Have a proper chatter with Logitech’s QuickCam web camera

Video chats via webcam can be a great way to stay in touch with distant family and friends, but there’s nothing more distracting than jerky picture and crackling sound. Logitech’s QuickCam S5500 solves your conversation quality woes though through some clever software to adjust image and sound levels tucked away inside its circular shell.

Logitech’s equipped this little ball of joy with its RealLight and RightSound technology to brighten up dark rooms automatically and filter out background noise for crystal clarity online chats, with picture quality to match thanks to a maximum resolution of 1280×960 at DVD framerate, 30fps. Just slot it into an idle USB port, perch it on your PC, install the software and you’re away.

Top talents

Skype sync
The QuickCam S5500 works with VOIP program Skype, making your free phone calls video conferences. It’ll also work with all the top IM apps, like Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo.

Loud and clear
ReaLight and RighSound technology mean you’ll be able to natter away, even in a noisy or dark internet cafe – it’ll still pick your mug and voice up.

Mask madness
The QuickCam can lock onto your face and place an assortment of silly disguises on top of it. It’s daft, but a fun way to muck about with mates online.

Going up against

Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 – It’s a level up in Logitech’s QuickCam range, but the extra price is worth it if you want top resolution images: it’ll shoot at a better-than-HD 1600×1200 at 30fps.

Creative Live! Cam Optia AF – Ignore the errant punctuation: this 2 megapixeller gives you a crispier picture than most other cameras on the market.

Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 – This cheap and cheery webcam will plug straight in. It may look like the lamp from the Pixar logo, but its low light sensor will mean you won’t need another in the room.

What do you use your webcam for? Get chatting about webcams in the Pricerunner forums.

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