CCD WebCams

The Bottom Line: Aside from its ability to follow a face, the Philips SPC 900NC Webcam disappoints.

Specs: Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, Drivers & Utilities, AOL Instant Messenger, Philips VLounge Advanced, 1 x USB cable - 7 ft

The Bottom Line: The Creative Live Motion offers an innovative set of Webcam features and an extensive software package, but it falls short where it counts: photo and video performance.

Specs: SightSpeed, Yahoo! Messenger, Orb with OrbSecure, Drivers & Utilities, Creative Photo Manager, Creative WebCam Center, ArcSoft VideoImpression, 1 x USB cable, Titanium silver

The Bottom Line: With great image quality and integration, the Apple iSight is the best choice for Mac owners who use iChat, but it isn't ideal for users of other messaging clients.

Specs: 1 x IEEE 1394 adapter, 1 x IEEE 1394 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: 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: 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: This is an entry-level Webcam that won't win anyone over with its cheap construction and poor image quality, but the price is hard to beat.

Specs: Drivers & Utilities, Ulead Photo Express, Microsoft NetMeeting, 1 x USB cable - 6 ft, White

The Bottom Line: Logitech's QuickCam Pro 3000 shows off the company's solid experience in the Webcam category; its performance in a well-lit room is excellent, although there are better options for twilight videoconferencing.

Specs: MGI Photosuite SE, MGI VideoWave III, Drivers & Utilities, 1 x USB cable - 9 ft, Metallic silver