Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviewers generally cite value as the greatest asset of the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX. In particular, they note that a built-in microphone is included -- a rarity in this price range. Reviewers say the QuickCam Communicate STX is easy to set up and use. Image and sound quality are average to above-average.

What the reviewers don't like:
Multiple reviewers criticize the fixed focus lens on the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX; it can’t pan, zoom or track face-movement (although those features aren't common in this price range). More expensive webcams have far better image and audio quality.

Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX review highlights

Reviewers entirely agree about the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX. It is an above-average webcam and the best in its price range. Image and sound quality are pretty good, but not equal to that of the more expensive Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision (*est. $100) or Logitech QuickCam Fusion (*est. $65). Reviewers don’t all agree about image quality, but most see this as one of the best budget webcams.

Among professional reviewers, Australia's PCAuthority.com does the best job reviewing the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX, providing specific comparisons to similar webcams. That’s noteworthy because two otherwise very good review sources, Cowboy Frank.net and WebUser.co.uk, fall short in their coverage of the Communicate STX. Amazon.com has lots of user reviews. The Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX has been revised without a name change and few reviews make a distinction between versions. Because of that, we give much greater credibility to the most recent reviews.

Also see full report: Webcams

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. PC Authority
Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX Review
Roger Kirkwood
Sept. 22, 2006

Roger Kirkwood compares five webcams in this roundup. Each webcam is assigned ratings for quality, features and design and value for money, along with an overall rating. Kirkwood prefers a similarly priced MSI Webcam over the QuickCam Communicate STX, but that model isn’t sold in the U.S. The Communicate STX is his number two pick.

2. WebUser.co.uk
Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX Review
Andy Shaw
July 20, 2006

Andy Shaw compares six webcams in this roundup. However, Shaw devotes much attention in his coverage of the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX to the "fact" that this is the only one of the bunch to include Mac drivers. Perhaps this is a review of the older version of this webcam, as Logitech says the QuickCam Communicate STX is not Mac-compatible.

3. CowboyFrank.net
Webcam Reviews
Frank Harell
As of Mar. 22, 2007

Frank Harell chooses the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX as the best web camera under $50. At press time, the assertion is supported only by photos from the webcam. However, Harell notes that this is a redesigned USB 2.0 version. The recommendation is presumably based partially on his review of the original USB 1.1 version.

4. Amazon.com
Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

Amazon has more than 200 user reviews of the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX. Collectively, they paint a thorough picture of the user experience. However, older reviews have less validity as they are of an earlier version.

5. BiosMagazine.co.uk
Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX Plus Review
Christian Harris
Dec. 4, 2006

U.K. small business technology website BIOS generally provides good reviews, but does not review a lot of products, nor are all sold in the U.S. Christian Harris reviews several other Webcams, but none are selected as an Editor’s Choice. His opinions about the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX are consistent with other reviewers.

Also see full report: Webcams

Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX Review