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Flexible 5.0 Megapixel USB PC Camera Webcam by Generic
List Price: $29.99Our Price: $2.33You Save: $27.66 (92%)Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more product details
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Generic Product features: - Sturdy, flexible neck allows for multiple viewing angles
- Built-in microphone
- 5.0 MP still image capture
- Plug & Play - No software or drivers to install
- Compatible with Windows XP / Vista / 7
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Flexible 5.0 Megapixel USB PC Camera WebcamCustomer Review: Aside from the wobbly base, this camera IS a good value for a very basic webcam. Summary: 4 Stars
I only recently started Skyping with my family on the other side of the country, and this webcam was the first one that I tried out.
For the tiny price, it's really a very good value for a very, very basic camera that works very well. Of course you're not going to get an 8 megapixel video transmission, but you're also not PAYING for an 8 MP video transmission here. The microphone is good quality, and transmits good sound. The suction cup base, however, leaves much to be desired. I suppose that you could try moistening the cup and sticking it to your actual LCD monitor's screen, but I wouldn't advise it. That is, however, the only way that I can conceive of where it would actually hold on to a surface that would be anywhere near your laptop/desktop computer, so I'm rather puzzled that the manufacturer didn't just go with a simple sand-filled weighted base, or something similar and comparably inexpensive.
In order to get my camera positioned where I wanted it for it to not be in my way, I actually ended up Scotch taping the base of it to my wall behind my desktop's monitor. I'm sure you can imagine how unsightly the foot-long lengths of tape were that I had to use on each side to hold it in place. So, the abysmal base of this camera really was its downfall for me. I suppose I probably could've gone to my local hardware store or frame shop and had them cut me a 6" square piece of thick glass that I'd then edge with duct tape to adhere the suction cup to, but I just wasn't going to bother with all of that when I wanted better picture quality in my video calls.
Of course, I'm sure any webcam user realizes that YOU don't gain the benefit of YOUR camera's high quality video/image transmission - that's solely for your video call recipient to benefit from - but I'm happier knowing that my new Logitech 2 MP HD Webcam C905 for Notebooks with Built-in Microphone will provide my Skype video call recipients with the video call quality that I want if I'm'n'a be Skyping for a while. And, as that's what I intend to do, that's the webcam that I opted for.
So, long story short, if you're looking to address the most basic of webcam needs, you can't go too far wrong with this pennies-on-the-dollar model, but just keep in mind, you get what you pay for, and you'll have to figure out how to rig this webcam up so that it stands up properly. The manual focus dial works, and quite well. The microphone is more than adequate (unlike the Hootoo U19-A Night Vision Webcam 12.0MP, Microphone Built In, whose microphone only provides feedback and crackle - it'd be better if it wasn't even there). The gooseneck is nicely flexible, and long enough to bend pretty much however you'd want it to. But this webcam LOOKS as cheap as its price, and it's base makes no sense to me, as I don't know anyone with a glass computer/work desk that would use this cheapie-cheapie model.
It's pretty good, but just keep in mind that you DO get what you pay for!
Description of Flexible 5.0 Megapixel USB PC Camera WebcamNot sure where you would put a webcam? The flexible neck of this model can be bent into position, so you can stand it on your desk and direct the camera where you need it! The neck itself is 6 inches (15cm) long, and the camera has a built-in microphone on a smaller cable that can also be positioned.
Powered by USB. No external power supply needed
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