Customer Reviews

Creative Labs USB Webcam NX

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I bought this camera for the purpose of using it as a web cam with MSN Messenger. It certainly works for that. I have not had any problems with it. It was easy to install (with Windows XP Pro) and was up and running in minutes. The software has a few neat options including WebCam Monitor which allows you to configure the camera to take photos at user-defined time intervals and upload them to a web site automatically.

The stand is a little different then other cameras, but works good for my laptop computer. It would also work well if used on top of a flat screen monitor. It probably wouldn't be the best for for a CRT monitor or if mounting on the desk.

My only complaints are the image quality and lack of a microphone. The image quality really isn't bad, but I have an older Intel camera which delivers a much sharper image. I was a little disappointed in the quality of the image, but then I paid less then 30 bucks for it. I paid much more for the Intel camera. For the price, I guess it isn't a bad camera.

I have never used any any of the Logitech cameras, but they are supposedly very good...however, they are a little more expensive too. I did notice that some of the Logitech cameras also have built-in microphones (like the Logitech USB QuickCam Messenger) which would be a big selling point for me, so you may want to give that some thought. I wish my camera had a microphone.

I think this product is one of Creative's product competing in low end webcam market for it's cheap price. It's just amazing seing the low price but with good picture quality, especially compare to my Logitech Quickcam Express (USB) which is only slightly cheaper but without expected quality.

No need to add more light source to make the picture brighter. It will capture light very well, and present the picture as bright as the truth condition. It's clip on legs is also very good value for notebook users.

For its good quality and the clip on legs, it's cheap and highly recommended.

Bought this webcam from Walmart, due to a reasonable price. However, when I got it home and installed it on my computer (Dell Dimension 4550 w/XP Home) it wouldn't let me get out to the internet! I tried uninstalling & reinstalling several times - I could get to the Internet no problems without it on my computer. Checked Creative's Website for a patch or download - of course there was nothing. The image quality is pretty poor also, especially when you compare it to the image on the box, which is crystal clear!! It did come with a "free" microphone, so that was an extra. I would steer clear of this webcam.

I bought this camera for my laptop because I WAS frugal and didn't want to spend a lot of money on the only laptop camera out there. I found it to be a great camera for the price! It focused well, and the software loaded on just fine. Terrific little buy!

I'm not sure if this is in the instructions manual, but for those that have complaints about photo quality, here's one thing you can try- twist the blue lens cover. This changes the focus of the camera which may resolve any image quality issues. Hope it helps

Compatibility:
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Read many reviews saying that they had compatibility issues. But mine hooked up fine on XP Home (make sure you dont connect the cam before you install the s/w - this is mentioned in the instructions).

Image quality:
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Image quality is a little grainy, but for $20 its OK. Does not handle bad light well. With good light its fine. I do not use it for anything other than doing cam-chats with folks faraway. Though it came with a lot of bundled s/w, I did not install any coz i dont need it.

One surprising thing is that, with its own software i get a decent enough refresh rate and better image quality, but when using it with yahoo msngr on DSL, refresh rate is real slow and the image becomes grainy. But i guess this is not the fault of the cam since it works better with its own software.

Build quality:
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Build quality is not impressive but passable, especially the legs look weak and as if they'd break if i was a little rough with them. (but if one is rough with a budget cam then one is rather stupid). Legs do a good job of holding on to my laptop screen and i had no trouble with them. Swiveling angles of the head are adequate to place it almost anywhere one might reasonably need to.

Verdict:
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So overall, if you have to make a choice between this webcam and no webcam, go for it. But know that this is not a performance product & you should be happy. I am.

I read the other reviews & I want to know what these people want. For a $30 camera, this thing rocks! I borrowed my brothers camera so my daughter could talk to grandma. I plugged it in, downloaded the driver from the web & was video conferencing on MSN Messenger in about 2 minutes. I'd definitly buy another one!!

ok well picture is quite good, price is good and low light sensitivity is better than on a pcline 300a, it also zooms in a little bringing your face closer to the cam. so in general use it
is pretty good value.

BUT there is one problem with this camera certainly under winME you may find your computer bluescreens on boot up with the camera plugged in. unplug the camera and your computer boots normally.
on my system this happens everytime.
The Pcline camera does not do this but has a poor picture quality.

I won't speculate on the causes, I know of another camera which causes some computers not to boot, so who's fault is it the Cam manufacturer or the mainboard manufacturer. I doubt either will take the blame. If you can live with a relatively good quality camera that has to be unplugged when you reboot then this cam is ok, if not be prepared to have to return it.

The image quality is poor, it reloads every few seconds and it was difficult to install.

I hate the stand on this cam. Worst I've ever used. Very hard to position. The camera itself is either defective, or doesn't focus properly, at least with my computer. The colors go wacko if it is slighty too focused.
So either I'm missing something, or this camera just isn't that good.