Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000

Manufacturer:	Logitech
List price:	~~$89.99~~
Our price:	$67.44 that is 25% off!

Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000

Average rating: Stars

It's working good

I have been useing it for a month, and I like it, very good quality
even in low light. I liked this product.

Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 - Logitech

Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000

Got this cam two weeks ago, works great, very versatile, easy to use

Logitech - Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000

THIS IS THE ONE YOU WANT. Buy NOW, before 31 August 2005!!!

This is loooong, I know, but bear with me if you will; I think it'll really help. (Note: $20 Logitech rebate offered for the month of August 2005-- Jump on it!)

Pros:
1) Best image clarity on the market. I have Comcast High-speed Internet and use it with their "Video Mail" software to outstanding result!
2) Ease of set-up and installation for inexperienced and experienced alike.
3) Simple user interface (software).

Cons:
(Note: all 'cons' are of a relatively insignificant nature, and in no way interfere with the actual performance of this webcam.)

1) "Flimsy stand"- Explanation: I think most users are referring to a small, screw-in piece, which connects the camera to the base. This piece has a tendency to loosen with movement, but like I said, "screw-in" -- solution? ==> tighten it back down! If you are one of those people who like to frequently move your camera about for better angles and such, a single droplet (and I do mean ONE DROPLET) of your favorite brand of cyanoacrylate adhesive (aka- "Krazy Glue" or "Super Glue") applied to the threads with the tip of toothpick should solve your woes. I say only one droplet because this piece is made to be replaceable, and allows for a wider array of mounting options, if you get too "krazy" with the "Krazy Glue" these options will no longer be available to you should you need them; or if you break the piece somehow, you'd have to buy a complete new stand from Logitech, rather than just ordering a new connector.

2) "The microphone is too sensitive." Explanation: Granted, the mic IS very sensitive, but is this really a problem? Depending on your application, it could prove beneficial. Besides, the mic sensitivity can be adjusted via the included software, and the reality of webcam mics is that very few (if ANY) are reliable for 2-way web communications; you end up with a lot of overlap, echo, and "Whats?" and "Huhs?" You might as well expect to invest in a headset; even the inexpensive ones provide marked improvement over the built-in webcam mics (which are really for room or ambient noise collection anyway).

3) Snap shots. Explanation: Well, no solution to this one. While the camera does take 1.3 megapixel snaps, have you ever really looked at a 1.3 megapixel photo? They ain't pretty. If it's clear snap shots you want, don't look to this webcam, or ANY webcam for that matter, buy a true digital camera instead. The snapshot function of this camera should be considered a fun extra, not a functional main reason for purchase.

4) Instructions. Explanation: The camera and included software are simple to install and use. Don't be afraid to tinker with the settings, and customize them to your suiting -- You Cannot Hurt It. Just get in there and "tweak".

5) "The USB cable is too heavy." Explanation: Come on now, "the cable is too heavy"? A heavier gauge USB cable is a good thing people. The thicker the wires inside, the faster and clearer the data transfer. I think this complaint comes back to the screw-in piece mentioned above in "con #1" (see above). Like reviewer, Adrian Derbyshire said, adjusting the slack in the cable solves this one just fine.

Now for my personal tidbits:
I ran into a bit of a problem the first time that I ordered this one online. A certain online retailer, who will unfortunately go unnamed (as per Amazon's guidelines), features an image of this camera, in the version of its retail packaging WITH the flat panel clip included. Well, WATCH OUT FOLKS! If you need the flat panel clip (and I DO recommend it- much more versatile and stable than the hard plastic version), pay attention to the packaging and seller's description and listing, and if in doubt, contact the seller prior to purchase. The "flat panel clip" or LCD monitor adapter, or other similar description, is the second, `extra' stand included with SOME versions of this camera. It is the flexible, rubber coated stand that Amazon shows with this camera in their description (for the record, Amazon was NOT the retailer that I originally purchased this camera from as mentioned above). There are apparently two versions of retail packaging available for this webcam, one with the flat panel clip, and one without. Here's what to consider:

>If the retail box itself is primarily BLUE, and mentions some included Yahoo! software, the flat panel clip Should Be Included --
Again, Blue box + Yahoo! Software = Flat panel clip (in addition to the first, hard plastic version).

>If, on the other hand, the box is mostly GREEN, and there is no mention of included Yahoo! software, DO NOT EXPECT the flat panel clip to be included. Apparently, Logitech updated their packaging shortly after the camera's release by including the additional stand and changing the software a bit. Most retailers aren't even aware of this distinction folks, and I have found no difference in price related to this issue.
So, Green box + NO Mention of Yahoo! Software = NO Flat Panel Clip.

Now for my initial reason for this 'dissertation', PRICE. I have to agree with reviewer, Adrian Derbyshire again; buy it from Amazon [PERIOD]. If I had, I truly believe that I would have had far less hassle with my flat panel clip issue. Plus, their price is much better than most, as well is their reputation. Additionally, for the month of August 2005, Logitech is offering a $20 rebate on the QuickCam Pro 4000! Couple that with Amazon's current 25% off sale price and you're looking at $47.44!!(before shipping). That's less expensive than many other webcams of much lesser quality!!! At this price, I'm ordering another one for my in-laws in Germany so that we can see them as clearly as they get to see us!

That's a wrap. Sorry this is so lengthy, but I sincerely hope that it helps you with your decision, and can help others to avoid the hassle that I experienced with the flat panel clip issue.

Best,
C. Garrett
Little Rock, AR

"Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity"
~Horace Mann, 1859~

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