Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 user reviews

5.0 stars

"Excellent image quality" on December 26, 2007 by roadsterqueen

Pros: Superior image quality, easy software install, stand stability and versatility, nice design/look

Cons: No privacy shield (not a huge problem though..you can definitely make due)

Summary: This webcam has amazing image quality. It is clear and crisp even when I use it in very dim lighting. The software was a breeze to install (I am using Vista). The video effects are 'kinda neat' although I doubt I will use those often. (Still fun to play around with). I mounted the webcam on my laptop, desktop crt monitor and tried it on the table and the design of the clip worked wonderfully in each area. The autofocus seemed a bit sluggish but did in fact work. There is no physical privacy cover but I just cover the lens with something or point it away. All and all this is the best webcam I have ever owned and it works great for my intended usage.

4.5 stars

"Best consumer web cam I've ever seen" on December 20, 2007 by quadrophonic

Pros: Optics, auto light adjustment, built-in mic, mounting flexibility

Cons: Expensive and it has Vista "issues"

Summary: This is by far the best consumer web cam I've ever seen. Optics are fantastic, its ability to adjust to different lighting situations is surprising, autofocus works quite well (if slow), the built-in mic works great, and pretty much all the other pros you may have read elsewhere.

There are only two things I don't like about this camera: (1) The price is a bit steep and (2) Vista became slow and unstable after installing the software. Stability was greatly improved by installing the driver only. I admit that it could simply be my overloaded PC that is at fault for the software issue, but it caused me about 36 hours of agony before I figured out that it was the camera software that was causing system problems.

If you don't mind the price, it is money well spent for a quality web cam.

0.5 stars

"Crap software/driver, decent camera" on January 10, 2008 by Inner Geek

Pros: -When "right light" works, it works well. Camera doesn't require movie lighting to produce decent video

Cons: -The installation process was a nightmare due to the driver not being able to properly locate files in the system, customer support was pathetic and didn't know their product.

Summary: The camera actually produces good quality images even in surprisingly low lighting... IF you can get the camera installed. After exchanging 6 frustrating emails and 2 phone calls with logitech support, I returned the camera to the store I bought it from. The customer support from logitech was appalling, they kept blaming Microsoft (although Microsoft won't help you because this is not a licensed Windows compatible product). In reality, the technicians in the store were able to, with great difficulty and after an hour and a half of frustration, get the camera operating. The picture is of a good quality, though not really worth the premium price over the HP camera I also tried. As such, I returned this camera and am much happier with my HP that performs as well as, if not better than, the Logitech Pro 9000.
I find it odd that CNET haven't reviewed higher end cameras from Logitech's competitors, why only the lower end models from Creative and others?

4.0 stars

"Very nice, few problems" on September 11, 2008 by Tylrplyr

Pros: Great resolution, color, low-light image, superb features, easy to use software, gadgets available for Vista users: control motion detector and quick-capture from the Windows sidebar. Upgraded software has motion detector.

Cons: I wish it was smaller. I would also like to have a detachable cord, and a short cord for use with a notebook. The stand is not stable. Tips easily and is bulkier than necessary for a notebook.

Summary: I really like the picture quality, the complete software package, the features and the Vista gadgets you can download from the website. I recommend upgrading the software immediately after installing, the upgraded software has more features. Motion-detection is included in the upgraded software.

I experienced no problems with the install and was doing some cool stuff right away. The Vista gadgets are particularly useful and allow you to run the camera from the sidebar without opening the Logitech Quick Cam application. The two gadgets are a Quick-Capture gadget and a Motion-Detector gadget. Nice.

I don't like the permanently attached 6' USB cable. Would prefer a detachable one so that you can swap it with a shorter cable for notebook use. The stand is bigger than it needs to be and is not stable. It tips easily. You'll want to weight it down with something. The stand can be arranged to clamp on a notebook, but it's bigger and bulkier than necessary and it doesn't grip firmly.

I like webcams with a tripod socket installed. You can use a pocket-sized camera tripod and they're much more stable than most webcam stands.

I'm glad I bought this one. No regrets.

Updated on Sep 11, 2008

Oops - Re: tripod sockets - this webcam does NOT have one. I wish it did.