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Logitech QuickCam Orbit
Monday, September 11, 2006
Although it looks a little bit like an eyeball on a stick, the Logitech QuickCam Orbit has some pretty intriguing features--starting with that nine-inch stalk it's perched upon. Logitech's stand is aimed at positioning the lens at eye level for more natural on-camera interaction.
Users found the setup and camera operation relatively easy and gave its basic webcam features high marks. In standard mode, the camera provided solid imaging in both well and poorly lit environments. Also important, the audio sounded great with little or no lag time.
Opinion was split on the performance of the camera's automatic face tracking mode. Apparently, in low light the camera has a tendency to stop tracking altogether and when the main light source is directly overhead, as with most residential setups, the camera would drift upward toward the light, instead of focusing on the person speaking. While in motion, the Orbit's motors were annoyingly loud and the whirring noise was easily picked up by the sensitive audio.
Thumbs Up:
- Integrated microphone
- Face tracking ability with motorized pan and tilt function (pan: 189°/tilt: 102°)
- 3X digital zoom
- You can adjust the exposure and white balance manually or automatically
- Color, brightness and contrast are all adjustable through the software
- Resolutions: 160 x 120, 320 x 420, and 640 x 480
- 1.3 megapixel, up to 4.0 (software enhanced)
- Backwards compatible USB 2.0
Thumbs Down:
- Face tracking doesn't always work well
- During pan-and-tilt movement, the camera is noticeably loud
