So easy, perfect for Skype or similar use
I bought this little camera for a not-entirely-computer-savvy friend when I was moving away about six months ago so that we could use Skype continue our weekly chatting over tea when we really mean to be getting together to keep up our drawing after meeting in an art class years ago. So! I went to install it for her in case there were any complications (and to show her how to use Skype). Installation was so easy that I may not even have been needed for that, and it automatically detected that Skype was installed and gave the option to add a sort of shortcut to it in its own menu. (Thank you for that, maker of the software for this camera, on the off chance you should ever read this.) It made everything simple, clean, and easy. She took a little while to master using Skype itself, but she has never had a problem with the camera. It just works. Now some folks may need a higher quality image for other purposes and I cannot really speak to that so much. I chat with my pal over the webcam almost weekly and I can see and hear her clearly enough that it's very much like hanging out in the same room. I suppose your connection speeds and the computer you're using would impact that somewhat for better or worse. On the occasions when my friend or I actually do have a sketch or painting in progress, we've been able to hold them up to our respective webcams to show-and-tell and exchange ideas. I have been able to see her paintings pretty darn well. The lighting in the room has to be somewhat middling for that to work though. Too much glare from a direct light source will make it look like you're holding up a blank white sheet of paper and too much back-lighting will have the reverse effect. The camera adjusts to lighting to some extent - normally plenty well enough for seeing people, but it can't work miracles. Anyway, in my experience this is a good little hassle-free camera. Read more
