My wife's family lives in Europe so we spend lots of time on Skype - especially since we have a 4 month old baby. Our Acer laptop has an OK webcam built in, but I wanted my mother-in-law to feel "almost there" when she was seeing her granddaughter. So I researched HD webcams looking for the sweet spot between price, portability and quality. The C510 hits the mark. It is reasonable in price and is very compact with a nifty storage case for when we are just using the built in webcam.
Initially, I was dissapointed when there was no noticable increase in video quality while Skyping. I soon learned that the problem was not with the webcam itself, but with my research (and Skype). Currently, this camera will not work as an HD Skype camera. If you want that, you need to buy a webcam with a built in HD encoder, which are more expensive. Otherwise, Skype will be a low-def experience. I don't understand why Skype has this requirement when so few webcams have an encoder. I suspect that as more and more HD cams hit the market, we will see Skype change its restrictive policy.
Fortunately, the solution is easy. If you want full 720p HD video chats, look no farther than the Logitech C510 installation disc. Logitech was smart enough to create a very simple, yet high quality video chat program called HD Vid. Once you install it, you send an invite through the program to anyone who you want to chat with. They simply accept and auto intall the software on their computer and you are in business. They don't even need to have a HD webcam. They will still see you in HD, while you will see them in standard-def. And if they don't have a webcam, they can still see you in HD, while you will hear them - so this program is very compatible and much easier than anything else I have used. My 80 year old dad even installed it when he accepted my invite, not that he knew at the time. And he was thrilled to see us in HD the next time I called.
So all in all, this is a good buy and the software is heads above Skype in regards to video quality and simplicity. In fairness, Skype does much more beyond video chats, but if you don't need the added features, the included HD Vid software is a huge value added feature that comes with this camera. Sweet!
I recommend this webcam, especially with the bundled software. It's a great set up for a great price. Logitech 720p Webcam C510
Logitech HD Webcam C510 with 720p Video and Swivel Design ...
Logitech has really done something amazing with this webcam. running on a windows 7 machine I had this webcam installed in 5 minutes and was able to use skype and all my other applications with no hiccup. the lighting adjuster on the webcam works great not matter what kind of light you are in and the built in microphone is great with auto adjusting the volume, had no problems with feedback from my surround sound speakers also. This is a great buy no matter what you are in the market for. The HD video on this web cam lives up to the promises. Quick auto focusing, good image quality in low light, very good frame rates at 720P and below, works out of the box in Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (64-bit) without installing anything else, clever stand that works on the desk or on a monitor or lap top, decent cable length too. Not like the Logitech C910 USB 2.0 1080p HD Pro Webcam, that has Poor frame rates at 1080P resolution, base is not heavy enough so it moves easily, software takes a long time to install in Windows, software is annoying in Windows (pop-up, starting at boot, registration prompts, etc.), audio quality is not very good. Stay with the Logitech HD Webcam C510 with 720p.
Here is my take on the webcam.
The pros are
1.Excellent low light imaging particularly indoor.
2.Decent face tracking similar to Logitech orbit cam.
3.Easy plug and play compatibility with Win7 x64
4.Decent build quality
5.Portable and foldable.
Keep in mind that my point of reference/comparison is a Logitech orbit AF and an old Logitech quickcam and a pedestrian bestbuy inhouse branded webcam
The cons are minor quibbles and not really dealbreakers
The monitor stand contruction might need improvement. It is essentially a plastic hinge.I certainly would not mind if this had some sort of a spring/ clamp which could be tightened /placed firmly . While this makes it adequate for a desktop monitor, for a laptop screen particularly one with a narrow bezel, this might present issues with placement.
My new toshiba came with a built in piece of junk web cam. No matter what light I was in it was horrible. I decided to buy an external after receiving a $50.00 gift card. I searched and found this camera. It arrived and installed via the included disc - perfectly.
The camera is exceptional. It works in the harshest of lights - and is still clear and bright. I closed all the curtains, turned off the lights - and my dad's words were "WOW! Still bright and clear"
The full 360 swivel is very easy - and has great distance detail. The 8mp camera is also fantastic - taking wonderful pictures. If you are looking to shell down money for a cam - and want one you can depend on go with the Logitech C510 - you won't be disappointed - Logitech Webcam - Logitech - Hd Webcam - Laptop'
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