Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX by Logitech
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Digital camera reviews of Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX
Digital camera Review: Camera Good, Software Not so Good
Summary: 2 Stars
I am a computer programmer and am not stupid when it comes to setting up (and even designing) software. The camera (hardware) is great. The software is not only 'klunky' to setup, it is (at least on my computer) not working correctly. I have been trying to resolve this with tech support for over 3 weeks and I cannot get the software to remember it's settings. It wants to setup the sound settings everytime I open the camera software with it's audio tuning wizard. There are several other settings the software can't seem to 'remember'. I don't know if anyone else has the same problem or not.
I would buy another camera, not because of the camera, but the software.
Digital camera Review: Camera is great, Amazon customer service, not so much.
Summary: 3 Stars
I literally just yesterday (4-28-09) got this Logitech web cam delivered to my home and played around with it for a bit and based on how much I liked it I recommended it to my mother-in-law, brother and my mother all so we could video chat and my parents can see their grandchild since we all live in different parts of the country.
So I go to Amazon today (4-29-09) to get the URL to this camera so I can send it to all of them so they can order it and I see that with the purchase of this camera they now are offering a free Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX.
This is something I could get use out of so I call up customer service and asked if there would be any way possible to send me out this free Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX since I literally just got my Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 delivered yesterday, which they can see from my order. The customer service rep said he would not be able to help and the only option would be to return the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 and reorder the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 in order to get the Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX for free.
Well this is just a obvious waste of my time and money and Amazon's as well, there is no way it would save Amazon money for me to return this product just to get it sent right back to me so I asked to speak with his supervisor, same song and dance from the supervisor (of course) so I asked to speak with his manager. After a short wait I get the manager, he seems to understand what I'm saying but the same words keep coming out of his mouth that the others have said, I must return the camera I just got from them just so I can get it sent right back to me in order to get the free camera, forget logic, forget that I've been a customer with Amazon for the past decade, forget that I've spent countless thousands of dollars with them, forget that I had my wedding registry with them, forget it all, if it's not in their script they cannot take the time to apply some customer service and logic and can only say "no, nope, not gonna happen, sorry, etc.." Makes me wonder why I've been such a loyal customer for so long after this.
Thanks for your lack of common sense Amazon.
Digital camera Review: Competent web cam -- good for Windows XP, basic use for the Mac
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this web cam to use primarily with Skype, and, for that, it's perfect, especially for the price; however, it works different on Windows machines and Macs.
First, the Windows PC: installation is a breeze. Slip in the CD to install the software, and plug the camera into the USB port when asked. Simple as that! The driver software allows still shots, video capture, and the ability to edit images. We had it up and running with Skype in about five minutes. The software is certified for Vista, although I have it attached to a computer running XP, so I cannot comment on its compatibility.
Now, for the Mac: installation took even less time. I plugged the camera into the USB slot, and, while my Mac still thinks that it's an unknown device, Skype at once recognized it as a Logitech STX. I had video calling capabilities, with the same image quality as the one on the Windows PC, within moments. However, without the software, I cannot capture video or take a snapshot. (I've tried downloading Macam, but I can't get the program to work with the camera; the program states that there is no camera attached.) I understand that most Macs these days come with built-in cameras, but for those of us who have a separate monitor, we're stuck with Logitech's much more expensive camera for the Mac, Logitech 960-000254 QuickCam Vision Pro for Mac.
The image quality is decent, though certainly not high end. Before this, I tried the bottom of the line Logitech camera, and the STX is soooo much better for a few more dollars. Even better, it has a shutter cover when not in use, which both protects the lens from dust AND keeps you from inadvertently broadcasting your bed-head. The long balance that fits over the monitor is flexible, allowing you to adjust (within a relatively small range) the camera angle so you don't end up capturing the top of your head (short people) or only your chin (tall people.)
All in all, I'm pleased with the quality of this camera. I would have preferred greater usability with the Mac, but, since I'm mostly using it to chat with friends and family, I'm not too upset. 4 stars for the PC; 3 for the Mac.
Digital camera Review: Decent camera, buggy software
Summary: 3 Stars
Purchased this webcam to use with Skype. And it does that fairly well, after a lot of trouble with the software. I followed the instructions, and installed the bundled software first, then the camera. This lead to unbelievably slow video performance on Skype: wave hello to the niece, wait, wait, see myself wave to the niece. Best performance obtained by doing a complete uninstall of the software (not easily done, I had to use revouninstaller to pick up stragglers), and then just attach the camera to the computer, cold. That worked ok, and the image quality is pretty good.Digital camera Review: Decent for the price
Summary: 4 Stars
The camera works as advertised, definitely. I'm not sure if this one issue is because of my underpowered computer or the software, but there seems to be a significant delay in the action and getting it on the screen, so I get thrown off by the lack of sync. It's definitely a great camera though. =)