Customer Reviews

Creative Live! Cam Chat HD 720P, 5.7MP Webcam (Black)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The camera has simple plug-and-play installation which confused me for a few minutes. It will appear in the control panel under Imaging Devices but I couldn't find it in programs (or programs86), and there was no icon on my desktop. I knew it was installed because I saw the process, but didn't know how to access it to see a picture from the camera.

It turns out that when you log in to Skype (and some other sites such as Facebook and YouTube) the site knows how to find the unit on your computer and both video and sound worked perfectly the first time. I suppose that makes sense that since it's a "webcam" you need the web and it doesn't use system resources when you're not connected. It sits comfortably and securely on my desktop monitor and it will attach to a laptop as well.

I have Windows 7 and the webcam is optimized for Windows Live. It is compatible with Windows going back to XP SP2 and Mac OS X 10.5. In addition to the standard webcam functions, there is a website address provided in the instructions for support and registration and at which you can download additional functionality. I'm not sure if this applies to Mac or if this is a Windows-only feature, but they have a program called "Live! Central 3" which integrates the following 3rd party software and services:
* GotoCamera Client helps you monitor your home, your family, and your business using a webcam.
* MobileCamStreamer lets you use your cell phone to view what your webcam sees.
* FastAccess enables your webcam to secure your computer and enter website passwords using facial recognition.

This extends the functionality way beyond what I'm interested in but I mention it in case you are interested in this type of thing. (The download is free). I just got this webcam to Skype with my grandson and daughter. This is the full extent of what I plan to do with it, but those who are more ambitious certainly are provided options.

While on Skype at my end, I see the thumbnail view of how I look to them and it looks great--much sharper and clearer that what I saw when using the built in camera in my MacBook. Even with inadequate lighting, the image of me is clear and the picture of the background (and up to about 5 feet behind me) is also sharp. Beyond 5 feet, it begins losing focus (as any camera lens would). The colors I see are perfect, not just the skin tones, the color of the art on the wall and the books on the shelf are dead on. At the other end, they are also very impressed with the image, the synchronization of voice and picture, the color and the sharpness.

I'm impressed all around: with the camera build and appearance; with the ease of installation; with the website of the manufacturer which is very consumer-oriented; and with the option of further upgrading the scope of the camera. And--when it comes to the image I'm absolutely blown away.

Believe it or not I have never used a webcam, honestly, I have never had any desire to use one prior to this. I was raised in the computer generation (remember having to use commands like 'brun' to start a game?) and just find it hilarious that I have never used a webcam. I have a book review blog and the latest thing are "vlogs" (video blogs for those who don't know) and I am interested in going that route with a few books and see how I do. Well, with the Creative Live! Webcam it was so easy to do! This is a simple "plug in" cam that is extremely easy to use. I felt that the picture and sound quality were pretty good, not outstanding but not horrible (not like those orange grainy ones of yesteryear). I also like the fact it is small and perches nicely on my monitor without disturbing the area.

I say it's a win! I am excited to really make up some vlogs and play around. I will even update one to this review for fun!

This webcam installs perfectly on Windows XP. It easily adjusts to the environment to give good quality net video ... perfect for web communications. Installing on Windows 7 systems may not go as well. If you have an incompatible video driver, the camera will appear to set up yet won't work with Ms Messenger. Creative's Webcenter software works well in both OS systems. Recommended.

I am very pleased with my purchase of the Chat HD Cam. I was afraid that I would never be able to understand it but within an hour of going through the tutorials I became a (mini) expert. Even when I encountered a few minor glitches the software talked me right through it and I was able to correct the problems. I appreciate them making this such a user friendly product. I will definitely be making further purchases from Creative Live! Thank You.

My work laptop does not have a built in camera. This camera fits the bill just perfect. Small enough to tuck away in my laptop bag or place on top of my monitor when docked. I use it for Google Hangouts and it does the job perfectly. Wide field of view so two people can comfortably sit in front and both be on camera. Everyone says the microphone sounds just fine.

I've used a number of Webcams and have one already. But the Webcam on my Granddaughter's laptop died so I had her test this one.
She isn't a computer geek so it was a test of how easy it was to install and use this camera.
She had it installed and running in less than 15 minutes without a problem.

I personally like the design better than the Creative Labs cam I have on my computer.
Mine works pretty good but its method of attachment causes it to flop off too often. The Cam Chat stays put easier and has a better, clearer picture. Much of that is because of its 5.7 Megapixel lens which is at least twice the resolution of mine.

This is important if you do any video conferencing. It is terrible to be talking to someone over the internet and their view of you is blurry. That isn't a problem with this Webcam.
Creative does have one Webcam with 10 Megapixels and two Webcams that have 12 Megapixel resolution but unless you are doing acrobatics in front of your computer they are a bit of overkill. Particularly when you realize that the 10 MP costs 46% more and the 12 MP cams cost from 77% to 335% more.

So for the price, this is an outstanding Webcam to own.

I'm not an expert at webcams, but I have been able to run with the Creative Live! Cam Chat HD 720P 5.7MP Webcam for a while and have some observations.

This webcam is easy to hook up, is recognized immediately by my Windows 7 PC, and works as expected. It is also fairly small. But when comparing image quality of this webcam to the built in webcam on my son's Dell laptop, the Creative is noticably poorer - colors are washed out and there is a distinct lack of contrast, esp. if the lighting is not great. In addition, I wish there way a better way to attach this to the lid of a laptop, as it falls off easily.

If you are looking for an inexpensive webcam to just "get the job done" the Creative Live! Cam Chat HD will work for you; but if you are interested in a higher quality output you may need to keep searching. For example, I might consider the Creative Live! Cam Socialize HD AF 720P 10MP Webcam for just a bit more than this product.

I have used a Logitech webcam for years, and use it nightly to Skype with my father. I was very curious how the Creative HD Webcam would compare with it. Since I use my webcam so heavily, this is an important investment for me.

The setup on my Windows 7 system was extremely simple. It is pretty much plug and play. Once it was installed, I was able to use it, both for generic recording purposes as well as for Skype discussions.

The video and sound quality was not as good as the Logitech that I normally use, though. The image was not as crisp or clear. The sound was not as sharp. Since my father is hard of hearing, it's critical that the unit's built in microphone work well. Certainly it *works* - sound is audible. It's just not at the same level.

If I was doing an occasional chat, then the image quality might not matter much. However, since I do at least a full hour every day, it's important to me that the image I'm staring at is as good quality as possible. The Logitech definitely provides a higher quality, easier to see image.

In the end, this provides a reasonable product for the price. If you're just doing an occasional chat and simply need to be able to see and hear what is going on, I'd recommend this Creative Live! unit. If, however, you're doing more long term, frequent use, I'd upgrade to one of the higher quality models.

We received a free test unit of this webcam from the Amazon Vine program.

These days, most of notebooks and netbooks have built-in webcams already.
This webcam is more for deskTop computer, where size is not that crucial. But the webcam is still far smaller comparing with older generation webcams.

No DVD is included in the package. Window recognizes this device and installs the correct driver automatically. If you use it with skype (or any 3rd party application), then you are good to go.

However, if you really don't have any 3rd party application to use with this webCam, you have the option to go to their web site to download their free application. With their application, you can make videos, take photos, and put videos/photos to youtube or other social sites. Why don't they put the application software DVD in the package? I guess they just want to stress the "plug-and-play" spirit of this webcam.

Mike is built in. It effectively cuts out background noise, make your voice clear.

I don't have another 720p webcam for apple-to-apple comparison. But the video quality is good. The 5MP photo is more than enough for web posting.

It's a budget webcam no doubt (currently ~$25 on Amazon), but with good video/photo quality. I highly recommend this webcam.

this the best web cam I have ever bought thank you It really works great It is much better then the one that I had before