Webcams Reviews

Webcams (also known as web cameras) have experienced growing popularity since video chat and video blogging exploded into mainstream culture. As more people acquire broadband connections, webcam manufacturers are designing products of increasing quality in response to consumer demand. Many notebook computers now feature built-in webcams, eating into the webcam market. Experts will tell you that's a shame, because standalone webcams have improved dramatically, with newer models sporting HD (high definition) video, exceptional audio and a variety of interactive features.

We discovered many reviews of webcams. The most up-to-date and comprehensive are found at webcam enthusiast site CowboyFrank.net, where reviews cover setup, ease of use, image quality, features and overall performance. Another strength is CowboyFrank's matching sets of sample photos from each web camera in a variety of lighting conditions. PC Magazine, along with Britain's WebUser and Which? also provide good, recent coverage. Consumer Reports doesn't cover webcams at all.

We were surprised to read unflattering reviews for one expensive webcam. The Creative Live! Cam Optia AF (*est. $90) is marketed on its video quality and "plug-and-play" capability. However, reviews find that it falls short of its quality claims, with quirky software and issues with audio/video synchronization. PC Magazine’s Rick Broida finds the higher resolution video settings difficult to access and also reports that the video quality is poor compared to other webcams. On the other hand, Broida does like some of the extra features of the Cam Optia AF. Matthew Elliot, writing for CNet.com, delivers a similar review, saying that the Cam Optia AF is useful for certain functions but that there are better and cheaper webcams on the market.  ... Continued

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

Logitech webcams easily dominate in reviews, and the latest Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 gets the best reviews in recent coverage. Reviewers agree that it produces the best video quality and more than justifies its higher price. With several models available at a higher price point but with poorer reviews, the QuickCam Pro 9000 also proves itself a good value at its current price.

In reviews, Creative webcams generally fall short. In all price ranges, Logitech webcams are judged better, according to reviewers who have recently compared products from both brands. Microsoft Webcams receive mostly poor reviews, and opinions of Philips webcams are split, with some reviewers finding them close to top Logitech models and others panning them entirely. It remains to be seen whether HP’s new Elite Autofocus webcam will give the company an edge in the webcam market, though the low-quality third-party software currently seems to be undermining the camera’s performance promises.