0ur opinion:

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Enjoy image-perfect detail and clarity. Carl Zeiss optics and Autofocus keep images razor-sharp, even in extreme close-ups.

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As lnternet connections have matured to faster and faster broadband pipelines, webcam manufacturers have been keeping pace with higher resolutions and improved optics to take advantage of the larger bandwidth. And more than just communicating over chat and VolP, webcams are increasingly used to broadcast Truman Show-esque live video feeds of one's every move (such as at Justin.tv) as well as high-quality mini-movies uploaded to sharing sites. And that's where the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 really shines, with its 2-megapixel image sensor, smooth-tracking autofocus, high-end Carl Zeiss optics, and HD video capabilities (with the capability of recording video at 960 by 720 pixels).

The combination of Logitech's RightLight technology and 2-megapixel Carl Zeiss optics produce improved clarity and lighting (Pro 9000 on the left, MacBook integrated camera on right--both captured in the same lighting conditions).

Add a variety of special effects from filters (above) to facial accessories (below).

First, a little about Logitech's touted technological and optical advantages. Designed by Carl Zeiss (known for high-end film and digital camera lenses), the Pro 9000's optics use a five-element lens arranged into four optical elements. As a result, the lens focuses the light onto the sensor with maximum detail and minimal aberrations. The 2-megapixel lens also offers an autofocus mechanism that automatically adjusts as your face moves about. lt also incorporates Logitech's RightLight and RightSound technologies, which improves the webcam's image quality under difficult lighting conditions and provides noise cancellation, respectively.

We found the autofocus feature to be much smoother than another similarly specced webcam from Creative that we previously reviewed (which felt stuttery to our video chat partners), and the RightLight feature was able to render an image of our face in both highly backlit and low-light situations--something that other webcams we've tested have completely failed at. And the combination of RightLight, Carl Zeiss optics, and the two-megapixel sensor helped to enrich both the clarity and the color of our images.

While it's true that broadband lnternet has gained speed, unfortunately none of the major chat or VolP programs are can stream the high-definition video (960 by 720 pixels) that the Pro 9000 can capture. Thus, this feature is really only usable for recording video to your hard drive and either uploading to a video sharing service like YouTube or for inclusion into a movie project to be burned to disc. The Pro 9000 also enables you to take still images at larger than its native 2-megapixel sensor via software interpolation (up to an 8-megapixel resolution). Note, however, that shooting at a higher resolution causes a lengthier shutter lag.

The Pro 9000 offers easy plug-and-play operability on either a Windows PC or a Mac--just slide in the USB 2.0 plug, select the camera from your chosen video chatting program (it works seamlessly with Skype, Yahoo!, Windows Live, SightSpeed, and iChat), and you're good to go. While the Pro 9000 works brilliantly right out of the box, you'll only be able to take advantage of software add-ons such using the included QuickCam software (which is for Windows users only).

The QuickCam Control Panel is where you can select from a host of special effect add-ons that range from a selection of avatars (such as a dinosaur or cat) to facial accessories (including a crown and Borg hardware), and a variety of filter effects. The avatars didn't seem especially responsive unless we were overly hyperactive, but the limited face add-ons and filters were more successful (with our favorite being the rotoscope animation effect).

The double-hinged clip on the back of the lightweight Pro 9000 can be articulated to fit both the thinnest notebook screens to thicker LCD TV/monitors. A rubberized is placed right below the camera housing to help prevent slippage, and the camera itself can smoothly tilt up and down about 90 degrees. The Pro 9000 has a single microphone on its right side, and while the left side has a control button that automatically opens the Logitech QuickCam software. And in the middle is a Logitech logo, which is given a red glowing halo when the camera is recording. lt uses a single USB connection that does not require external power.

With its arsenal of optical advancements combined with an invitingly affordable price tag and easy portability, the QuickCam Pro 9000 is a great alternative to the standard VGA/1.3-megapixel cams built into notebooks. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

• 2-megapixel sensor helps to improve both clarity and color
• Automatic autofocus smoothly readjusts as you move around the screen
• Double-hinged clip easily fit on a variety of laptop and monitor surfaces

Cons:

• While capable of capturing HD-quality video, you can only utilize this for video saved to hard drive

Piece Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

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Buyer's feedback: - * Amazing Product! Buy this b4 Dec 1, 2008 and save $[...] ...
The Logitech quickcam Pro9000 is amazing. The sound clarity, and video quality are stunning. We chat with folks back home in India and there is no time-lag. I have seen previous versions of Logitech cams and Microsoft products. This Pro 9000 stands out. I paid $[...] for it from Amazon but now they are offering a $[...] rebate if purchased between 11/25 and 12/1/2008.
At $[...] this is a steal. The Carl Zeiss optics makes a difference. The software has cool features like face recognition, tilt-n-zoom where you do not need to touch the cam to tilt or zoom. Overall, FIVE STAR product.

Will work for both laptop screens and desktop ones.

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Buyer's feedback: - Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000
Easy to Install. I like the software.monitored easy to view I was reported excellent quality video,,,mike works very good too.every adjustment at hand all the time ...zoom auto or manual very convinient. I recommend this webcamera...money worth.we used skype. no complaints at all.

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Buyer's feedback: - * AWESOME ...
This is my first webcam, it is the best out there. I recommend it 100%

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Buyer's feedback: - Best quality
I use my web cam a lot for both business calls and connecting with family abroad and own several web cams. I originally didn't want to spend to much money on a camera, but after finally deciding to upgrade to the Pro 9000 I couldn't be happier.

The picture quality is great, fully integrates with Skype and since most of my international calls happen during the evening I needed something that could work in reduced light conditions. This does the job.

Auto focus is also great and despite my original skepticism about the "arm" I am pleased to say its really sturdy and fits securely on my laptop, extra monitors or even standing on the table.

probably the best piece of technology I have bought so far.

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Buyer's feedback: - * poor focus, don't buy this webcam ...
I liked the look of this webcam, it's features as far as special effects but the image would not focus unless it was about two inches in front of the lens. Contacted logitech and they told me to do the same things I had already tired with no luck. I had read a few good reviews so I thought this would be a good camera but was very dissapointed. I then did a search and found many reviews of poor focus with this webcam.. Amazon has a great return policy inwhich I used and the bought a microsoft webcam that I am very happy with, my son and I play Tiger 09 Wii online and video chat with this webcam and have a great time. I thought logitech was better than this, I will do more online reviewing next time before I make my next purchase.