All you need to know to get the best deal on the Quickcam 9000. By the way it's now called the Webcam 9000 although you'll still find it called by it's old name too. Make sure you get the best price and the latest version by clicking hereHow has Does the upgraded Webcam 9000 differ from the Quickcam 9000?
"There are a few subtle changes:
- While the QuickCam Pro 9000 offers VGA-quality video at 30 frames per second (high-quality video) on Skype, we made adjustments to ensure the updated Webcam Pro 9000 can perform up to VGA-quality video at 30 FPS on any video application, including Logitech Vid.
- The Webcam Pro 9000 was modified to be capable of adjusting to widescreen format and record 720 pixels (1280×720) at up to 30 FPS.
- Finally, software is no longer required for RightLight. Instead, we’ve built it into the device, so right out of the box, you’ll get the best image quality possible, regardless of harsh or dim lighting conditions. Perhaps too much information, but we also adjusted the firmware to make sure that RightLight engages only when necessary."
Ladan Khamsepoor, Sr. Product Marketing Manager in the Video business unit Logitech inc.
Specifications
- Carl Zeiss® precision glass optics with auto focus.
- 2 mega pixel sensor with RightLight™2 technology
- color depth - 24 bit true color
- HD video 960*720 pixels (can also capture video at 1600 x 1200 pixels but slows to 5fps).
- Frame rate up to 30 fps
- Still image up to 8 mp (software enhanced)
- Built in microphone with Logitech® RightSound™ technology
Appearance
The 9000 has a very simple 3 part design. The main hinge serves to support the cam on a flat surface or adjusts to hook on top of just
about any monitor from a laptop display to a full sized LCD. Logitech say it will attach itself to an old style CRT monitor but I haven't tested that out. The second hinge adjusts the camera angle.
This webcam has just one button to take still pictures. There are no other controls or buttons, not even an off switch. But then they're not really needed as all functions are integrated into the drivers and software.
Set Up
Performance and Features
The Webcam 9000 (quickcam 9000 ) has great video quality and is hard to beat for sheer all-round plug in and go usability. Rightlight works ok but the framerate does drop, so if you want high quality video you'll need some decent lighting. It's fine for everyday use though. Logitech have come up with a similar sounding brand for the sound technology incorporate in this cam. The built in mike incorporates something called Rightsound and I have to say it seems to work pretty well. It's a fancy name for noise and echo reduction and various other tweaks. When using the cam online quite a few people have commented on the clarity of the sound but I have noticed the mike doesn't pick sound up well outside 3 feet or so.
One thing that did surprise me is that there's no way to swivel the cam left or right once mounted on the monitor. You can tilt it up and down though. The lens doesn't have any mechanism to move either. Instead it has a software based digital zoom and pan with face tracking. The zoom and pan can be handy to crop to areas of a room you want in scene, removing anything you'd prefer not to be in view.
Extras
- Face accessories these are real fun. Face tracking allows the software to superimpose visuals onto your face. Include hats, sunglasses, headphones, axes masks etc. Dozens to download from the logitech website.
- Avatars completely replace your face and infact everything in shot with an animated avatar and background. Trouble is these don't work too well as the characters never seem to move in time with your words.
- Video effects. Lots of these to choose from and download. Some are pretty cool.
The Good
- Good video and sound quality for a webcam
- small compact unit that fits any monitor
- widescreen
- autofocus works well
- face tracking
- up to 30 frames per second
- fun video effects
