Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 really shines
Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Enjoy image-perfect detail and clarity. Carl Zeiss optics and Autofocus keep images razor-sharp, even in extreme close-ups.
Amazon.com Product Description
As Internet connections have matured to faster and faster broadband pipelines, webcam manufacturers have been keeping pace with higher resolutions and improved optics to take advantage of the larger bandwidth. And more than just communicating over chat and VoIP, webcams are increasingly used to broadcast Truman Show-esque live video feeds of one’s every move (such as at Justin.tv) as well as high-quality mini-movies uploaded to sharing sites. And that’s where the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 really shines, with its 2-megapixel image sensor, smooth-tracking autofocus, high-end Carl Zeiss optics, and HD video capabilities (with the capability of recording video at 960 by 720 pixels).
The combination of Logitech’s RightLight technology and 2-megapixel Carl Zeiss optics produce improved clarity and lighting (Pro 9000 on the left, MacBook integrated camera on right–both captured in the same lighting conditions).
Add a variety of special effects from filters (above) to facial accessories (below).
First, a little about Logitech’s touted technological and optical advantages. Designed by Carl Zeiss (known for high-end film and digital camera lenses), the Pro 9000’s optics use a five-element lens arranged into four optical elements. As a result, the lens focuses the light onto the sensor with maximum detail and minimal aberrations. The 2-megapixel lens also offers an autofocus mechanism that automatically adjusts as your face moves about. It also incorporates Logitech’s RightLight and RightSound technologies, which improves the webcam’s image quality under difficult lighting conditions and provides noise cancellation, respectively.
We found the autofocus feature to be much smoother than another similarly specced webcam from Creative that we previously reviewed (which felt stuttery to our video chat partners), and the RightLight feature was able to render an image of our face in both highly backlit and low-light situations–something that other webcams we’ve tested have completely failed at. And the combination of RightLight, Carl Zeiss optics, and the two-megapixel sensor helped to enrich both the clarity and the color of our images.
While it’s true that broadband Internet has gained speed, unfortunately none of the major chat or VoIP programs are can stream the high-definition video (960 by 720 pixels) that the Pro 9000 can capture. Thus, this feature is really only usable for recording video to your hard drive and either uploading to a video sharing service like YouTube or for inclusion into a movie project to be burned to disc. The Pro 9000 also enables you to take still images at larger than its native 2-megapixel sensor via software interpolation (up to an 8-megapixel resolution). Note, however, that shooting at a higher resolution causes a lengthier shutter lag.
The Pro 9000 offers easy plug-and-play operability on either a Windows PC or a Mac–just slide in the USB 2.0 plug, select the camera from your chosen video chatting program (it works seamlessly with Skype, Yahoo!, Windows Live, SightSpeed, and iChat), and you’re good to go. While the Pro 9000 works brilliantly right out of the box, you’ll only be able to take advantage of software add-ons such using the included QuickCam software (which is for Windows users only).
The QuickCam Control Panel is where you can select from a host of special effect add-ons that range from a selection of avatars (such as a dinosaur or cat) to facial accessories (including a crown and Borg hardware), and a variety of filter effects. The avatars didn’t seem especially responsive unless we were overly hyperactive, but the limited face add-ons and filters were more successful (with our favorite being the rotoscope animation effect).
The double-hinged clip on the back of the lightweight Pro 9000 can be articulated to fit both the thinnest notebook screens to thicker LCD TV/monitors. A rubberized is placed right below the camera housing to help prevent slippage, and the camera itself can smoothly tilt up and down about 90 degrees. The Pro 9000 has a single microphone on its right side, and while the left side has a control button that automatically opens the Logitech QuickCam software. And in the middle is a Logitech logo, which is given a red glowing halo when the camera is recording. It uses a single USB connection that does not require external power.
With its arsenal of optical advancements combined with an invitingly affordable price tag and easy portability, the QuickCam Pro 9000 is a great alternative to the standard VGA/1.3-megapixel cams built into notebooks. –Agen G.N. Schmitz
Pros:
* 2-megapixel sensor helps to improve both clarity and color
* Automatic autofocus smoothly readjusts as you move around the screen
* Double-hinged clip easily fit on a variety of laptop and monitor surfaces
Cons:
* While capable of capturing HD-quality video, you can only utilize this for video saved to hard drive
Customer Reviews: Read 576 more reviews…
5 out of 5 stars Excellent image and sound, easy setup February 2, 2009
R. Smalling
The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 is currently (2/1/2009) one of the highest rated webcams on CNET as described below and it lives up to it’s billing. As one of the few webcams to provide 2,000,000 pixels and a Video Capture of 1600 x 1200, images are clear with DSL or better connection speeds.
From CNET
http://reviews.cnet.com/webcams/logitech-quickcam-pro-9000/4505-6502_7-32509550.html?tag=mncol;lst
The good: Carl Zeiss lens and Logitech’s RightLight technology combine to deliver superior image quality, especially in low light; 2-megapixel sensor lets you shoot video up to 1,600×1,200 resolution; included QuickCam software is polished and easy to use; flexible stand works equally well on top of a monitor or a laptop or resting on a desk.
The badThe bad: QuickCam software isn’t optimized for Macs, so you’re left without the audio and video optimization technology and, less importantly, the goofy video effects and filters.
The bottom lineThe bottom line: The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 offers a winning combination of stellar image quality, easy-to-use software, and a sturdy, stable stand. It’s our Webcam pick for desktop and laptop users alike.
Specifications: Gross sensor resolution: 2,000,000 pixels ; Software type: Logitech QuickCam , Logitech Video Effects , Drivers & Utilities ; Cables included: 1 x USB cable – 6 ft
5 out of 5 stars LOGITECH QUICKCAM PRO 9000 February 2, 2009
WILLIAM ROBERTS
SO FAR, SO GOOD. WORKS WELL WITH MY LIMITED ABILITY. VERY GOOD QUALITY. DOES ALL THE THINGS I WANT TO DO AT THIS POINT IN TIME
5 out of 5 stars Great web cam February 2, 2009
Theresa Romanelli
I originally had a Logitech web cam, then bought a different one. Big mistake, went back to Logitech and a much happier. Good sharp images always reliable, and easy to install and adjust the picture. For the money you can’t go wrong.
5 out of 5 stars Great product February 2, 2009
Todd (Portland, OR)
Easy to use and set up, kick butt over the last cheap cam I had. Very happy. Clear sound and image.
5 out of 5 stars great product February 1, 2009
Jim Hutterson (Indianapolis, IN)
This is a great product. I bought this web cam (two) in order to communicate with my parents. I installed them both on Windows XP Professional systems using Skype and they work great. The auto brightness feature has a little trouble with overhead ambient light, but it has great audio.
