Logitech QuickCam Sphere Review

Overall Rating

Image quality
Power pan and tilt
Looks dead cool
Astonishing performance at this price point

Slight sound distortion when using camera mic
Power pan and tilt could be smoother

I've spent most of today appraising the Logitech QuickCam Sphere webcam, and I've come to the conclusion that this product represents exceptional value for money.

Unlike most webcams on the market, the Sphere has a true 1.3 mega-pixel sensor. So snaps can be large, vivid, sharp and quite stupendous.

The video is amazing too, with no noticeable audio sync problems common to some other webcams I've tested. The supplied software from Logitech - QuickCam 9.5.0 - installs like a dream and it is very competent. Furthermore, in addition to the usual stuff you expect from a capture application, this package features a staggering array of video special effects (what a larf), with plenty more available for download from Logitech's web site. Hours of fun for all the family.

However, if QuickCam 9.5.0 doesn't appeal, there's the option of using the Sphere with any other capture software, Windows XP Movie Maker being the most obvious one. The main advantage here is that you can fine-tune the video and audio in terms of bit and frame rate, which is a facility that doesn't appear to be available in the Logitech product, which saves captured video to a reasonably-sized .avi file and compresses it to .wmv for e-mail transmission.

There's also a neat headset supplied with the Sphere - one of those 'neck style' affairs with a small flexible microphone attached to the left hand side. I found this produced far better sound quality than the built-in camera mic, which picks up motor noise from the pan and tilt mechanism, as well as other extraneous sounds you'd probably rather not hear.

Plus, of course, the Sphere claims compatibility with the major video conferencing applications from MSN, Yahoo and AOL, while offering something else entitled 'Logitech Video Call', which I'm gagging to try.

However, there's just one gripe, and I've seen it expressed widely on the Net.

When using the built-in camera mic, no matter how much you adjust the input volume, a slight sound distortion always remains. Whereas, when using the headset mic this isn't noticeable at all. Weird.

Otherwise, if it's a premium power pan and tilt webcam you're after, for not a lot of dosh (I virtually stole mine from a well-known e-tailer), in my view the Logitech QuickCam Sphere is definitely the one to go for. Besides...

On a recent trip to NYC my mate noticed that airport security at JFK were using this product to take pics of punters passing through immigration. So, if Spheres are good enough for Uncle Sam...??

Well, what do you think?

At any rate, I'm confident you'll never regret buying a Sphere.

It looks good, performs brilliantly, and altogether makes for an excellent buy.