Blue Microphones Eyeball 2.0 HD Audio and Video Webcam with Microphone

by Blue Microphones

• Two megapixel sensor and up to 1600x1200 resolution
• HD video and audio recording on the go
• Plug and play no complicated drivers required
• Mac and PC compatible
• Retractable video camera to ensure privacy

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 7 inches ; 5.1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002OHOF08
• Item model number: EYEBALL 2.0
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Blue Microphones Eyeball 2.0 is a stylish USB webcam that addresses all of your VoIP and video chat needs. Small enough to be carried around in your pocket, the Eyeball 2.0 is ideal for Webcammers and VoIP users on the go. Featuring a two-megapixel HD camera and Blue's famous stereo condenser capsule, the Eyeball 2.0 provides you high-grade video and audio performance. It is compatible with any computer that has a USB port, and it features an on-screen mount for added convenience.

Eyeball 2.0 USB Webcam At a Glance: HD video and audio recording Condenser capsule technology for pristine audio Compact at only 3.75 x 2.25 inches Retractable lens for privacy Versatile mounting bracket for different-sized monitors

The Eyeball 2.0 provides outstanding video and audio performance with a stylish retro design.

The lens is retractable for privacy.

High-Grade Audio and Video in a Pocket-Sized Device
The Eyeball 2.0 is an ideal webcam for video bloggers or VoIP users, particularly those who travel or work remotely and require a high quality experience. With no software or drivers needed for operation, installation is a snap--simply plug in the Eyeball 2.0 using the included USB cable and you're ready to begin video chatting.

The device measures only 3.75 inches by 2.25 inches, so it fits easily into a pocket, briefcase, or purse. For added convenience, the included versatile bracket will accommodate all types and sizes of monitors.

With a design inspired by classic recording equipment, the Eyeball's stylish, retro aesthetic will complement any laptop or monitor. Its metal grille and shiny, chrome-toned frame resembles an old-timey microphone.

Premium Sound Capture and Video Technology
Thanks to its miniature, two-megapixel camera, the Eyeball excels as a webcam, delivering crisp, vivid video quality. The camera uses Super HD technology, which enables high-definition resolution up to 1,600 x 1,200 pixels. Combine this with the camera's fast response time of up to 30 FPS, and you get a state-of-the-art webcam that is well-suited to casual use. The camera also incorporates a retractable lens, which gives you the added benefit of privacy. Additionally, the Eyeball 2.0 rotates on a hinge, allowing you to direct your video feed and optimize your sound.

The primary attraction of the Eyeball 2.0 is its amazing sound capture capabilities. Using Blue Microphones' signature condenser capsule technology, the Eyeball 2.0 can record sounds that most webcams would not be able to capture, such as guitar, singing, or any sound with a broad range. Because it delivers professional-grade audio, the Eyeball 2.0 can even double as the default microphone for your computer.

The Eyeball is compatible with both Mac and PC operating systems. It requires a USB port for operation and is backed by a limited two-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Webcam, removable bracket, USB cable, and instructions.

The Eyeball 2.0 attaches to and works great with both laptops and desktops.

Product Description

Meet the Eyeball 2.0 a revolutionary new webcam with HD-quality audio and video. The Eyeball 2.0 deliver Blue's award winning design and sound quality to a portable webcam. Its retractable camera lens preserves your privacy and ensures that the Eyeball 2.0 turns itself off when you aren't broadcasting. The custom-designed monitor adapter makes it simple to position it on virtually any laptop or desktop monitor. The Eyeball 2.0 features Blue's famous pro-quality condenser capsule, giving it better sound than any webcam in the market and features Super HD video to complete the picture. The Eyeball 2.0 works on both Mac and PC wit no complicated drivers to install just connect it to your computers USB port. Specs include 2MP sensor and 1600x1200 max resolution.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

98 of 106 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Many defective units.... April 15, 2010

By A. Antongiovanni

Amazon Verified Purchase

Length: 4:04 Mins

Watch the video for more detail.

Pros: Great sound, good video, tough design, nice retro-ish look. Great customer support from Blue Mic Co. Finally Got a good unit.

Cons: Short USB, received multiple defective units.

Other Thoughts: MAKE SURE you are using USB 2.0, not any lower. If you do use something lower than 2.0 the quality is HORRIFICALLY bad.

79 of 85 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars OK audio, poor video November 23, 2009

By David

Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this Blue Eyeball 2.0 to use for Skype. I have a new, well-equipped MacPro, which I was going to use the Eyeball 2.0 on. I also have a new MacBook Pro which has a built-in iSight camera and microphone. I have high-speed broadband.

I had expected the Eyeball 2.0 to be as good or better on the MacPro than the iSight camera and mike on the MacBook Pro. I was very disappointed. The Eyeball 2.0 is a lackluster video performer. The frame rate is so slow, despite lots of light, and low CPU usage. The lack of a driver means the resolution and frame rate can't be adjusted, and Skype software has no control over them either. It's all plug-and-play and over what you get you have no choices.

Blue touts that its camera can do up to 30 fps, but throws in the caveat that it's "system dependent." So unless the software that uses the camera can make adjustments to resolution, frame rate, and other parameters, you are stuck on Skype with a high resolution camera that has a good picture as long as nothing moves in the frame. Throw in moving lips and hands, and you've descended into the past standard of webcams. Blue doesn't tell you things like this in its advertising.

When I connected to the Blue Eyeball 2.0 site to upgrade free to the "High Gain Software," I could not download the upgrade. So I don't know if I have the "High Gain Software" or not.

While I would have liked to have used the Blue Eyeball 2.0 on my MacPro, the webcam was instead donated to a charity. The built-in iSight camera and mike in my MacBook Pro, although it has no controls over resolution and format and other webcam parameters, is a superior product. Its performance with Skype is very good, and the MacBook Pro has nowhere near the powers of the MacPro.

I have come to believe that USB plugin webcams are mostly a technology that has not yet matured -- despite years of production. Skype has a partnership with Logitech, a maker of webcams, so their recommendations on webcams are suspect -- they are all made by Logitech. I don't buy in to the hoopla about bandwidth and CPU hampering webcams with today's uploading and downloading video in high definition -- which I routinely do.

My only advice is to research your product carefully. Another type of plug-in connection besides USB might be worthy, but without software controls over the camera and the program the camera uses, you may still not like what you purchased.

Bottom-line: Avoid the Blue Eyeball 2.0 unless you know precisely what you are buying, and know the limitations of the platform you will use the Eyeball 2.0 on. An Internet search finds no report of a platform that utilizes the full 30 fps rate that Blue advertises.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Blue Eyeball Quality Review March 1, 2011

By H. Li

Amazon Verified Purchase

Length: 0:23 Mins

I got this off of Amazon not too long ago, and I have to say the audio and video aren't too shabby. Video performs best with a lot of SUNLIGHT, artificial light WILL NOT help you produce the maximum 30 fps. The audio, like all blue microphones, is very good.

Also, Mac users, I have seen a lot of reviews saying that the blue eyeball does NOT work well with them, there is also a video review saying the same. I recorded this on a PC computer. I also hear that your computer specs determine the overall performance of the webcam/mic.