Logitech, as a responsible vendor, could do much better in their attitude and support. Problematic products are one thing; problematic attitudes are inexcusable.
  
  
• Works on Mac! Awesome webcam
  By A2QL6SWYM6K1VX on 2007-07-21
  I bought this webcam in search of high quality webcams that would work well on Macs. This works perfectly with iChat and other software on the Mac, just plug it in and it's ready. The image quality is amazing! Even better than iSight! For $100, this is a great webcam.
  
  
• Makes distance irrelevant
  By A28N2AWOVO2PB on 2007-09-20
  How many times have you slammed your fist down on the desk in frustration of the low-res/slow speed, crooked images from your old web-cam? Well, it's time you make a difference in the way you communicate with people over the Internet. And what better way than to get this product. For me it has been literally life changing. Being able to communicate with friends and family thousands of miles away from me only by plugging this new web cam in?
  The lens is designed exquisitely to deliver ultimate crisp images. There is top of the line auto focus and the images are razor-sharp, even when I get so close I can touch the cam. My video calling and sharing has never been so good. We are talking 960 by 720 pixels - hellooooo!
  And guess what? You get up to eight-megapixel for the photos. This is amazing. When I use it in dim light the camera adjusts itself to produce the best possible images . The microphone is crystal clear and there is no echo or annoying background noise.
  
  It's up to you - want all these good things, or you want to keep slamming your fist on the desk in frustration?
  
  
  
• only good for still shots, movement nothing but a blur
  By A1OVD6VCG9NN35 on 2008-06-14
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1MX769ICZG42R Here is a video I took that shows the quality you get with this webcam.
  It has nice quality if you are standing still.
  If you turn the right light off, its a tiny bit less blurry, but still blurry.
  The video effects are cool. Still images are good. Video is VERY blurry.
  I hope this helps. I bought this cam after seeing the other video review, but he obviously wasn't moving for a reason.
  This cam is NOT worth 80. Maybe 40.
  
  
• First time webcam owner - Very easy to use
  By A19DW3VKM5KKYB on 2007-10-11
  Having never owned - or even so much as used - a webcam prior to this, I don't have much point of reference. That said, the installation of this product couldn't have been any easier. On my older desktop system, the installation only took a few minutes. The laptop I have is much newer, and the software installed even faster. Absolutely trouble-free, and within minutes I had a picture on screen and was able to take photos and make videos.
  
  The adjustable clip on the back of the camera is very effective - it doubles as a stand, which came in handy on my bulky old non-flat screen monitor. On my laptop screen it was just as handy, resting firmly in place at the top of the screen.
  
  I was truly impressed by the video quality. Again, I've never owned a webcam previously, but I've viewed many webcam videos posted on websites - and I was aware that the image quality ran the gamut. The lens on this webcam produces a very sharp, detailed image. Even in relatively low-lighting, the picture wasn't bad at all. On my several years old desktop, the image didn't keep up with the movements very well - moving my head from side to side, for instance, resulted in quite a blur. But on my newer laptop, that blur was reduced extremely - the movements registered in more or less real-time. The auto-focus feature seems to do it's job pretty well, and makes operation very simple.
  
  The audio quality was definitely less impressive than the picture - but it was right in line with what I expected for a little tiny built-in microphone. Loud noises clip and/or distort - I tried playing my saxophone and the result wasn't listenable (though some would say that's due to my playing ability). Yelling, or even extremely loud talking, clips. But all things considered, when remaining at a distance of a couple feet and talking at a normal, even volume - the audio quality was very acceptable.
  
  I got a kick out of the various visual features. There are a bunch of filters - my favorite is the '50s style, creating a vintage black-and-white scratched up film look. Neonize was a trip - darkening everything on screen except for neon-colored borders to everything. The 'ghost' filter gives a blurred tracer effect to all movement. I don't know how much need I'll have for these, but they're fun to mess around with. There are also a bunch of options to change the look of your face on-screen - including 'robot face' which makes you look like a cyborg or something. I don't honestly know what the 'avatar' feature was supposed to do - I aligned my face within the red box like it said to, but nothing really happened ever once I initiated the feature...
  
  Bottom line - speaking for total, complete, 100% webcam novices like myself: this is a quality webcam that I could not imagine being easier to use. The video quality is top-notch. My biggest criticism - and this is actually kind of minor - is the utter lack of a storage case or pouch for the webcam. I don't plan to leave mine out all the time and I'd like to keep the lens (rightfully rated highly) in good shape. For the time being, I'm actually putting it back in the box but even a cheap felt pouch would've been nice.
  
  
• The best webcam I've ever used
  By A2WLTV7NMFG604 on 2007-07-12
  The folks at Logitech have hit every nail on the head with this webcam. The autofocus works perfectly, and the RightLight 2 technology does indeed create an excellent image. I was previously using the QuickCam Pro 5000, and this model produces a much better, much sharper picture.
  
  The camera fits perfectly on my flat-panel monitor. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Think this one costs too much? It's worth it!
  By A53B283OW3BYB on 2007-07-18
  I'm glad I waited this long to buy another webcam. My last one was the 3Com HomeConnect camera that was made popular on Tech TV back when Leo Lapore hosted. That one broke and I swore I would wait until one came out with a good lens. Well it's here.
  
  Maybe you can get a better one somewhere, but for under a hundred bucks, the image on this camera is amazing. You won't be getting HD resolution through MSN Messenger, but you can record that HD to your hard drive and share with friends and family.
  
  I tried out the on-board mic with a friend of mine. He said I sounded good so I will take his word for it. I love that I can ditch my old headset and just use my speakers now!
  
  Installation took about 10 minutes to copy the software to my Vista drive. Then it just worked. I had no issues. Very easy process. I have only tested it so far with Windows Live Messenger. Autofocus works quite well. And it's quiet. You don't hear motors inside focusing back and forth.
  
  I have a 24" Wide Dell and the camera fits very nicely on top. A small amount of "rubber" surfaces keeps it from moving around. Nice design.
  
  The "Red Circle" in the image that you see comes on when the camera is showing/recording video. Software settings allows you to disable this if you want. There are also a lot of manual override settings for almost everything should you want to tweak the image in your own way.
  
  If you are interested in the little graphics - the avatars, hats and mustaches etc... they seemed to work pretty well. As long as you don't move quickly. I was impressed that with the character mode (Where you look like a cartoon cat or a shark), when you blink or open your mouth, the character really blinks and opens his/her mouth. It really works! Too silly for me, but kids and some adults will love this function.
  
  Buy it for the quality of the image. It's impressive for the money!
  
  
• Shlock Quickcam installer crashes XP repeatedly
  By A1UKVNWC9W3JVF on 2007-10-30
  This is my first Web cam. I have a 2-year-old Dell Dimension 9100 running XP with 2 GB of RAM and 3-GHz processor. Not exactly a budget computer.
  From a reputable company like Logitech, I expected installaton software that is professional. (It came with Quickcam v11.0) Instead, the installation CD froze repeatedly, generating message like "MSiExec.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close" Earth to Logitech: Professionals handle errors gracefully; don't drop your customer into quicksand! (I used to develop quality commercial software) I even got a BSOD (blue screen of death) when I *uninstalled* the camera driver. Uninstalled! That's outrageous! I never got the sucker to work and it's going back to CompUSA for a refund or exchange. What a piece of software junk! After wasting hours on this, now I'm thinking of trying a Microsoft cam, as I hope they'd handle Windows conflicts a bit more gracefully. Note: Since posting the above, I visited the user forums on Logitech's site, which are filled with users complaining about every conceivable kind of conflict and installation error. I used to see this kind of stuff in 1983. This is not what software should be like in 2007. Totally unacceptable.
  
  
• A huge upgrade from my old Logitech camera... :)
  By A2RHV42BTJSVON on 2007-09-22
  I will vouch for anything Logitech. I am not saying this because I am a vine member, but because I have a lot of things that are Logitech, and they are all great products (including microphones and keyboards). The only thing I was disappointed in from Logitech was my old webcam the "Pro 5000". Maybe I was just disillusioned because I thought it would work like a real camera, but either way it didn't perform up to snuff for the price I paid for it (its retail was $80.00).
  
  When I received the "QuickCam Pro 9000" I was very leery because of my past experience (right or wrong). I read the fancy description of the box about its lenses being designed by Carl Zeiss. He is makes lenses for space exploration, so I thought "Well, maybe this is higher quality than my last one..." However, I was not holding out hope.
  
  As usual the set-up was very simple; just put in the disc and install the Logitech software and then plug in the webcam. So, I did that and then started using the camera immediately. I am sad to say that I didn't think it was a whole lot better than the Pro 5000, except a couple details.
  
  1. The sound quality is far better than it was on the Pro 5000. Things were a little bit better synchronized with my face and it just picked up my voice better overall.
  
  2. The picture quality is less grainy. The picture quality on this camera is top-notch, not at all grainy like the Pro 5000. I was very much impressed with the visual quality of the ProCam 9000 .
  
  I wish I could've taken back my old camera and paid the extra $20.00 because the sound quality and picture quality are that much better on the Pro9000. The other features on this one are basically the same as their other cameras because it comes with the same software is the other camera. Still, if you are looking for a decent webcam that is $100.00 or less, I would say that you cannot go wrong with this one.
  
  God Bless & *enjoy* ~Amy
  
  
  
  
  
  
• needs a lot of improvement
  By A21G5TEO04J064 on 2007-10-02
  I purchased the 9000 pro and do not recommend it for the following reasons:
  1. The USB connection doesn't work all the time and requires unplugging and replugging in the USB so the computer will recognize the camera.
  2. The sound qaulity is poor
  3. It does not work with Skype, and freezes to often
  Logitech should review both the Skype and Logitech forums for many others who experience the same problems.
  Logitech should be ashamed for selling this product
  
  
• Incredibly fun and very easy to use/install!
  By A2Z60PVKWFO3SW on 2007-10-07
  We had this up and running in five minutes - plugged it into my monitor, inserted the CD-Rom, ran the installation software, and we were ready to roll. My kids and I have had a lot of fun playing with this webcam, making movies, taking pictures, and e-mailing them to friends/family.
  
  The picture quality is quite good (you can choose the quality you want), and you can quickly take pictures by touching the silver button next to the lens - it will even turn on the webcam if it is off.
  
  We've had the most fun with videos though, as we do not have a digital video camera. The cord is about 4-5 feet long, and the camera has a handle, so you have some flexibility in terms of moving away from the computer to film. Sometimes if the kids are moving actively, there is a lag between their verbalizations and their movements, but they think that is cool.
  
  We've enjoyed playing around with the built-in special effects too - nothing too extraordinary but still fun - put a crown on your head, replace yourself with a cat that is supposed to mimic your moves, show yourself in grainy b&w old-time TV mode, etc...
  
  Anyway, I made a video so you can see how the camera works for yourself. I uploaded it to Amazon, and also YouTube, although I guess Amazon is going to take out the link (if there are three dots below, the link didn't go through), but you can search YouTube for "LearningAllTheTime Logitech Camera" and find my video sample there if you can't see it on Amazon.
  
  [...]
  
  Anyway, I think this would make a great gift for any computer or gadget lover.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Robert was RIGHT on in his review!
  By ACV90FFZSZUYR on 2008-01-10
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RVN10J1QV01DH Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 is a great product. Simple to use right out of the box and will give you great picture quality and sound for the money. This product certainly delivers on the value scale.
  
  
  
• Capture is too slow
  By A1RWF6XZI6H0BA on 2008-08-02
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3KO79B0BKSP3S The video capture is too slow. Watch the video and see why I don't like it.
  
  
• Not for use with Skype
  By A3635ZWH7U1ZFA on 2007-11-05
  This webcam doesn't work with Skype or at least I gave up after hours of trying. I've read through all the reviews on Amazon looking for tips and visited Skype's BBS and all the hot fixes from Skype and most recent versions of software from Logitech don't seem to help.
  
  This camera has a great picture as long as you use the Logitech software that comes with it. But when connecting to the camera via Skype I get nothing when calling.
  
  The only time I see a picture in Skype is when I use the Tools/Options menu to adjust the camera. It clearly works in the test window but I don't have anything during a real session.
  
  I didn't contact Logitech support due to the headaches reported by others here when that's been done. Logitech refuses to support this hardware when used outside of their bundled software. I could care less if I can make my picture look like it was taken in the 1970s I want to call my sister in Boston.
  
  Funtionality trumps gimmicks.
  
  
• Don't waste your time with this webcam
  By A3JT5WANEM25BO on 2007-12-02
  unless you're interested in standalone video and high quality still pictures. This camera does NOT work with skype.
  
  
• Changing my mind about webcams... This one is sweet!
  By A3R19YKNL641X3 on 2007-09-26
  Yeah, Casa Duffbert's been stocking up on the tech toys recently. The latest gadget to get a try-out is the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000. I've tried other webcams in the past, and they've not been a permanent part of my environment. This one might just change that trend...
  
  The QuickCam is designed to sit on top of your terminal or laptop lid using a rather cool design. The back swivels out and allows you to prop the webcam in just about any angle you can imagine. It took me less than five seconds to get it flat and stable on my Sony Vaio laptop screen, and it stays rock solid in one place. This beats those round ball webcams that always had to be set somewhere on the desk to be stable (you can tell how long it's been since I've been enticed to try out a webcam again). The software loaded up quickly, and then it was playtime. The camera shoots from an email-sized 320 x 240 video clear up to an 8 megapixel setting. When I took photos and captured video, the clarity and resolution were excellent, and I was amazed at the picture quality.
  
  On the "fun" side, the software comes with some cool effect settings. You can set up avatars that will calibrate on your facial features, and then allow the character to mimic your movements. I also got a kick out of the "fun filters", which do some cool things to the video image. There's one that turns the video into a grainy black and white film, and it gives your vid capture a "noire" look. I could see how it would be rather striking for some sort of a documentary or a pseudo-serious video.
  
  There are a number of services that the software automatically recognizes, such as YouTube and chat clients. Therefore, you should have no problem getting hooked into the latest video crazes out there. And the configuration and setting options are incredible. The camera can track and pan faces (one or more), so you don't have to worry about centering. Honestly, you'd have to be moving around a lot *not* to remain on the screen, as the width of the picture is quite wide. Add in automatic brightness control, contrast, etc., and even a non-expert like me can come off with a decent feed to show the world. Of course, I'm not giving the camera much to work with, either...
  
  I plan on leaving this set up on my laptop with Skype running on a regular basis. I'll be interested to see how it performs in that realm. But as of right now, the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 has earned a spot on my cluttered desk...
  
  
  
• Is everything the manufacturer claims!
  By A96VY2TCAHE4G on 2008-02-02
  When I got the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 I immediately put it through its paces, but not the types of standard web-based applications one might about. Rather I utilized the camera as a workhorse in a scientific research laboratory, collecting time-lapse images of biological samples. What makes this particular application tricky is that I wished to image the samples under a background of dim infrared light. Older versions of the QuickCam were incompatible with such an application unless a small infrared-blockinglens was first removed (something that was not trivial). To my pleasant surprise the Pro 9000 is sufficiently IR senstive to be tested for my application. In fact the Pro 9000 performed with flying colors, delivering very high quality images of high resolution, capable of detailed subsequent digital analysis. The optics on this camera are of the highest quality for such a small unit - Zeiss was the way to go!
  
  While the application described here is not the norm I believe it fully illustrates the power of this little camera. Highly recommended for simple digital imaging for electronic communications, as well as finer applications like that described above.
  
  
• Will not work with Skype, Software installes AOL&Yahoo
  By A20500S4WXO7TX on 2008-03-05
  Based on Skype's endorsement, I purchased a Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000. It will not work as a camera without crashing Skype, no matter what I try. The software load from both the manufacturer's disk and downloaded from Skype's site installed as directed causes my headset and speaker settings to be lost so I must use a system restore to return to the original configuration. I have tried using the "my sounds" settings in the control panel to make the headset work after the camera software is installed but no combination will allow me to do what will make the headset work again
  
  I work in a space where headsets must be used. I have the Microsoft Livechat 3000 headset which has worked perfectly. I do not want to use the microphone feature of the 9000 nor can I use my PC speakers for other than normal alerts. Is there a way to make the camera work and keep the existing headset configuration? No!
  
  Logitech has the worst domestic customer service call center I have ever worked with.
  
  If you don't believe me, Google keywords: Skype and QuickCam 9000
  
  
  
• Not too bad - for a web cam
  By A1RBN6EDC4ITUE on 2007-08-12
  I have mixed feelings about the 9000. It costs a few bucks more than some of the others and it has a glass lens, so I expected more of a quality picture than I got. However, it is a web cam and not a digital camera, and it costs less than $100 so I was just expecting too much. After re-evaluating the purchase, I see now that it is a hell of a web cam for the price.
  
  The edges of the 970 x 720 mode pictures are blurry but the majority of the frame is tolerable. The autofocus feature does a great job. I grabbed the camera and held it 2 inches from my face and it focused right in. It adjusts for light conditions with ease. The motion detection software is great. You can adjust it with precision so that the wind blowing will not start a video, but a dog coming in the picture will.
  
  I've posted a couple of pictures that show the weakness and the strengths at http://www.latx-inc.com/quickcam9000.htm.
  
  I'll give it a 5 as I've come to see it as a web cam and not a digital camera.
  
  
  
• Awesome when works, worse then useless when doesn't (which is most of the time)
  By A3DFZ1AVGQTC1X on 2007-08-25
  **** Update ****
  
  Have now been using Version 3.6.0.216 & Version 11.5 of the QuickCam software for about 3 weeks. So far there have been no problems and I think the combination is just great. Thoroughly recommed and would now rate at a solid 4. Only because the product is not perfect!
  
  ******** Previous expereince with old versions of software and drivers below.
  
  I have a completely up to date Windows XP Pro machine (all windows updates as at yesterday) and the latest version of Skype 3.5.0.214. Before the install of the Quick Cam my machine ultra stable and completely reliable.
  
  At the begining of the Quick Cam install it asked if it could check for the latest software. I said yes and it said that there were no updates. (The cd had version 11.0)
  
  Once the install was complete and the cam plugged in, the problems started. Skype kept freezing up and becoming unresponsive. It would not even die when the skype process was killed from task manager. As soon as the cam was unplugged from the USB port, the machine and skype jumped back to life and caught up with all the queued key presses. Plug the cam in again and it would work again for a short while.
  
  Now the worst bit. And it gets much worse. I checked the Logitech website for updated drivers even though it said there weren't any at the beginning of the install. What do you know there was version 11.1 available and it seems so for 2 weeks. So I downloaded and installed them. Now I was able to get a Skype video conversation going for about 2-3 minutes then Blue Screen!!! I haven't had a bluescreen on one of my machines for years.
  
  Anyway, I gave two stars becuase I think the hardware is just great. It does have the slight distortion issue (as mentioned by others on the web), but at the end of the day this is a webcam, and it is the best output I have seen from ANY webcam yet. I will hold on for one more update to the webcam software (11.2?) and if it doesn't work then, I will take it back.
  
  
• Problem with Skype
  By A1AXH52BZC1SYP on 2007-09-20
  Been using this for a few days and when it works it has very good image quality. Unfortunately, I use it with Skype and the webcam freezes after a few minutes. I've looked on-line at both Logitech and Skype forums and it appears to be a widespread issue with this camera... no solution and both companies blaming each other and apparently doing nothing about it. Until it's fixed, I would not recommend this camera to anyone wanting to use Skype...
  
  
• Works flawlessly with a Mac
  By A2I6HY66KJ6WKG on 2008-01-07
  If you are an owner of a Macintosh computer you'll be pleased to know this webcam is a winner and all I had to do was plug it in to a USB port and it worked right out of the box with Yahoo Instant Messenger and AIM. When I chat with someone who has AIM I use the Mac's instant messenging program iChat.
  
  You can not install the Windows software that comes with it, of course, but I didn't care about the bells and whistles. The video image was the best I've used. I am running OS 10.4.11 as I write this.
  
  
  
• Great Picture , But Not So Great for Messaging
  By A21QQJBZ8KX1AS on 2008-01-28
  The Quick Cam Pro 9000 produces clear video pictures with good color, even in low light, but beware if you want to use it for video calls, especially on Skype. Skype says this camera can be used for Skype's High Quality Video, providing you are using a duo-core processor. I have a P-4 2.4GB non-duo, and find that my video calls to family and friends on Skype suddenly freeze up or are cut off or the audio does not work. There are lots of comments about this phenomenon on the Skype Forum, so I know that I am not the only one with this complaint. Logitech is totally unhelpful and says only that it designs the camera for its own video creations and not for third-party uses. Skype is supposedly working on a solution but does not appear to be in a hurry to fix the problem. The camera works OK on MSN Messenger, but most of my contacts are used to Skype. If I had known this camera could not work properly during a Skype video call, I would not have bought it. I do not think highly of Skype's attitude that the only solution is I should go buy a new computer with duo-core. Also, unless you can make use of the 30 fps frame rate available in High Quality Video, motion is blurred during a web call.
  
  

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