Buying a Webcam

[Chicklet]

Hey there,

I really want to buy a webcam to use with my male interest over the computer. I'm fairly poor, and can't afford much more than $40 for one, but I still want one! Also, I'm a complete moron when it comes to computer things. Can you guys help me out with the research? Or do you have any suggestions, from your own experiences?

Any suggestions are appreciated = )

Chicklet

 

[Vanity Deity]

Actually, I bought mine at Wal-Mart for about 30.00 about 3 years ago and it still works perfectly! So why not check out walmart.com, or run to your nearest store. As far as hooking one up, it's step by step, very easy to install and set up. I was never good with that stuf, but about 10 minutes after hooking it up I had it ready to go!

 

[LLs Man]

One thing I've found about webcams (& friends have said the same thing) is that they need a lot of light. If you're using one at night, normal room lighting is unlikely to be enough. I gave up on my webcam & now I use my digital camera in webcam mode, which works much better in low light.

 

[naughtygirl69s]

I bought a logitech at bestbuy for 19.95, it works FINE and takes still pictures...

 

[krazeekat]

One thing I've found about webcams (& friends have said the same thing) is that they need a lot of light. If you're using one at night, normal room lighting is unlikely to be enough. I gave up on my webcam & now I use my digital camera in webcam mode, which works much better in low light.

Not necessarily true. Mine works well in low light, it all depends on the type of webcam you buy. I have a Creative NX Pro which is a tad on the expensive side but worth the investment.

With $40 you can get a decent webcam that works just as good, go with Logitech if you can't find Creative products.

 

[australwind]

Anyone here have any info on Webcams for Macs?


My guess is all of you above are talking PC here!

 

[SweetErika]

When I was researching, I found Cowboy Frank's Webcam Site to be extremely informative. He doesn't review everything, but you can get a good idea, as well as learn about (and see -- he has pics of results from each cam) how different cams handle various lighting conditions, picture quality, and other things you should consider.

We ended up buying a Logitech QuickCam IM from Walmart last spring. I think it was around $30, and it works well for my purposes (chatting with friends, quick pics). This room is dark in the winter, so I do need to use extra light, but the software allows you to enhance in low-lighting, etc. I looked online for the same, or a similar cam in this price range, but after shipping was added, Walmart was one of the best deals. NewEgg.com and Amazon did have some good specials and prices though, so I'd check both.

 

[Quoll]

Anyone here have any info on Webcams for Macs?


My guess is all of you above are talking PC here!

Don't you just hate that, I know I'm sick of PC, can't we just say what we think anymore.

I'd love to help, but just don't have the time right now, hope you are doing well.

 

[australwind]

Don't you just hate that, I know I'm sick of PC, can't we just say what we think anymore.

I'd love to help, but just don't have the time right now, hope you are doing well.

Doing very well, thanks.........hope you are managing not to do yourself any more injury

What ever I decide to get camera wise, I will have to look for a computer upgrade as well..........it appears my baby isn't fast enough!!!

 

[OzDave]

Doing very well, thanks.........hope you are managing not to do yourself any more injury

What ever I decide to get camera wise, I will have to look for a computer upgrade as well..........it appears my baby isn't fast enough!!!

Hi Australwind, I was only looking at webcams on Friday at our local Dick Smith shop. You can even buy a pair if you want to give one to someone kiss: )
Try to get a name brand like Logitech to be sure of quality. I'm not sure about the MAC thing though. You'd have to check the specifications on the box. I'm sure Tricky Dicky would sell something to help you out though.

 

[australwind]

Thanks for that, OzDave.....a pair you say? Might have to give that a second look...... but as I'm running ichat.....i think the iBot might have to be the product of choice.....

 

[cd1_christine]

Revelations re: Logitech

Try to get a name brand like Logitech to be sure of quality.

Logitech's low-end cameras are absolute crap. Unstable drivers, poor picture, etc. Their mid-range ones are pretty good, though.

I've had some decent luck with this one:
http://www.costcentral.com/proddetail/Adesso_UMAX_AstraPix_PC210/PC210/F52311/

My neighbour's kids got one from me (who runs a computer shop) for MSN Messenger, and it's got pretty good low-light performance. I've tried it in my basement when I was fixing their computer, and it gives a good view with just a single 4' fluorescent tube. It's also got a built-in microphone for those....ahem....aural enhancements....