
- The Flexiglow CyberSnipa Spotter webcam is very reasonably priced. The telephoto lens (with a carrying pouch) and tripod are potential assets, although reviewers found little practical application. Image quality is respectable; it's good for stills. The tripod is lightweight.
- Reviewers say the zoom on the CyberSnipa Spotter does not work as advertised; it is not adjustable. Build quality could be a problem as some reviewers say the included tripod is flimsy. The base doesn't mount easily on a laptop or LCD monitor and no microphone is included.
The Flexiglow CyberSnipa Spotter webcam has a lower-than-average price given its capabilities. The Spotter is a unique product with a detachable zoom lens and a tripod. On paper, the Spotter seems to offer a lot for the dollar, but objective reviews are sparse.
Australian consumer magazine Choice.com.au says that CyberSnipa webcams are the best. Choice compares them with Logitech, Microsoft, and Creative webcams (as well as even lesser-known brands) to reach that conclusion. Other mainstream publications have not critiqued any CyberSnipa products, including the CyberSnipa Spotter (*est. $40). Tweaknews and Dan's Data have decent reviews that add information, but little selection guidance. At press time, there are very few user reviews available for the Flexiglow CyberSnipa Spotter.
Our Sources
1. Choice.com.au
Australian consumer magazine Choice tests 18 webcams, many of which are discontinued or not sold in the United States. We are intrigued that ratings are significantly different from other sources. Choice editors are unimpressed with Logitech products, but two models from CyberSnipa top the ratings. The CyberSnipa Spotter is the best webcam without a microphone.
Review: Test: Webcams, Editors of Choice.com.au, Nov. 2006
This review opens with an introduction to Flexiglow, the manufacturer of the CyberSnipa brand, which is helpful, as the company has a low profile in the U.S. relative to competitors. The Spotter is rated highly, but no other webcams are mentioned in the review. Stills from the Webcam show a Linux-looking penguin rather than a human face. As flesh tones are difficult to reproduce, this is a disservice to readers.
Review: Cyber Snipa Spotter USB Webcam, Jackie Mueller, Jan. 15, 2007
3. Dan's Data
This review of the CyberSnipa Spotter is entertaining, but a bit fluffy. Mark Cocquio only cites experience with older webcams. The review is nicely balanced and credible.
Review: CyberSnipa Spotter Webcam Review, Mark Cocquio, Oct. 17, 2006, updated Nov. 24, 2006


