Saitek PS27 for PlayStation 2

I bought the subject camera on eBay, used. I did not want to pay 80$+ for a new one but the prices at this writing are still above $30+ used and $50+ in new package discounted, at best.

Note that this model is not the newest one with the exact same product name, viz., QuickCam for Notebooks Pro (this model is 961240-0403, not newer 961398-0403). The products are entirely different physically, and apparently somehow internally. I bought this one on purpose.

First, I cover some setup issues that I believe are the source of many complains which may wrongly nix your purchase...
Then, I talk to the product qualities after the
-----So what do you get------ banner below.
Jump ahead if that is the important detail.

In selecting this notebook camera, I read the limited existing epinions and found two main points to consider.

First, several reviewers claimed that the image quality of this older model was better than the new;
second, many bemoan the mounting scheme of this older model and tout the new one as better, which put me (you?) between a rock and a hard place.

I chose this very available, 'old' model on purpose for the image quality reviews and agree that it is quite fine, similar to my desktop 4000 Pro Logitechs. But a worried about the mounting...the new model mounting really looked slick including a 'hang-over-the-edge' style to help eye contact, but I figured I would cope or trick it up to have the benefit of the 'old' one's pic quality reputation.

So here's the point...the mounting on this old model is fine...as one reviewer pointed out, she did not understand the complaints...with what I found below, I don't think there are any strong negatives.

So, with the camera in hand, I did the normal fiddling until I began to fear that 'the mounting simply sucks' and I wished I had listened to everyone or could return it.

Then, I discovered the trick...I believe that the mounting complaints are likely because many are mounting it WRONG.!! The trick (as shown in the manual)is to unfold the hooks completely so that the cam hangs over the back of the screen on the tips of the folding hooks and use the lens cover against the screen back/top to adjust the angle of view...DON'T imagine as I did, and I expect frustrated others, that the hooks you see positioned lower in the product pictures are made to 'clamp' onto the laptop screen lid. They just don't grip that way, no springs.

The result per the manual picture is fine, and much better than you may expect from other reviews. There is even a rubbery texture to the hooks so that the cam does not fall off even if I tip my notebook nearly 90 degrees in any direction!

Enough said about my opinion on mounting.

The second hassle you will find, but is not as often mentioned, is the software install. I saw at least one complaint that the camera did not install at all. Again, I expect some cockpit error.

The software (which I downloaded along with the manual from logitech site) requires (AND THIS IS IMPORTANT) that the software is installed BEFORE you ever, ever plug the cam into the USB port for the very first time...I guess that is emphatic enough. The hardware discovery process initiated on your Windows Operating System (XP in my case) must be able to find the software files to support this camera immediately, not when you are asked for drivers or whatever. Otherwise, and from previous screwups of my own, you will be resetting your computer to an earlier 'Safe Point' to get it to work using the above sequence (again, it's in the (too?) simple manual).

In addition, the software discovery process is SLOW, so don't get jumpy...the camera will discover, then just when you think it is all done, it will initiate a setup wizard to test and adjust audio and video...take your time (be sure no other processes are sapping cycles), wait until you see each of these steps. Then it will work fine.

Unfortunately, the manual does little to forewarn this, and even the popup window asking for the USB plug-in has a trap!! DO NOT click on NEXT on this screen after you plug in the camera as you might expect (unless you do NOT want to mount the camera at that time which is why you plugged it in). NASTY procedure that actually expects you to READ the window instructions CAREFULLY; beware dyslexics like me.

----So what do you get------
Okay, so I have told you more than you wanted to know on how to get it right on startup; remember others have failed dissatisfied.

The camera has fine quality for a webcam. It is just as good as the 4000s that I have to compare on the same machines. It is manual focus, and can be made sharp. There are adequate controls for resolution, color saturation, contrast, brightness, audio, face-following so I am even happier than the software for the 4000.

The control panel offers several options for connection and use. Snapshots, video email attachments, and video conferences via AIM, MSN Messenger, or Yahoo Messenger are available. You can also pay for the Logitech Video service but I cannot comment on the value-add of that fee-paid service, at $10 a month it better be significantly better than free...besides, I am not trying to run a multinational business with this thing...just broadband, family video conferencing.

I turned off most fancy features (hi resolution, face-tracking, assistant) to keep the performance up to speed. The result is medium-speed video at 320x240 with decent audio as I sit in front of the notebook. You have to adjust the contrast and saturation to your liking in different lights for the best results; for me I set contrast lower on the slider, and saturation high with color boost on. I think the video (or snapshots) is washed out compared to what we're used to from our digital cameras. But this is toy priced video conferencing...though frankly, my experience with commercial business products ain't much better.

Another note on software should remark that the popup windows for configuration control or others may not come to the front of the present window, so watch for that glitch and look for them when you request them, don't just assume the software went to sleep.

Finally, it comes with a handy hardcase (plastic in my case) for the camera with cord to travel.

Overall, I like it. I didn't expect more, maybe even less based on other reviews regarding the mounting in particular. I think the software install is an abomination and Logitech should forewarn you. QuickCam is a good basic webcam...'superfine' is not the product level, nor speed.

Keep your investment as low as possible even if these products seem to be maintaining price levels. You are buying a personal video communication device not a studio.