CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Mediocre
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 11/16/2007
- Released on: 01/07/2007
The Philips SPC 900NC is a serviceable Webcam, but it can't match up to the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000, which lists for the same $99. What this Philips cam has going for it is the ability to capture smooth video at up to 60 frames per second, the best face-tracking feature I've tested, and useful lighting presets and adjustments that result in a well-balanced picture under a variety of lighting conditions. But the Logitech is still unmatched in low-light conditions, provides a higher pixel count, and boasts an overall better build quality, including a sturdier, more flexible stand. Plus, our Philips SPC 900NC review unit had a few stuck pixels in the middle of its sensor, and the bundled VLounge app has an outdated look and some annoying bugs that detract from its appeal.
After reviewing the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 and the Creative Live Cam Optia AF, the Philips SPC 900NC feels like a cheap, plastic toy. It's much lighter than the other two cameras, with a very thin plastic base. The camera can be mounted somewhat securely on top of a monitor or laptop, but the base with its single hinge and arced shape does not allow for a secure perch on your desk. Thankfully, there's a screw mount that will work with a tripod, if you're serious about your Webcam positioning. The lens can be swiveled about 70 degrees. There's no autofocus; you must turn the focus ring on the lens to get a sharp picture. On one side of the cylindrical camera is a button to snap a picture and on the other is a button to call up the VLounge app; neither button worked, however, on either system on which I installed the camera.
Installation is pretty straightforward, but you'll have to head to the Philips Web site for Vista drivers; they're not included on the bundled CD. The VLounge app is used for recording and playing back video and still shots, but the software looks dated and was buggy on two separate installs. In the settings window, there are three tabs: General, Video, and Audio. On one Vista machine, anytime I clicked the Audio tab, the entire VLounge app froze and had to be restarted with the old Ctrl-Alt-Del routine. On a second Vista system, the Audio tab worked fine but whenever I clicked on the little e-mail envelope button in the main VLounge window, Windows would flash an error message and the app would abruptly close.
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"The Philips SPC-900NC Webcam was way better then rated on here"
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