Logitech Webcam C500 – 1.3MP

Androgeos

at 4:50 pm

Disclaimer: I’ve purchased this webcam for the sole purpose of using it on Skype. Therefore I apologise but I cannot comment on its qualities as related to other applications (recording of videos for youtube, VoIP using software other than Skype, etc.)

This Logitech C500 was purchased for my parents: their former webcam, a rather old Logitech Quickcam, would not work on their new computer running Windows 7, so I decided to upgrade. I can confirm this webcam works flawlessly on Windows 7.

I find this bit of kit absolutely phenomenal. In short, this is what I can report:

a)VERY easy to install

b)VERY easy to set up for Skype

c)VERY satisfactory picture quality

d)excellent value for the price

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Expanding a bit:

a) & b)

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I am not sure what some other reviewers mean when they report failures/difficulties in setting it up. My experience is really different: I’m no computer wiz and it took me probably 2 minutes to unpack it, install the software from the CD, plug the webcam in, use it. Notice I DID NOT install Logitech’s proprietary VoIP application included in the package (I have Skype for that). A further 2 minutes were required to test it on Skype. (NB all this was done only on Windows 7).

Next step was having my parents learn how to use it. My parents’ computer skills are limited to:

-switching on the computer

-starting a call on skype

-stopping a call on skype

-switching off the computer

Since I left the webcam properly set up on skype for them, and given they were using an old logitech webcam anyways, this required no effort at all, and they were up and running in minutes.

Bottom line, if you plan on using a webcam for similar purposes, be confident this Logitech C500 shouldn’t get in the way with setup problems.

c) Video Quality

I find the final picture delivered on my monitor by this webcam absolutely brilliant. As a term of comparison I use the older Logitech Quickcam I was talking about earlier. This C500 is definitely an improvement. The picture is:

-Sharper

-Less noisy

-Better exposed (i.e. no areas of overwhelming brightness or overwhelming darkness)

Please notice I see these improvements while both my internet connection and my parents’connection are exactly the same they were when they had the older logitech webcam: no difference in internet connection/larger bandwidth to be held responsible for the improvements. Skype versions on our two computers also stayed the same.

I also like the fact that the C500 features a wide-angle lens, which means that, at normal viewing distance (webcam placed on the monitor, subject roughly 1m away) I’m able to see 2-3 people down to the torso and some of the room where they’re sitting. Moreover, a wide-angle lens means a bigger depth of field: while the C500 does not feature an autofocus lens, its wide angle lens means the range of distances where your subject will appear in focus is actually huge, and your subjects will pretty much stay in focus even if they move back and forth a bit.

The C500 is apparently the cheapest webcam in the logitech line to feature a glass lens and a “RightLight” technology. I’d say these are definitely no marketing features. The webcam continuously adjusts exposure depending on the light conditions in the room, and the effects are surprising, even in the badly-lit room in which my parents’ pc is.

All in all I’d say if you’re considering one of the cheaper models in the line (C-200, C-300, etc) spend a few pounds more and get this one. It will definitely give you a very enjoyable picture, and you won’t have spent a fortune for the most expensive models (I’m thinking of the 9000 pro and similar ones), which probably offer improvements that are of no use if you simply plan on using the webcam for VoIP applications.
Rating: 5 / 5

Ms. A. E. Curzon

at 6:18 pm

Little cam arrived in good time – got all excited, took it home and took it for a test run. Excellent! It worked fine!

I had Vista on my system at the time which did not like the logitech software – the camera was functioning but the computer didn’t know how to use it so it kept blue screening and crashing. So I have whilst I have technically downgraded my laptop to XP, the webcam now works perfectly every single time!

So my recommendation is not to get this webcam to use with Vista, but the webcam is great – the picture clear, the mic excellent and it sits well on laptops and screens.

Rating: 3 / 5