Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX Personal Web Camera

I bought the Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX webcam as a solution to an issue that I was confronted with.

When I upgraded to Windows Vista, I noticed that my previous Trust webcam was not able to function with the new OS because of lack of approporate drivers for the device. So I got onto my pc and got onto www.eclipsecomputers.com. I eventually narrowed down my webcam search to two products: a Microsoft LifeCam VX3000 and this Logitech webcam. Both vendor sites claimed that the peripherals had the tag 'Works with Windows Vista', but in the end I chose the Microsoft option since I thought this would give me the best chance of full Microsoft Windows Vista capabilities. I got it home, installed it and uninstalled it numerous times with many different setup files, but just could get the stupid thing to work. I contacted Microsoft, and after the staff taking over my pc and not being able to help I was told: "take it back to the retailer and ask for a Logitech; that'll work!"

Wow, I can't believe I was told that from Microsoft.

So I got this webcam instead from Eclipse Computers after going to the physical store in Coventry.

Got the thing home and I was pleased to find that installation was exceptionally smooth. I immiedtely got into using it and was very impressed. Unfortunately, the claimed 1.3MP image quality is only available when capturing still images and even then you must use the supplied QuickCam software (although I had no complaints).

Nevertheless, the image quality was superb even when using the webcam for standard webcam conferencing through an IM client. There was no jump or blur, although image stabilisation was poor in high light conditions (e.g. making the webcam view outdoors) and sometimes didn't seem to make the right use of the 'Right Light' technology that its creators boast about on the packaging.

If there was one improvement I would like to see, if would certainly be in relation to the light sensitivity and ISO features of the camera, since the problems that are currently in place are very irratating given certain scenarios.

The in-build mic was of a sufficient quality to allow for smooth voice conversation, and they didn't seem to allow for echoing from speakers either (and my desktop speakers are relatively close to the webcam). However, I can't seem to record in Windows' Sound Recorder using this webcam because the resulting audio is ridiculously quiet. I believe this is maybe something to do with a Vista compatibility issue that hasn't be resolved.

Well, overall I'm utterly impressed with this webcam, and I say that if you're looking for a webcam and are using XP or Vista, you should make use of this great solution from Logitech. However, I can't give full marks because there are still some minor niggles that can irritate.