Logitech QuickCam Fusion Review

Buy Logitech QuickCam Fusion   Only $79.71 "Overall we were impressed with the Logitech QuickCam Fusion's attractive modern styling, quality build; noticeably improved video and audio performance..." VoIP service providers are increasingly offering video in addition to audio calling, making a webcam even more of a necessity than ever before. Webcams have come a long way since the earlier models that were available years ago. Modern webcams are more compact, offer better resolutions, less video artifacts, faster frames per second and greatly improved audio quality. One such contemporary webcam is the all new Logitech QuickCam Fusion, the latest and greatest from the pioneers of the webcam. The QuickCam Fusion packs all the newest technology goodies into a sleek and functional device that works into any environment. So let's see how this new kid on the block performs.

The Logitech QuickCam Fusion it's self is a small device, wide and narrow that is designed to set atop of your desktop or notebook monitor via the use of a flexible clip. The materials and quality of the workmanship are above average, utilizing a brushed metal finish around the camera sensor, and a glossy finished plastic for the casing. The sensor is located on the left side of the device; microphone port in the center; and a Logitech logo on the right that glows blue when in use. It is an attractive webcam, that would certainly feel at home in even the most modern of computer setups. The flexible rubberized clip is a great idea, but is finicky when you're setting it up for the first time so that it balances on your monitor with sufficient stability to stay in place. A sensor cover is attached to the casing that swings over the lens for additional privacy. A button extends along the right top side of the device for taking pictures. The webcam's high speed USB 2.0 cable is fixed into the back of the unit with 6 feet of cable length.

Installing the QuickCam Fusion was a simple no-brainer process, with the software loading within a few keystrokes off the included installation CD. The installation thankfully kept the desktop clutter down to a single icon, with an additional icon in the system tray for fast access to camera settings and related applications. The included applications are a combination of a capturing utility, the Logitech VideoCall software and convenient links to popular instant messenger downloads. The QuickCapture software is a great way to record video and take pictures, without having to be in any special program. It is incredibly easy to use, and does all the basics well. The camera settings that are accessible through the system tray icon give you an abundance of useful settings such as brightness, contrast, saturation, low light boosting, colour boosting, zooming and even face tracking. The face tracking works surprisingly well in most circumstances, although on occasion it does tend to get a bit over zealous with the zooming. You are also capable of adding video effects to your videos, with the software superimposing different props or characters over your movements. While the effects maybe fun for the younger lot, they are limited in long term appeal for adults and can be problematic to calibrate.

The QuickCam Fusion worked seamlessly with popular instant messaging applications, both in audio-only and video phone capacities. There were never any difficulties in having software detect and use the webcam, making it highly dependable for regular video phone calling. QuickCam Fusion features a sensor that has a true still image resolution of 1.3 megapixels, while the video mode captures at a maximum of 640x480 at up to 30 frames per second. The video capturing benefits from RightLight technology that helps to balance out colour and improve face tracking ability. The built-in microphone uses a new technology by Logitech called RightSound that minimizes echo. What this all combines into is a great webcam experience.

In comparison to previous webcam models, the videos captured are noticeably less choppy when there is motion; colours are more rich and less washed out; the image is sharper; and lighting is incredibly more balanced. The video sensor however did have hot pixel problems, with a handful of lit pixels that were obvious in video playback with low light conditions, causing almost a constellation effect. While hot pixels are not uncommon in webcams, and even in camcorders, we were concerned with the number of them that were found. Additionally, there is slight graininess in the video capturing under medium and low light conditions, which is also not uncommon to consumer web cams. Sound quality gets a dose of improvement too, the sound is closer; less tinny and more natural sounding. You can comfortably place the Logitech QuickCam Fusion a number of feet away and it doesn't diminish the sound quality. It really does away with the need for those annoying headsets.

Overall we were impressed with the Logitech QuickCam Fusion's attractive modern styling, quality build; noticeably improved video and audio performance over previous generation webcams; and clean installation process and hassle-free software compatibility.

	Greatly improved video and audio quality Attractive design and high quality build Clean software installation Effortless webcam compatibility	Logitech QuickCam Fusion The Logitech QuickCam Fusion includes a 2-year limited warranty, the webcam, installation CD and instruction booklet. The recommended system requirements include Windows 2000 or XP operating system; Pentium P4 1.4 GHz or AMD Athlon 1 GHz processor; 256MB memory; 200MB available drive space; CD-ROM drive; 16-bit colour display; full duplex sound card and one free USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.
	Finicky monitor clip Hot pixels in video sensor