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Gadget Guy: Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF

Steve Van Dinter Reviews New Webcam

UPDATED: 12:34 pm CST December 14, 2007

Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF
Rating: 4 out of 5
Price: $129.99

Looking for a webcam that "stands" above the rest? Look no further than the QuickCam Orbit AF. This 2-megapixel video camera (8MP still cam) stands 9 inches tall, features amazing video quality even in low-light situations, has a built in microphone and did I mention it's motorized so it can follow you as you move?!

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That's right, using face-tracking technology, the camera locks on to faces in view and follows them even as they move back and forth, stand up or get closer to the camera. Used in conjunction with the free, downloadable Skype program, the Quickcam would help bring family members who couldn't travel for the holidays that much closer.

The Upsides: The camera stands on its own, no need to mount it on your monitor or find a spot to position it. It can also capture video in high definition, serve as a 8MP digital camera and combined with its motor, it can follow your face wherever it moves. Using RightLight 2 technology, it can also boost light levels so even in less than optimal lighting your picture looks great.

The Downsides: The motorized camera is the coolest feature of this camera and a small number of times I found if I moved to quickly, the camera lost sight of me and couldn't find me. This didn't happen very often but it is worth noting if you plan to do any fast movements around it.

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a cheaply priced webcam that will just sit there and take video, this is not for you. But if you want something that captures great video and can follow you around on the screen for the price of a webcam just a year or two ago, this model is for you.



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