I have to admit that I’ve been a Logitech fan for quite some time. I love their keyboards and mice, they’re stylish and have never let me down. When I hopped on the Windows Live Messenger bandwagon around four or five years ago, my first webcam was the Logitech Quick Cam Chat. It was cheap and made of plastic, but it did get the job done (the video quality was nothing to shout about though). When I moved on to Windows 7 the Quick Cam Chat unfortunately (or fortunately?) didn’t have drivers for it, so I decided to get a newer webcam, the Logitech C120. This was another basic cam with a 1.3 megapixel lens and no built-in microphone. The picture quality was slightly better than my old Quick Cam Chat and for a while, I was happy (read my review here on Amazon’s website. You can still get the C120 for around $25 new)
Fast forward to the present and…ahem, us geeks—we’re always trying to justify new purchases, aren’t we? I decided to up the ante one more time since I’d installed the latest Windows Live Messenger which enables users to have full-screen video chats using a high definition webcam (just remember that whoever you’re chatting with also has to have a HD webcam hooked up to their computer) More information is available here.
Moreover my good friend Crystal was also thinking of getting the same webcam so I said to myself, oh why not, let’s go for it. And then a week ago I discovered to my chagrin that the C510 still wasn’t available here! The computer guys at the Logitech store here didn’t have a clue when it would arrive so that left me disappointed, to say the least. However, a few days ago I happened to pass by the store so I went in and what do you know, it had just arrived! I was very tempted to grab the flagship C910 HD webcam with Carl Zeiss lens but at around $99 it wasn’t exactly cheap. The C510 was a step down and only cost me $41 so I bought one on the spot. It comes with a 2-year warranty so no worries there. The C510 retails for $54.82 on Amazon’s website.
Here are the specs of the C510:
- HD video calling (1280 x 720 pixels) with recommended systems
- Video capture: Up to 1280 x 720 pixels
- Logitech More HD technology
- Photos: Up to 8 megapixels (software enhanced)
- Built-in mic with Logitech RightSound™ technology
- Hi-Speed USB 2.0 certified (recommended)
- Universal clip fits laptops, LCD or CRT monitors
And here’s the Logitech webcam software included in the package:
- Logitech Vid™ HD
- Logitech RightLight™ 2 technology
- Video and photo capture
- Magix™ photo and video editing software
- 1-click Facebook™ and YouTube® HD upload (registration required)
- Logitech Video Effects™: fun filters, avatars, face accessories, video masks and mask maker*
- Face-recognition auto-login (60-day trial)
The C510 comes with a generous 5-feet cable, user documentation, and a cute carrying case. Setup and installation is a breeze and I had it running in a matter of minutes. The Logitech Vid HD program is a very handy chat program and it works very well (good to have in case WLM decides to choke) Sound and picture quality is vastly superior to my old C120, even when viewing at full-screen. You can also have fun and go over the top with the video effects (yes, you, Crystal…heh heh) Taking 8 megapixel pictures with the C510 also resulted in sharp pictures. You can even record and post videos directly to Facebook and YouTube. I liked the Fast Access Facial Recognition program and so I bought a license ($24.99)
So there you have it. I’m a happy camper, at least for now. You can view the full range of Logitech HD webcams on their website. It goes without saying that their webcams work with any of the instant messaging programs. Now excuse me while I go play with my latest acquisition.
Awwwwwwwwww, isn’t Bubbas cute on here. So glad you are enjoying your new “acquisition”, but I think maybe you went over the top with the purchase of the facial recognition software. How many late birthday gifts are you going to buy yourself?
Crystal´s last [type] ..Enjoying my new size
I hope you’re enjoying yours too, dear. The facial recognition software was so cool that I couldn’t resist, so there xoxo
i’ve got no real negative issues with this camera. We have owned 5 logitech cameras over the last few years and keep upgrading to get better video with the family in Chicago, from California. The audio is great, the finish of the camera build is VERY nice compared to any logitech. I love the fact that the camera has a mini-usb connector ON the camera, so if your cable dies you can get a new one and the camera will remain good. I’ve had 2 logitech cameras die simply because the cable was wrapped up and bent once too many. So, I assume this camera wont have that issue in 1-3 years.
One comment on the video quality. I compared this one against logitech pro 9000 (I use that one at work), in the same skype sessions. I had my family in chicago tell us which camera stream they liked better. The C510 had a brighter lighting. While the Pro 9000 they said was a little better in video quality, but lower lighting. They did prefer the image stream of the Pro 9000 vs the C510…. We’ll keep testing and comparing, I really wanted the C510 to just kill logitech, but it seems to be equal, greater, and worse in various cases.
all in all, i’d recommend it to anyone looking for a GOOD build, long lasting/durable (perception) webcamera.
Gym Girl´s last [type] ..Simply Raw – Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days Documentary
I have a question about your webcam: “Logitech C510″.
Does it have a self-timer?
hugs, Natalie from Sweden.
No, unfortunately it doesn’t, Natalie. I don’t think webcams come with self-timers.