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Archive for July, 2009

HP – Webcam /Model: KQ245AA#ABA

hpChatting with your friends has never been easier. This HP webcam has an integrated wide-angle microphone which can emit better voice clarity. It can also be connected easily with the help of the instant video, chat and image buttons.

As far as the product features are concerned, the HP webcam has up to 12.0-megapixel still-image capture with software interpolation; video capture up to 640 x 480 (VGA) at 30 fps, 800 x 600 at 20 fps, 1280 x 930 at up to 9 fps or 1600 x 1200 up to 6 fps. Its 2.0-megapixel (1600 x 1200) CMOS sensor with autofocus is also one of the latest features and very convenient to use. The built-in wide-angle microphone is idea for recording and video conferencing purposes. The HP webcam, bearing the aforementioned model number, also has the progressive-scan 24-bit true color with white balance and auto-exposure facility. For recording close up video and images, you can use the 5x digital zoom feature. The unique face-tracking technology helps to keep you within the frame and prevents loss of focus. You can also adjust your webcam easily using the pan and tilt options. The HP Instant video, three top buttons, HP Instant Image Capture and HP Instant Chat automatically help to launch the webcam controls as well as your preferred instant-messaging program. It can be quickly attached to most HP monitors by making use of the easy Clip.

The webcam’s on/off status can be noted by observing the front LED light.  It is PC compatible and requires a USB 2.0 connection for certain operations. It also includes the ArcSoft Magic-I, ArcSoft Video Impression, ArcSoft WebCam Companion and HP Photosmart Essentials software.

Creative – Live! Cam Optia AF Webcam for Laptops

optiaUsing this modern webcam, you can enjoy crystal-clear voice chatting with friends. The webcam has built in noise-obstructing microphones, a high-quality auto-focus lens, parental control and 270° camera rotation. When you buy the Creative Live! Cam Optia AF Webcam for Laptops, you also receive the owner’s manual and Creative Labs software as well as the product features.

The other features of the product include high-quality auto-focus lens for clarity, Still-image resolution of up to 8.0-megapixels, video capture of up to 2.0 megapixels and up to 30 fps for lifelike detail and motion. Face brightener and sharp images facility provides sharp images, even in dim light. The 2.0-megapixel sensor with Live View technology is another added feature of the webcam.  Smart Face Tracking with 4x zoom feature allows the camera to automatically follow you as you move. With the parental control feature, you can bar unsupervised use by means of setting a password.  The webcam also has built-in noise-canceling, adaptive-array microphones which allow clear voice quality without background noise or the necessity of being connected to your computer.

As far as video effects are concerned, the webcam enables you to create and use avatars in place of your own picture. You can also include voice effects in your voice chats. The 270° camera rotation with privacy mode for customized chatting and auto flip facility are also featured with this webcam. It can be used with USB 2.0 (backward compatible with USB 1.1) for better and faster connectivity. If you want to use facilities such as video calls, Video e-mail, videoconferencing or instant messaging, you must have an Internet connection. The webcam also has a built-in microphone.

Creative – Live! Cam Video IM Ultra Webcam for Laptops

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Model: VF0415 | SKU: 9055309

Value for Price – 4.0

Video Quality – 4.0

Ease of Use – 5.0

Compatibility – 3.0

What’s great about it: Easy, Easy, Easy, and Easy….did I mention easy?

What’s not so great: Not as compatible as it claims

First things first, the price was good and that’s really a big chunk of why I bought the Creative webcam in the first place. I thought I’d give it a try and, if I didn’t like it, I could always return it and opt for something a little pricier.

When I got it home, I had a look at the installation instructions and figured that they must have been joking. It seemed too easy. But, I did what they said to do and the whole process went through like a breeze. Worked on the first try, was quick and I’ve never seen easier. It’s not just the installation that’s easy, either. You know those original portable MP3 players, with the 100 functions and only 3 buttons. I could never get one of those things to work. Them I bought one of the popular ones with all the commands on the dial. The difference was amazing. Both machines do the same thing, but one might as well be from Mars and the other practically runs itself.

I had the same sensation working with this webcam. It is just too easy to use. The only problem I really came across was trying to install it on the new laptop I got my daughter for school. It runs on Vista and I couldn’t get the camera installed. I am still not sure if the problem is compatibility or if I am doing something wrong, but it’s the only complaint I have.