Expert Review
Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000

Enlarge Image

CG Award:  (what's this?)



Stores Selling: 2
$149.00 - $170.00


Expert Rating:  3  (what's this?)

Expert Review

Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000

Date Published: 11/18/02

Logitech is one of the major vendors in the Web cam market, and has been a provider of small video cameras since it bought the first of these, the original QuickCam, from its original developer, Contectix. Staying with the model name, QuickCam, Logitech now boasts a complete lineup of models, from a basic no-frills model to the top-of-the-line Pro 4000.

While the QuickCam Pro 4000 doesn't look much different from most of the other QuickCam models, it has significantly improved electronics and a CCD sensor that provides full-screen VGA 640x480-pixel resolution in video mode. You can also use the QuickCam to take digital stills. In this mode, the images can be captured in a resolution of up to 1.3 megapixels. Installing the QuickCam Pro 4000 takes only a few minutes, and most of that time is spent installing the software. With its USB interface, the QuickCam Pro 4000 simply plugs into a USB port. The Web cam has a built-in microphone, so one you've completed the setup, you're all set for both video and audio.

The QuickCam Pro 4000 will work with either a Windows-based system or a Macintosh, if the Mac is one that has a USB port. Software is supplied for both operating systems, and the software bundle is very attractive. Included with the QuickCam Pro 4000 is MGI VideoWave (for making videos) and PhotoSuite (for still-image editing). Logitech also includes its own IM Video Companion. This software links with MSN Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger and adds video to your chats. Using this feature is easy, though both parties to the chat need to have Logitech video cams and the IM Video Companion software installed. Once you've established a chat using the messenger software, simply launch the IM Video Companion software and click on the "View my Web Cam" button. This sends video to your chat recipient. Yahoo!'s Instant Messenger also supports video chatting.

Also included with the Logitech ImageStudio bundle is software to create a one-click video e-mail, a Web album creator, animation software for creating time-lapse and stop-motion movies, and even a motion detector that starts recording when it detects movement in its video field. With it, you can see who's been using your PC when you're away.

Above all, however, Logitech's QuickCam Pro 4000 is a high-quality video camera. Keep in mind, however, that the interface is the older USB 1.1 standard. That means that the camera will be just barely able to transfer full-motion 30fps video to the PC, especially if you have the screen size set to VGA (640x480 pixels). Given that few users have the broadband Internet capability to perform full-screen, full-motion videoconferencing, we don't see this as a problem for most users.

Pros: Terrific resolution, full-motion capture, good software bundle
Cons: None significant



Warranty
2 years limited, hardware



Expert Rating Scale

 
   Value
   Is it appropriately priced?
   Performance
   How well does it work?
   Ease of Use
   How easy is it to operate?
   Features
   What's included?
   Overall
   What does Consumer Guide® think?




Compare prices on Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 Personal Web Camera
Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 Personal Web Camera
Video enthusiasts get ready... this new QuickCam was made just for you. By combining a digital zoom, built-in microphone and high-quality VGA CCD sensor, the QuickCam Pro 4000 lets you express your creativity like a pro. Now you can create amazing videos and shoot 1.3 megapixel still photos with eas...
> Price range: $149 - $170

 

 

Compare Prices
Store Name Price Buy It







  Looking for More?


Explanations

Expert Reviews
Logitech QuickCam Fusion
Labtec WebCam Plus
Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000
Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000
Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision Special Edition

Prices
Logitech QuickCam® Pro 9000 Personal Web Camera
Creative Technology Video IM Pro Personal Web Camera
Linksys WVC200 Network Camera
Logitech QuickCam® IM (961361-0403) Personal Web Camera
Logitech QuickCam Communicate Personal Web Camera



Price Range


Web Camera Type


Brand


Interface Type


Special Features









Magic Debugger

release: 8.4.3-qa1
content_id: 254388
type: review
category: l4-cp-web-cams

brws title: Consumer Guide: Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 Review

meta d: Logitech's QuickCam Pro 4000 boasts a CCD sensor that provides full-screen VGA 640x480-pixel resolution in video mode. Read more within Consumer Guide's review.

url: http://shopproducts.howstuffworks.com/Logitech-QuickCam-Communicate-Personal-Web-Camera/SF-1/PID-22689108