All Web cams

The Bottom Line: This Webcam provides plenty of settings options for users while providing solid video, photo, and instant-messaging performance.

Specs: Logitech QuickCam, 1 x USB cable

The Bottom Line: This Webcam provides great software and good video and picture quality for amateurs, but more-advanced users may crave additional settings and editing options.

Specs: 1,300,000 pixels, 30 frames per second, Yahoo! Messenger, Drivers & Utilities, ArcSoft Collage Creator, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft VideoImpression, ArcSoft Multimedia Email, 1 x USB, 1 x USB cable - 6 ft

The Bottom Line: This portable Webcam has solid picture quality and is a convenient partner for instant-messaging programs, but its sound and color quality leave room for improvement.

Specs: 1,300,000 pixels, MGI VideoWave, MGI PhotoSuite, Yahoo! Messenger, Drivers & Utilities, Logitech IM Video Companion, 1 x USB cable - 2.6 ft

The Bottom Line: Adequate for amateur users, the Veo Mobile Connect offers good photo and video quality, but when used with instant-messaging programs, its images are pixelated.

Specs: Drivers & Utilities, 1 x USB cable - 1.6 ft

The Bottom Line: Although this Webcam has great color and comes with a comprehensive software package, its picture quality is subpar when paired with video instant messengers.

Specs: Drivers & Utilities, Creative PC-CAM Center, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft VideoImpression, Creative WebCam Monitor, ArcSoft Multimedia Email, ArcSoft Greeting Card Creator, 1 x USB cable - 6 ft

The Bottom Line: Its innovative design and mechanical face-tracking capabilities make this top-of-the-line Webcam a true conversation piece.

Specs: 1,300,000 pixels, Logitech QuickCam, 1 x USB cable - 9 ft

The Bottom Line: Keep your image-quality expectations down, and you'll be pleased with this starter Webcam and its fun software bundle.

Specs: Drivers & Utilities, 1 x USB cable - 6 ft

The Bottom Line: This inexpensive surveillance system does a good job of monitoring wide areas, but the images it produces won't help you catch a thief.

The Bottom Line: The Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 balances great Webcam video with an affordable price.

Specs: Yahoo! Messenger, SpotLife VideoSnap, Drivers & Utilities, Logitech IM Video Companion

The Bottom Line: Designed for students and road warriors, this Webcam provides a convenient way to have video chats and e-mail clips from any laptop. Its image quality outshines the more expensive Veo Mobile's, and its only flaw is an unsteady mount.

Specs: SpotLife Web Cam, Yahoo! Messenger, Logitech QuickCam, Microsoft NetMeeting, SpotLife Web Album Creator, SpotLife Personal Video Broadcasting, USB cable - 2.6 ft