Closer Look: Ultra Vision SE Webcam

Most consumers go to their local retail store and purchase an item which looks like it will do the job. Unfortunately, in this day and age the products are all beginning to look more and more alike, which means that uneducated consumers could be doing themselves some harm by not learning the features. The webcam industry may have a catalog of products which seem very similar on the outside, but like everything else in this world it's what you have on the inside that counts most.

Take for example Logitech's QuickCam Ultra Vision Special Edition webcam. It may look similar to most of the other products sitting on store shelves, but it is in fact very different. To begin with, it features a five-element glass lens system which works together to render 640x480 video quality on the level of high-end security cameras. Then, add to it a 1.3 megapixel sensor, and the still-image resolution climbs to 1280x960. Finally, mix in a few unique touches: a snapshot and video button, video activity signal, echo-free audio, adjustable angle lens, and a counter-balanced flexible stand. When it's all taken into consideration, the QuickCam Ultra Vision shares very little with the competition.

The difference between Logitech's QuickCam Ultra Vision Special Edition and the non-Special Edition version is the finish. The SE has a nice black (graphite gray really) finish, and the Logitech's QuickCam Ultra Vision has a silver finish.

Features Precision glass lens. Unsurpassed image quality through 5 precision engineered lens elements. Superior image clarity A true 1.3 megapixel sensor coupled with RightLight 2 Technology enables you to capture fine details in dim, side- and back-lit situations. Logitech Video Effects Express your unique personality by using Logitech Video Effects. Choose the avatar or face accessory that suits your mood. Activity light Lets you know when you're "live." Integrated microphone Logitech's exclusive RightSound technology ensures your voice comes through clear and echo-free. Snapshot button Take still pictures with one press.

Specifications System Requirements Windows 2000, XP, Vista Pentium 4 1.4 GHz or AMD Athlon processor 1 GHz (Pentium 4 2.4 GHz recommended) 128 MB RAM (256 MB RAM recommended) 200 MB free hard drive space CD ROM Drive 16 bit color display adaptor OS Compatible Sound Card and Speakers (full duplex sound card recommended) Available 1.1 or 2.0 USB port (USB 2.0 high speed port required for megapixel image capture) Hardware True 1.3 megapixel sensor with RightLight 2 Technology Live video: up to 640 x 480 pixels Still image capture: True 1280 x 960; Up to 4 megapixel (software enhanced) Built-in microphone with RightSound Technology Up to 30 frames per second live video with recommended system USB 2.0 high-speed certified 6 ft. USB cable 2-year limited hardware warranty Adjustable base fits any monitor or notebook Fixed focus Software Logitech QuickCam (easily capture, save, and email your web camera´s pictures and videos) Logitech Video Effects avatar and face accessory software HP Photosmart Essential Software (web download required) Skype with free, full screen video calling Windows Live Messenger with free full screen video calling Yahoo Messenger with free video calling Video enabled AOL Instant Messenger Service Package Contents Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision Webcam with built-in microphone QuickCam Software Quick Start Guide 2-year limited hardware warranty

One of the most unique, if not peculiar features of the Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision Webcam is the flexible counter-weighted stand. It seems obvious that the webcam industry has been fighting with the problem of mounting their product to various surfaces; especially ever since LCD displays took away the nice flat surface which the much larger CRT monitors used to afford them.

Since most users now own an LCD display, the technology used by Logitech to mount the QuickCam Ultra Vision is more towards the unique side. Utilizing a weighted flexible rubber "clip", the QuickCam is designed to mount itself to the screen by using gravity to apply pressure from the front (behind the camera). Even on very thin monitors, such as my SyncMaster 204B, the QuickCam Ultra Vision had no problem staying in place. What the images here don't show you is that the webcam actually twists in the middle. So even if your mounting position is too high, you can simply aim the lens portion (left half) of the QuickCam Ultra Vision down to meet the focus point.

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