Ecamm Network iMage USB Webcam for Mac and Windows
by Ecamm Network
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List Price: Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Ecamm Network iMage USB Webcam for Mac and Windows
Customer Review: IMage webcam gives old mac users new hope!
Summary: 5 Stars
(disclaimer: pardon the melodrama in this review; I just really love my IMage!)
If you're like me and are a pre-Intel Mac owner, you've probably realized your options are extremely limited when it comes to webcams. It used to be that your only real choice was the exorbitantly expensive firewire I-Sight ($150), which dominated the handful of mediocre webcam competitors, none of which ever got off the ground or remained in production for over a year.
I always resisted buying the I-Sight, thinking it was ridiculously costly and there had to be a better alternative. As soon as the new MacBooks came out, however, I immediately found myself regretting my disobedience to Mother Apple. When she sneakily took the I-Sights out of production, it seemed the only option was to buy a whole new Mac (that was the plan, right Jobs?) or spend anywhere from 300 to 500 bucks on a used I-Sight on Ebay! I was penitent--wishing I hadn't been so foolish and had just flipped for the I-Sight back when it was "reasonable".
Then there came the Ecamm emulators, allowing Mac owners, through software wizardry, to use previously PC-only webcams (Logitech, etc). Fearing that might be a bit messy, I waited for some daring soul to finally pick up the slack where Apple had left off. My 15" Powerbook G4 still is a great machine and does everything I need it to do, and I've optimized the system with RAM and a fast hard drive--why should I just through it out and bow down to Apple's marketing machine?
Thankfully the people at Pico have made an excellent product that works seamlessly with OSX and requires no mumbo jumbo. Plug it in, and you're ready to chat on Skype. Or install the IChat plug in that comes with the camera (no third party emulator searching) and you're ready to go with IChat. It's the only one out there that works so easily and so well. Crystal clear 640x480 image and smooth video with a good internet connection; and the cam easily clips on to my Powerbook screen or I can stand it on the desk. There's also mounting holes for a wall mount and a threaded recess for using a tripod. I think it's so great I even bought a second one for my sibling's 12" Powerbook G4, who lives abroad and couldn't get the US-only IMage out there. Now we can chat without having to spend our savings on new Macs.
True, when my hard drive kicks up and the CPU fan is running hot, the noise can be heard through my Mac's built in microphone. That's the only limitation, which is easily solved by purchasing a $15 desk mic. Oh yeah, and I guess the name sounds like a character from Lord of the Rings, but oh well--this ain't a fashion show.
Thanks Pico/Ecamm for giving this "old" Mac owner new hope.
Customer Review: Use instead of pricey iSight, works flawlessly with macs
Summary: 4 Stars
My powerbook g4 didn't have the built-in camera so I needed one to use with Skype for video chats. I bought this and have been very pleased with it. Been using it everyday for about 4 months or so. It is about the size of my thumb in length and about half that in height and depth. It is well thought-out having a sturdy little stand to sit on its own and uses that same stand to brace itself on top of you laptop screen. At the base are two holes if you want to mount it more permanently. I don't know too much about resolution and whatnot but it gets the job done and does it pretty well. It even comes with a little cloth carrying sac for transport in your laptop bag. I have absolutely no complaints. The best part, though, is how well it integrates itself. Just take it out of the box and plug it in... within 5 seconds there you are! Though you can download some from the website if you want for troubleshooting purposes and updates, you don't have to. Nothing additional needed. Don't want to use it? Pull it out, no issues. Easy to use, no hassles, gets the job done more than adequately for my purposes. Four stars instead of five only because at $60 it's a bit pricey. But it feels sturdy in my hand, not at all cheaply-made so I assume it will last for a long time. It does wiggle slightly in the USB port but who really cares. As long as it works, which it does problem-free.
I wanted a camera to use for my mac seamlessly and didn't want to pay the $200 or so for the isight and feel I came out ahead. Highly recommended!
Customer Review: iMage USB Webcam fior Mac
Summary: 3 Stars
iMage webcam plugged directly into my iMac G5 and worked perfectly from the word "go". The cord is a bit heavy for the light weight of the cam which in my case is not a problem, but could be for some perhaps in a cramped workspace. Cam may be used on a tripod, which is a feature I appreciate but will not use in my personal workspace situation. After three weeks I have no reason at all to regret this puchase and would buy this product again. I use only Macs and have not tested it with a Windows machine, but if it works with Windows as well as it has with iMac, that's just another plus, yes?Customer Review: This is a great camera for MAC users!
Summary: 4 Stars
I just purchased this camera and I was wonderfully pleased with how easy it was to set up. Minimal instructions that amount to downloading a image testing application from the makers website. It took me all of 5 minutes. My parents and I both bought webcams since I am away at school as a way to talk. I am a Mac user and they have a PC. We tested it and while they spent way more money on their webcam, mine at almost 1/2 the cost has a better image quality. I would definiately recommend this camera. But getting a headset with microphone is a good suggestion if you want better quality sound.Customer Review: Works Pretty Well with Skype
Summary: 3 Stars
We purchased this camera to use on my daughter's older mac laptop with Skype. The picture is pretty good although not as clear the one from our newer Mac's camera. There is some movement artifact. Overall a good value for the price.
07/01/2010- After using this a bit longer I would likely downgrade the rating. My wife's Mac and my Lenovo have much better built in camera's. The picture is not particularly sharp and the sound will sometimes mute for no apparent reason. While this may be due to my daughter's older Dell laptop, it may be this camera.