Group test: webcams

Years ago, a webcam meant a low-res, still image of your mug that refreshed every few minutes. Now though, with the advent of faster internet connections and tiny, cheap video streaming technology, webcams are becoming fantastic tools for play and even work, with most happily syncing up to all your favourite instant messaging clients, as well as internet phone service Skype.

You’ll still need a really nippy broadband connection, as will the person you’re chatting with, to make the most of the high resolution streaming options, but even at lower settings, being able to see the voice at the other end of the line is liberating. Especially when it’s cheaper than a phone call too.

Microsoft LifeCam Show

Don’t be fooled by the 2.0-megapixel sensor claim on the Microsoft LifeCam Show – that’s stills only. Video is decent though, and if you travel a lot and need to keep in touch with home, the Microsoft LifeCam Show is a perfect purchase. If you’re more likely to natter from the comfort of your fave chair though, this isn’t worth the extra expense.

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Go to the Microsoft LifeCam Show product page >>

Logitech QuickCam Sphere AF

Weigh everything up very carefully before emptying your wallet on the Logitech QuickCam Sphere AF. Yes, video quality is astounding, but do you need a camera that tracks you around the room? If you like to put on shows for audiences – we won’t ask what – you’ll want this, but otherwise think long and hard before coughing up.

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Go to the Logitech QuickCam Sphere AF product page >>

Creative Live!Cam Optia AF

For the price you pay, there are better webcams out there for video chatting. If all you want to do is see the person you’re chewing the virtual fat with, go elsewhere. If you’re security minded though, the Creative Live!Cam Optia AF makes a fantastic CCTV cam which will lash up all the evidence into a video for you quickly and easily. Paranoid? Buy this.

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Go to the Creative Live!Cam Optia AF product page >>

Hercules Dualpix HD

We won’t skirt the issue. The Hercules Dualpix HD lacks the snazzy features of the other webcams on test. No CCTV set up, no 1600×1200 video recording. But for the skinny pricetag, the Hercules Dualpix HD does a great deal. Want a cheap solution for your desktop? This is it, so snaffle one up while you can.

Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Hercules Dualpix HD product page >>

PriceRunner recommended
strong>Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro

It’s nice to see Mac users properly catered for at last (Are you listening, Microsoft?) with the Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro, and anyone who uses a line that doesn’t have a webcam built in (Mac Mini and Mac Pro peeps, we mean you) should go ape for this. We look forward to a more flexible update, but otherwise this is a great solution, as well as the only one for Mac users.

Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro product page >>

Like these webcams? Why not get chatting about them on the PriceRunner forums.

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