WEBCAMS AND SPYCAMS
Logitech QuickCam Orbit
Well, here's the cool factor. Logitech's QuickCam Orbit is a webcam that doesn't just sit there and stare, it actually rotates and zooms and follows you as you move around the room. That's right, this camera features automatic face tracking software and a mechanical pan-and-tilt mechanism with digital zoom to keep the camera focused on your face, no matter where your face might be. You know, it's almost creepy how this webcam twists and turns to follow your every movement. It can automatically turn 128° side-to-side and 54° up and down, which provides a fairly wide stage. Feel like dancing while you're online? No problem with this puppy. Performance-wise, the QuickCam Pro delivers 640 x 480 video resolution (at 30 frames per second) and 1.3 megapixel photo resolution. It includes a built-in microphone, so others can both see and hear you online. The connection to your PC is via USB. Software-wise, Logitech provides programs that let you add live video to MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger, send live video to mobile phones, send video email, edit movies and photos, and make live video calls. You can even add video to your eBay auctions and conduct online videoconferences, if you so desire. But let's not gloss over the real reason to get this Webcam it's way cool! The QuickCam Orbit is very futuristic-looking, like a sleek, black robot arm with a mechanical eye on the end. And the way the arm whirs and rotates as it follows you around…it's like you're being watched by the HAL 9000 computer from 2001: A Space Odyssey. You'll want to dance around the room just to see it work!
Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000It's not as gee-whiz as the QuickCam Orbit, but if you don't mind positioning your webcam manually, Logitech's QuickCam Pro will get the job done. It's the best-selling Webcam today, and for good reason the QuickCam Pro is a solid performer in a compact package that's easy to use, is easy to connect, and delivers a host of useful features. It also includes a built-in digital zoom, as well as mechanical (not automatic) panning and tilting, all controlled from your PC via the included software. The PC connection is via USB.
Creative WebCam Live UltraIn the world of webcams, Creative's WebCam Live Ultra is a dependable performer with some useful and unusual features. Performance-wise, you get 1.3 megapixel resolution (for 640 x 480 full-motion video), a 76° wide-angle view, and 4X digital zoom. Feature-wise, check out the smart face tracking, to keep you centered in the picture. And, as an extra bonus, you get a microphone headset, for clearer sound than with most built-in microphones. What's not to like?
ActionTec Wireless Network CameraWebcams aren't just for instant messaging; you can also use them for monitoring and surveillance. Case in point is ActionTec's Wireless Network Camera, which you can mount anywhere inside or outside your house and connect to your home WiFi network. This puppy even offers a combination of live video streaming and multiple recording and alert options (including motion detection), so you can watch things now or later or over the Internet. And, best of all, it's wireless, so there are no messy cables to run, wherever you put the thing.
Panasonic BL-C30A Network CameraThe neat thing about this Panasonic network camera is that you can control it when you're away from home, via a simple Internet connection. It operates over an 802.11b or g WiFi connection, so you can place it anywhere within range of your wireless network. Then use your web browser, cell phone, or PDA to control panning (up to 120°) and tilting (up to 90°), or go directly to one of eight preset shooting positions. This makes this camera the ideal remote webcam either indoors or outdoors.
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EAN: 2147483647
Pages: 126