Customer Reviews

Labtec WebCam Pro

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

Believe me, you don't need to spend over $30 on a webcam nowadays(mainly because of the bottleneck of network speed, I am using DSL...). This labtec webcam pro fits perfectly your everyday use. When using with msn messenger, both the pic and sound quality are good but when it comes to yahoo messenger, the motion frames lag behind a little bit.

Just so you know. It's not super clear in the description, but it is not compatible with a mac unless you are running Windows XP on the intel-chip.

It's probably a decent webcam.

But the software installation will add more than 2700 keys
and more than 4500 values to your Windows registry. It will
also modify/patch hundred of files in your Windows "system32"
directory. Unsuspecting users will wonder why their PC's
is slowing down a bit after the installation. The modification
to your Windows system will stay even if after you uninstall
the Labtec Webcam software.

A simple device such as a webcam should have a clean and simple
installation, instead of being so intrusive and try to take over
your operating system.

This is my 1st webcam owned, so I don't really have a comparison. As long as you know how to play with the camera settings to adjust for various lighting scenarios, the webcam takes decent enough quality video - can't complain for a $20 webcam. If this cost $50, then maybe I would expect something better, but good enough for me. I would have given 5 stars, but I found that the built in microphone produces a lot of humming when picking up sound, unlike my other stand-along microphone. Perhaps my webcam has a defective microphone - I wouldn't know unless some one else shares that they receive perfect sound through their webcam mike. I actually received my webcam in an opened package from Amazon, so maybe I received a refurb (Amazon did give me a partial credit for this). Using Yahoo's IM service, I was able to broadcast this webcam. In Yahoo's normal webcam mode, the video comes out choppy, but that's a function of Yahoo's server limitation not the camcorder. For folks that use Yahoo IM and have a direct broadband connection directly to their PC (i.e. not through a wireless or base router), I was able to get this webcam broadcasting in Yahoo's Super Webcam mode which produces a much less choppy video.

I've checked out several webcams for under $30 and this one is among the best. The video image is clear and also captures all the back parts of the room very well.

There is a low light boost, backlight compensation, and color boost - among many other settings. Playing with the settings will result in the desired quality. The performance in low light is easily adjusted via the webcam settings. However, in very low light - using just the monitor in a dark room for example - the image is too dark. I figure this is the same for almost every webcam in this price range.

I enjoyed using the "Motion Sensor" for recording video clips of any movements when I am not present. Since the webcam is on my desktop, there is not much practical use as a security camera - but it does captures all parts of the room (25 feet) with very good resolution.

It works well with MSN Messanger 6.2 - both over a local web and across the USA. I use a cable interface to access the internet.

I just bought a second one and had Amazon ship it to my dad.

You can not ask anything more than this in just 20$. It outperforms most of the branded webcam I have seen in this price range. The best part of this webcam is its inbuild microphone, which comes very handy when you do voice chat on Yahoo, MSN or even GoogleTalk. The only problem I see with this webcam is that it can not be adjusted or placed on the top of your monitor/LCD so each time I have to use this I have to stack couple of my books to set it to a level.

Got this webcam from Compusa for less than $30. The installation was a breeze (Install software and plug in the webcam to the usb port).

Great picture quality. I am using this with Yahoo Super Cam. Works great !!!

After my success with my first Labtec pro, i ordered 3 more for my family members. They all love it.

FYI, I am using skype for my PC to PC audio and Yahoo supercam.
This gives the best of both worlds for audio and video

I own a labtec webcam pro since almost 10 months ago and the most important thing is that I can't complain of anything against it.
It was easy to install, works well with the instant messengers (I tried Yahoo, MSN and lately Skype which by the way it's awesome for what I've seen so far in the PC world), the image can be adjusted even when there is dim light due to the camera software utility, the built in microphone was good enough to use for voice over IP, but not as good as a separate microphone (only for chatting the built in microphone will do the job though).
Overall this is a great camera to use for video conferencing, and maybe other people would appreciate the other features too, like the motion sensing for instance.
The only bad thing I could say about it is that it's not one of the most advanced webcams you could buy. This means that the picture quality should be rated as "fair". But you really get the listed features and I would say at a very good price. And getting a better camera might not get you better quality video conferencing because of today's internet connection limitations.

And I read here people complaining about messy installation: in my opinion it's a harmless installation.
Yes it does 9 entries to your windows registry, but compared to Real Player for instance which does 16, or Yahoo messenger minimal installation which does 15 it really isn't that much. Oh, and by the way: the most of the registry entries (all but one) are Logitech named, so don't think installing a Logitech webcam would mean less registry entries (Labtec is owned by Logitech).
One way to avoid unnecessary registry entries might be to connect the camera first, and then when Windows will ask you for a driver insert the CD and let windows pick the driver from there. This way you'll be able to use the camera just fine without adding extra software to your computer (it's something I tried).

This is exactly what I wanted. A basic camera that will let me video conference with a good quality microphone. I am perfectly satisfied with this product.

The best part is that I dont have to waste space on my desktop and the camera has a decent design.

I have used several logitech cameras and was frustrated with the compatibility and quality issues. Labtec is a good switch-over.

I had read a few good and bad reviews on this cam. And I have to say I agree with both. I can take pictures and record myself but I need to turn every light in my room on. But The pictures turn out pretty good. Even though nobody else can view I don't mind its like my own private show. they can hear me not that that will help. It was definitly worth the money.