Logitech Webcam C500 with 1.3MP Video and Built-in Microphone [Retail Packaging]

The quest for a good replacement webcam can come to an end with the mid level Logitech C500. The thing that appealed to me primarily were the simple features. With a two tone silver finish, the glass lens C500 is packed with an attached 6' USB cable, software CD, instructions and a two year product warranty.

The expandable clip easily attaches to my LCD monitor or it can free stand on the desk. I found that the webcam installs perfectly with or without the enclosed Logitech software. Just plug and play. It paired well with both Meebo and Google's Gmail "G Chat" without stalling or interruptions.

I was very impressed by the clarity and sharpness of image transmission. The microphone picks up even the faintest of whispers. The jury is out on the product's RightLight technology. I did not see that much difference in lighting over my older Logitech webcam. The manually operated privacy shutter is a nice add on.

The much hyped Logitech video calling network... Read more

Actually, if I had nothing else in the product line to compare this with, I would give it four stars for less than satisfactory video quality. But that would not be fair. You get what you pay for. There are other models in the Logitech line that have better video quality for a higher price. If video quality is really important to you, shell out more bucks for a better model. Otherwise, you'll be very happy with this one. For communication purposes, this is fine for me. If I were making stuff to post on YouTube, I would go for a model with the highest quality video.

I like the automatic face tracking. When it is on, the camera tracks your face. If your face moves, it pans to follow. It also zooms to keep your face at a good proportion to the field of view. In other words, whether you move closer or farther from the camera, it compensates by zooming in or out.

The physical shade is nice, but I also like the software's "privacy shade" feature. Basically,... Read more

I had this sent to my sister, 800 miles away, to install on my mother's computer so we could set her up with Skype. I wanted something very easy to install and operate and it was a piece of cake. Everyone is impressed with the picture quality.