CMOS WebCams

The Bottom Line: Middling performance and oddly lacking software overshadow the Ipevo PoV Web Camera's excellent macro mode. Don't buy it unless you need a Webcam for the express purpose of recording close-up still shots or up-close-and-personal video chats.

Specs: Drivers & Utilities, Black

The Bottom Line: Despite its uninspired software, the Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 proves its worth with outstanding image quality, a funky and useful design, and low price.

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

The Bottom Line: Despite its uninspired software, the Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 proves its worth with outstanding image quality, a funky and useful design, and low price.

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

The Bottom Line: Despite its uninspired software, the Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 proves its worth with outstanding image quality, a funky and useful design, and low price.

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

The Bottom Line: If remote video surveillance or time-lapse photography is something you want to do with a Webcam, the Creative Live Cam Optia AF is a good pick. For all others, Logitech has a better (and slightly cheaper) Webcam.

Specs: Skype, SightSpeed, Yahoo! Messenger, Muvee autoProducer, Drivers & Utilities, Creative Photo Manager, Creative Photo Calendar, Creative Live! Cam Center, Creative Live! Cam Console, Creative Live! Cam Manager, 1 x USB cable

The Bottom Line: The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 offers a winning combination of stellar image quality, easy-to-use software, and a sturdy, stable stand. It's our Webcam pick for desktop and laptop users alike.

Specs: 2,000,000 pixels, Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, Logitech QuickCam, Drivers & Utilities, Logitech Video Effects, Windows Live Messenger, HP Photosmart Essential, 1 x USB cable - 6 ft

The Bottom Line: The Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 offers unique features such as the ability to post photos directly to a blog, but its video effects and image quality don't stand up to that of competing Webcams from veteran manufacturers.

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

The Bottom Line: The Logitech QuickCam Fusion's sleek design and impressive software bundle make it one of the best Webcams we've seen.

Specs: 1,300,000 pixels, QuickCapture, Drivers & Utilities, Logitech Video Effects, 1 x USB cable - 6 ft

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: 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