Save yourself some cash. Don't purchase!
Written: Dec 04 '00 (Updated Dec 06 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Decent software and drivers, captures decent still images during the daytime at close range.
Cons: Doesn't function as well at distances or at night time, the camera is only plugged by USB at one end, it is basically a waste of money.
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| _fate_'s Full Review: IBM PC Camera Webcam |
Review: IBM PC Camera
I had always wanted to do teleconferencing, or set up a camera on my computer so that I could create a webpage and have the page update itself with pictures of me taken every so often so that my friends could see. This camera was approximately $50, purchased at CompUSA with a $20 mail-in rebate. I took IBM to be a trustworthy and quality company, so this was the video camera that I ended up purchasing as opposed to the others. I'm sad to say that it was a mistake. The box is misleading in its "professional" packaging, and at $50, you would expect the camera to be somewhat decent. I heard that many people received this camera free as part of a promotion, and I can see why. You'll find out later on.
Features:
This camera utilizes a USB connection, allowing the rapid transporting of files, eliminating the need or use for a video capture card, although having one wouldn't be a bad choice. The camera supports a relatively low resolution (352 x 288), in 24 bit color. The camera rests on a swivel base, allowing you to adjust the angle and aim the camera with relative ease. The camera also has a lens that can be focused and adjusted, but this must be done manually (with several twists of the lens).
My Experience:
I installed the camera quite easily, since the camera was USB. The camera has a USB cable that connects only at one end (the computer end). I thought this was a bit strange. The other (square) end doesn't plug into the camera. It is attached into the camera. I found this to be a bit inconvenient, especially since the space behind my computer is a tangle of cables. I usually leave USB cables plugged in, and attach them to whatever is free. This is easiest for me, since USB peripherals are detected instantly and don't require a reboot, or freeze up the computer when connected. The camera was detected by the computer and the drivers were installed easily.
Problems:
I started up the included IBM program, but almost immediately, I was disappointed. The screen size for both captures and movies was relatively small, and the capture rate was very slow, even though it had stated that it was capable of 10-30 frames a second. It was like watching myself move through a strobe light piercing the darkness with its rays. Also, IBM thought themselves clever to place a capture button right on top of the camera. However, if you think about this, it's rather foolish. No one will reach across to the camera sitting on their computer to click an image of himself and capture a nice shot of his arm obscuring their face from view, when this can be done with a mouse click. The still images, and captured movies are even worse at night. Unless you are sitting fairly close to the camera, the camera will not pickup your features very well. It also tends to distort and turn shades of colors, probably due to the lack of light. I tried to fix this by turning on all the lights in the room, but somehow the lights make the camera display everything as white. Another thing I noticed, is that the frames seem to run even slower at night. I could be seeing things, but my peers who bear witness to the distorted videos of myself reported the same.
Conclusion:
My experience with this camera was not the best, and I regret purchasing it at all. I believe that it is a waste of money, and that alternatives can be found with better results. I do not recommend this camera to be purchased. If you received or will received this camera as a promotion, don't get your hopes up. It's nothing amazing!
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
_fate_
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Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 53 members
About Me:
A student studying Computer Science, and obsessed with computers.
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