Customer Reviews

Logitech 2 MP HD Webcam C600 with Built-in Microphone

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Length:: 9:37 Mins

This is me talking on the webcam and playing around with some of the special effects.

Here's a few pointers from Logitech's website:

"Vid doesn't currently connect with Windows Live Messenger(tm), AIM®, Yahoo! ® Messenger, or Skype(tm). But there's nothing that would prevent you from using other IM and calling services in addition to Vid on the same computer."

And of course, the computer requirements:

"Vid works with Windows XP, Microsoft(tm) Vista, or Windows 7. We recommend a CPU that's 2.5GHz or faster.
Macintosh: Vid works with Tiger 10.4.11 or higher, Leopard 10.5.0 or higher, Safari 3.0 or newer and we recommend a G4 1GHz or faster processor. And of course, Vid can work with Intel Processors as well.
Other operating systems: Sorry we don't have a version of Logitech® Vid for Linux."

Also, for Playstation 3 owners - this cam works for chat sessions and games like Burnout Paradise!

I already have another Logitech webcam, the Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 (Formerly QuickCam Pro 9000). When I plugged the C600 webcam in to my computer (an HP desktop with Vista 64-bit) the drivers installed quickly, and the webcam was ready to use within a few seconds.

It worked perfectly, giving excellent 2 megapixel videos and 8 megapixel photos. In switching between this webcam and the Pro 9000, it was almost impossible for me to discern a difference in the picture quality. I think the color with the Pro 9000 is a bit more accurate, but the sharpness on both cameras is excellent. The only differences I can find are these:
(1) the C600 has a "premium glass lens" (no maker is specified), while the Pro 9000 has a "Carl Zeiss lens system"
(2) the Pro 9000 has an autofocus feature; the C600 does not (however, the focus on the C600 seemed as good as the Pro 9000's)
(3) the C600 is a much lighter plastic and a different shape; the Pro 9000 seems much sturdier

As of my review date, Amazon gives a 27% discount on the Pro 9000 and none on the C600, making the higher quality Pro 9000 less expensive than the C600. I have no reservations about recommending the C600, but as long as the C600 costs more than (or is the same as) the Pro 9000, I'd opt for the Pro 9000.

Through Amazon Vine, I recently received a review unit of the Logitech Webcam C600. Of all the webcams I've owned and used, this is probably the best of all of them. They don't work and perform much better than this.

As with most Logitech items, the install was painless. Put the CD in, plug in the camera when the prompt comes up, and you're pretty much done. There's an option to Logitech's video mail service, but I passed on that one as I have far too many other mail services already.

When I started the camera, I was impressed with both the video and sound quality. The video ranges from small standard def sizing to full-screen high-def video. And with their face-tracking feature, you can actually move around a bit in front of the camera and stay centered in the picture. The sound was even more of a surprise. I was able to get excellent recording quality with the cam sitting a normal distance from where I'd be sitting. I even had a fair amount of residual background noise, and it didn't distract or overrun the volume and quality of the playback. Very nice...

There were a couple of nice features in the actual hardware, also. The base features the fold-out stand that allows you to prop the camera up on a variety of video screens. But it also folds flat enough that you can set it on a desk without it falling over. The top part of the camera has a flip-down privacy cover, which is highly convenient. You just slide it down over the lens, and you are assured of complete privacy from inadvertent viewing.

I would highly recommend the Logitech Webcam C600 for anyone who was in the market for one. For the price and feature set, it's hard to beat.

Length:: 1:17 Mins

I am impressed with the quality of the video that is created by the C600. The model above this one the Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 / QuickCam Pro 9000 seems to be the top seller at the moment here at Amazon. It has auto focus and the Carl Zeiss ultra-wide angle lense; however this C600 provides you with clear focus with an incredible depth of field, even without the autofocus feature. I couldn't find any aperture, or digital equivalent specs, but in the old world, a super small aperture would create the greatest depth of field, and that is what this camera does. It is clear right up close, and if you look at a video, either a movie or still shot, the items deep into the background, even 30 feet away are also very clear. So you could say it has the ultimate autofocus; one that doesn't have to adjust. The mounting capabilities are well designed also; they enable you to easily park it on top of your laptop, or desktop screen, or fold the brackets over, and make a counter top portable cam out of it. (Use a USB extension cable if you need more length. It comes with over a yard of cable already.

I am very pleased with the video quality, and since that has been covered so well in the other reviews, I thought I would expound on one feature that I find worthwhile. Most people are camera shy. They may be hesitant to purchase a web cam that is going to invade their "privacy". Built into the included Logitech Web Cam software is a feature called masks. They have an assortment of masks that you can quickly click on, and the other party will hear your clear voice, but see a funny face, such as a cat or a dog etc. with your eyes and mouth in it, and not be able to see the rest of you. You may have seen these types of video effects on Conan Obrien. They also have a privacy shade that you can project, for example a beach scene so you can not be heard or seen. If the party on the other end of the video want to project their image to you, you will then have an, I can see you but you can't see me, but hear me scenario. On the days when you are presentable, or have someone who is a family member let's say, you can turn on the live camera, and see it all. Another feature that is called "Fun Filters" enables you to create a blur or effect, which is once again, another way to create a level of privacy.

The included movie took only a few minutes to create. The Logitech Web Cam software and the included Logitech Vid software which enables you to phone a friend, and have what is actually free phone service using your internet connection, both are both very intuitive and easy to use. I right off the cuff created the 3 clips individually, using the dog face, the cat face, and then the man in the sky face, and then simply opened them up in the Windows Movie Maker application that comes free with the Windows operating system. That too is so intuitive, that within a few minutes I had a finished production, and then spent a few more minutes editing the title. The whole thing adds up to a very creative, fun, exciting, and enjoyable experience; the kind of thing that you wouldn't hesitate to email to a friend, and even bother to make up a new one on the fly just for them.

Installing the web cam and software couldn't be easier. The application allows you to fine tune the quality level. The level of quality capability is contingent upon your computers performance. The factory default settings allow this web cam to provide a very nice level of quality, and work on most any machine. Check for minimum system requirements if you have a question about that.

All in all the C600 is a very nice web cam. Comparing it to the Pro model that is a few years older in design, whereas the C600 is a newer entree, the pro model is outselling it right now, due to its current slightly lower selling price, it has a Carl Zeiss ultra-wide angle lense, and this one has Logitech's own high quality glass (unlike the cheapest model which uses plastic). They both have 2.0 MP 1600 x 1200 pixels video and 8.0 MP photo quality. I don't have the pro model for doing a side by side comparison, so I can't really comment on that, but I have to say, I am super pleased with the C600 and would recommend it to anyone.

I'm sure like others that have found out, the quest for a good webcam can lead to a lot of dead ends. One that kept popping up on my radar screen is the mid level Logitech C600. The thing that appealed to me primarily were the simple features. With a two tone black finish, the glass lens C600 is packed with an attached 6' USB cable, software CD, instructions and a two year product warranty.

The expandable clip easily attaches to my LCD monitor or it can free stand on the desk. I found that the webcam installs perfectly with or without the enclosed Logitech software. Just plug and play. It paired well with both Meebo and Google's Gmail "G Chat" without stalling or interruptions. Another plus is, it paired well with both my desktop and laptop.

I was very impressed by the clarity and sharpness of image transmission. The microphone picks up even the faintest of whispers. The jury is out on the product's RightLight technology. I did not see that much difference in lighting over my older Logitech webcam. The manually operated privacy shutter is a nice add on.

The much hyped Logitech video calling network software package with its special effects and avatars is probably an okay add on for some but not for us. Personally I find it too intrusive. As I have mentioned earlier, its not required to get the webcam up and running. Other chat networks work fine without it.

Overall for the price and features, I find the Logitech C600 Webcam to be a step up over other internet communication tools in the same category. The C600 delivers on the basics and more.

I read the reviews on Amazon as well as the Logitech website about this camera. I was hesitant to purchase because there was some criticism about its compatibility with Skype, which is the primary program I wanted to use this with. The Logitech web clearly shows that this camera is Skype compatible. I decided to buy it though while it was a lightning deal...best decision of the day! Installation was incredibly simple and didn't take much more than 5 minutes from the box to use. Most importantly for me is that it works flawlessly with Skype! The family we have video called with have all commented on the remarkable clarity of the picture. The other cool features such as avatars and other distortions make my young nephews laugh and laugh! I could not be more pleased with this camera with built in microphone!

UPDATE: I did run into some problems later with my microphone. Logitec customer service was EXTREMELY helpful. They helped me troubleshoot it, and then immediately sent a replacement when it was determined to be a camera hardware issue. The new one has worked perfectly since. With solid logitec customer service to back up their products, you're in good hands!

I was looking for a mid cost unit and decided on the C600. Installation was a breeze and it's very easy to use. The only thing I missed when reviewing it was that it doesn't have an auto focus feature. If I'd caught that, I probably would have opted for a different model. I'm not to happy about the noise echo and there doesn't seem to be a way to completely eliminate it. It's annoying but not unbearable. Over all it's serving my purpose and I would recommend it to others that can live without the auto focus feature.

I enjoyed using a Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 WebCam since early 2006 and was happy with it's performance. I don't use a webcam daily, but often use it to chat and catch up with family and friends. Since my webcam was older and the opportunity presented itself, I chose to upgrade to the newer version.

These days, webcams are a standard piece of hardware. Compared the QuickCam Pro 5000, the C600 shows little differences on the surface. The major visible difference relates to the privacy shade. On the Pro 5000, the flimsy shade only blocks the video; however the C600 mutes the sound when the integrated shade is activated. The universal clip has been redesigned, but neither seems to work better than the other on my flat screen monitor while both rest securely on top. The RightLight technology in both webcams works similarly well even though the C600 has a newer second version.

Logitech has created and marketed their Vid program for web chatting. Set up of the Vid software is simple, as is connecting with others who have signed up. The problem with Vid is with who can use it. Those with Logitech webcams are permitted to use Vid with any webcam user. However, a person not using a Logitech webcam can install the software but will only be permitted to use it with others who use Logitech webcams. I really dislike the idea of requesting others to use a software program when they can't use it freely for themselves. Thankfully I'm not required to use Vid, and can chat with my family using the program they have signed up for.

Playing recorded video from the webcam software requires Windows Media Player 9 or later to be installed. I don't use Windows Media Player, so recorded videos cannot be played directly from the webcam software. It's unnecessary for Logitech to force me into using a specific media player. They should either use a built in video player or open the video recording using the default option.

The face recognition and video effects are just as effective on both models. It's amazing how well this technology works. The effects are fun to use with younger folks, my nine year old cousin cracked up with every change I made. However the face accessories would occasionally have difficulty keeping up with sudden head movements.

The C600's biggest improvement can be seen in the HD video recording and snapshots themselves. The 2mp sensor combined with the glass lens produces a sharper image with far less noise and artifacts. The snapshots can't compare to a good 8mp camera, but are decent enough to create profile images and to show on the internet.

Even though most features are similar or relatively equally effective, the C600 is clearly an improvement from the QuickCam Pro 5000. If the improved imaging over older models is important to you, the C600 is worth considering. It's just as worthy of consideration if this will be your first webcam.

PROS:
Simple set-up
Improved video image
RightSound improves sound
RightLight maintains even video lighting

CONS:
Vid places unnecessary requirements on those who you webcam with
Requires Windows Media Player 9 or later for video playback within webcam software

The Logitech Webcam C600 is an easy-to-use Webcam that will allow you to communicate with friends and family quickly and easily, with no set up hassles.
First, the technical details. The 2-megapixal sensor and glass lens provides fluid (not choppy) video and 8-megapixal snapshots. Set up is very easy, and very fast. Just insert the disc that comes with the C600, and follow the on-screen prompts. Installing Logitech Vid allows you to invite your friends (who have Webcams) to your network and make free phone calls. As soon as they accept, you can "call" them via the Webcam, or they can call you, and you will be talking and seeing them via your computer.
Additionally, Logitech's "RightLight 2" technology produces very clear images, even in dark rooms. There are a number of settings on the Webcam to ensure your image (face) stays in focus, so it's pretty easy to use. There also is a built-in microphone that blocks out background noise, so you don't need to wear any headsets.
All in all, the Logitech Webcam C600 is a great Webcam, especially for people who may feel uncomfortable around technology. It is simple to set up and is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family who live far away.

I may sound like a caveman when I say this...but this is my first webcam! I've been wanting one for years. You could definitely say that I'm not exactly tech-savvy. And, that was much of the reason why I never got a web cam.
When I received my Logitech webcam I was a little apprehensive about installing it. However, it was one of the most simple operations I have ever performed on the computer. Within minutes, I was finished, had it clipped onto my monitor and was trying to think of who I was going to contact first.
This IS the future. When I was a kid they always talked about possibly one day having video phones. That day is here and to add to the excitement, you don't have to pay for long distance! My cousin who lives out of state has a cam and now we can talk as long as we want plus enjoy mugging for the camera.
As I said, I never owned a web cam before, so I don't have anything to compare this one to. But, I will say that the picture and sound from the Logitech is wonderful. It has like 8 megapixels which is supposed to be really good, right? I noticed that this camera is a little higher priced than some listed on Amazon, but it also looks like it is of much better quality than some of them.
I also like the fact that you can flip the lens cover down on this. Not only to keep the lens clean, but it's also nice knowing I can't be spied on inadvertantly.
So, I highly recommend this little unit. If you're like me and want a good web cam that is easy to install and easy to use, then this is your baby.