Webcam recommendations

[bigblockmatt]

I need some recommendations for a good/decent webcam.
situation: My step sister is married to a guy in the army. they are moving to Tennesse and we live in California. my mother and step sister would like to use webcam to talk, see eachother and see the new baby that she just had.

So, what are some things when looking to buy a webcam? What programs are used/needed to "talk" to eachother?

Any other info would help too!!

Thanks guys!!

[DaIceMan]

Fort Campbell?

[dkarko]

Hi, you can use many programs. Skype, msn messenger and others. Msn is better for typing though. Skype is better in videoconferencing, big video screen vs little video box of msn, you can even set the video in fullscreen in skype.

Now it depends on how much money you want to spend and what resolution you need. The thing is you can buy a typical 640x480 webcam win mic in it, but you would have trouble in dim light.
Check out Logitec Quickcam Communicate STX and Quickcam Pro 5000.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webca ... 2&cl=us,en
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webca ... 6&cl=us,en
I have the Quickcam messenger and its not that good. With no good lighting the quality is bad! So spend a bit more so you don't regret it later!

[Darkstar]

I set one up for my wife to talk to her cousin in france, and MSN Messenger is what they use, it works good. She is using this one;

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webca ... 2&cl=us,en



I bought this webcam for work and its great, even has face tracking;
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webca ... 5&cl=us,en

[bigblockmatt]

Fort Campbell?

Possibly... not sure. I think it is actually in Kentucky but like an hour outside of Nashville of something like that.

Thanks for all the recommendations!!!

[ibleet]

Ummmm...I used AIM for a while. I only had a cheapo logitech, but it worked fine.

[Darkstar]

forgot to mention, make sure the webcams have built in microphones, otherwise you will have to buy a stand alone mic.

[DaIceMan]

Fort Campbell?

Possibly... not sure. I think it is actually in Kentucky but like an hour outside of Nashville of something like that.

Thanks for all the recommendations!!!

That would be Campbell alright. I have a buddy there right now. Well, he was there, just deployed for the sandbox last week. Fort Campbell actually straddles the KY/TN border just north of Clarksville, TN. I'm originally from Paducah (about 90 miles north) and spent a bit of time down around Fort Campbell. Nice area.

ok.. end threadjack.

[KnightRid]

I have some MS LifeCam VX-6000's but i never opened them yet

I read up on them that they can use the MSN Messenger by a touch of a button. I also have the MS LifeChat ZX-6000 wireless headsets, but the webcams have built in mics.

I was looking at the Logitech Orbit, but dont pay full retail - look for a sale on them before you would buy! $120 is WAY too much for one of them!

Mike

If i get a chance to open these ( trying to do some trades for a xbox360 or ps3 right now ) I can let you know how good they are ;)

OH I have also used a PS2 Eyetoy for video and it has the best picture i ave seen yet for a webcam! ( didnt try these 6000's though ;) )

[seobeglobal]

i use creative and i definitely recommend it to everyone.
It's very good and has a great resolution.

[bigblockmatt]

this might be kinda a dumb question, but how much does internet connection play into this? i assume that the fast the connection will make it better, but does it make a big difference. my mother has comcast cable internet, so that end shouldnt be a problem.

[KnightRid]

this might be kinda a dumb question, but how much does internet connection play into this? i assume that the fast the connection will make it better, but does it make a big difference. my mother has comcast cable internet, so that end shouldnt be a problem.

Actually her upload speed is probably crappy! Upload speed is the biggest problem now a days ( at least in the USA ) for sharing content and streaming video! I noticed a HUGE difference when I switched to Verizon DSL since i get 768 upload now compared to 128 or 256 from comcast!

You can always make the video smaller, les FPS, etc to make it run smoothly, it will just take some time to get it perfect.

Mike

This is the reasonm I would LOVE to have FIOS! 2mb upload speed would allow me to have perfect video onversations with my sister!