Creative Labs CT6860 Video Blaster WebCam Go

by Creative

Product Details

Product Manual [456kb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004RG5N
• Item model number: CT6860
• Average Customer Review: 2.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Fancy yourself to be a bit of an Internet exhibitionist? Then get a Web camera and share your mug with the world. It's as simple as plugging into an open USB port on your computer. Sure, there are plenty of PC video cameras out on store shelves, but none seem quite as flexible as Creative Labs' Webcam Go.

Do you want to drop Grandma a video email or show Mom the new apartment without having to spring for a flight? Whatever the intent, with the software bundle it's a snap. You can take everything from simple still shots to video clips with resolutions ranging from 176 x 144 to 640 x 480 that run as fast as 40 frames per second. Included are video and still-image editing software, as well as motion monitoring software; if you like, you can turn your PC into a motion detector.

Where the WebCam Go really distinguishes itself from the pack is as a very basic digital camera; just unhook it from your PC. It lacks a flash or any high-end digital camera features, but with two AAA batteries its 4 MB internal memory, it can store anywhere from 90 to 200 images, depending on picture quality. Bear in mind this won't give you stellar images--it's made for easy clipping, pasting, and maybe posting to a Web site. It is, however, a handy and fun additional feature.

The one thing you won't find in the box, however, is a microphone to record your words. Most computers come with them nowadays, but you should still check to make certain you have a microphone and sound card up to snuff before you attempt your Jetsons impersonation. --Dave Thomas

Pros:

• Dual functions are fun
• Video and image editing software easy to use
• USB interface for faster frame rates

Cons:

• Not ideal for high-end digital photography
• Microphone not included

Amazon.com Product Description

The Creative Labs' Video Blaster WebCam Go is a combination of a digital still camera and a Webcam. You can attach it to your PC and video conference, create Web sites, and much more. You can also take it with you on vacation as a still camera. It offers 4 MB of nonvolatile memory that stores up to 90 images in 640 x 480 VGA resolution or up to 200 images in the more Web-friendly version of 320 x 240 resolution without the need for diskettes or memory cards. Since the memory is nonvolatile, you won't lose your captured images if the camera's batteries are drained or are removed. You have the flexibility of four image capture modes, each instantly selectable with the mode selector button on the back of the camera. When the camera is attached to the PC, you can adjust the focus ring for a sharp image. When taking snapshots away from the PC, you can place the lens in infinity, midrange, or close-up modes.

The Creative Labs' Video Blaster WebCam Go uses easy-to-find standard AAA batteries. The batteries are used only when the camera is in untethered mode. The two AAA alkaline batteries are good for up to 300 exposures. Small enough to fit in a shirt pocket, the camera is designed for easy portability anytime and anywhere with one-hand operation. It comes equipped with a 6-foot USB cable and a rugged RhinoSkin carrying case to protect the portable camera on the move.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Poor quality, April 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Creative Labs CT6860 Video Blaster WebCam Go (Personal Computers)

I expected much better quality from Creative's WebCam Go. The picture and video quality is poor. I had to immediatly upgrade the drivers because my Gateway Solo 2500 laptop would get a fatal error with the camera's USB plugged in at boot. The newest drivers on Creative's web site ocrrected the problem. I purchased 3Com's HomeConnect PC Digital Camera at the same time and the video quality of 3Com's cam was greatly superior for only $20.00 more. I've since return the WebCam Go and purchased a second 3Com cam.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Promising features but dismal results, May 27, 2000

By 

A. Alkins - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Creative Labs CT6860 Video Blaster WebCam Go (Personal Computers)

The creative labs webcam go advertises a standard webcam with a portable feature to snap pictures too somewhat like a digital camera. Well, lets start from the top.

The installation was quite easy as the manual explained exactly what you needed to know. The software includes the regular Webcam software, A motion detector and some image editing software.

The webcam software is great. You can snap pictures and videos from 320 x 230 to 640 x 480. The webcam go frame rates at 320 x 230 are over 30, and the colours are great. The 640 x 480 resolutions are very slow, about 13 fps on average, not too promising.

The webcame go allows you to unplug the USB cables and pop in 2 AAA batteries and snap shots. This feature is poorly executed. The pictures are extremely grainy and washed out, and most pictures are out of focus. The focus problem arises because you can't see the image when taking the picture and the focus is a dial on the lens but it is very hard to judge where it should be, you have to be a real expert to properly focus images.

Also, the view whole is not in line with the lens, so when you the image is in the center of the picture, its not, so you also have to get accustomed to that.

The different modes are handy. The regular picture mode is for snaps, the continuous mode allows about 10 image captures within about 10 seconds and can be converted to an avi. The are also timer modes so you can take pictures of yourself with ease. But it doesn't make sense using any of these features when the quality is disgusting.

I would not recommend this camera, save the money and buy a regular webcam. If you want portable digitable photos, spend the money and buy a real digital camera.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Night mare, May 11, 2000

By 

"monster99" (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Labs CT6860 Video Blaster WebCam Go (Personal Computers)

I got it last night and it turned out a nightmare for me. After plug it in USB, I had to shut my computer off by cut off the electricity because it freezed the system. After trying again, it works with a poor quality for only 1 minute and on the screen said " plug the cam in..." Thought the cab was not good or because of the USB, I plugged it in another computer and the same thing happened. Trying again and again, but the longest time it worked was 2 minutes only. That's terrible. If U want to get it, think again. Now, I rather use the web of Intel or Logitech even though it doesn't have digital camera function like WEB CAM GO.