Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 WebCam Review

Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 with Built-in mic / RightLight & RightSound Technology / High-Speed USB 2.0 / Intelligent Face-Tracking Package Content - Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 Camera, 6 foot USB Cable, Adjustable Base, QuickCam Software CD, Camera Set-up Guide, Audio Set-up Guide, Stereo Headset.  Designed to provide a more enjoyable video calling experience, the Logitech® QuickCam® Pro 5000 exclusive video and audio technologies combine to ensure excellent VGA performance. Logitech's RightLight™ technology ensures sharp video and still pictures even in dim light, while RightSound™ technology provides clear, echo-free audio with or without a headset. The versatile monitor clip works on virtually any flat panel, CRT, or notebook display, and the activity light lets you know when you're "live." With the QuickCam Pro 5000, you'll enjoy a truly personal conversation online.

Features
VGA Sensor with RightLight™ technology
Superior video performance in low light situations.
Built-in Microphone with RightSound™ technology
Cancels echoes so you can make video calls without wearing a headset.
Logitech Video Effects
Express your unique personality by using Logitech Video Effects. Choose 3D animated avatars that imitate your facial expressions and head movements, or 2D face accessories that allow you to change your look with glasses, hats and more. They're fun and easy to use with programs such as MSN Messenger Video Conversation, Yahoo! Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, and others.
Low Distortion, Ultra-Wide Field of View
With expanded video coverage and multi-person intelligent face-tracking, you can include friends and family without the distortion common in less-advanced cameras.

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.

Technical Details Digital video camera Experience full-screen video and synchronized audio Enjoy clear, echo-free audio crisp images Two year limited warranty

Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 WebCam Personal Review
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. 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. Actually, 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 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.

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...