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