Bulbs & Fittings Ideas

Customer Video Review Length:: 1:27 Mins

I have a Macbook Pro with OSX 10.8.5 and it worked like a Champ straight from the box. I downloaded the APP store software and you can see the video for yourself.

Also, I did read many of the comments in advance of purchase. Here’s a few other things you should know, particularly when compared to the C920:

* With the C930e you basically download the drivers and a camera controller. You do NOT get the Logitech Webcam Software (LWS) as a "recommended" installation. Their intent is that you are already using top-grade "BUSINESS’ software, so you won’t really need the LWS. This is notable because the LWS has the quick snapshot program with allows you to take still photos or run video/sound and save it. Without LWS and without "business software" there is no method to record video/audio.

* I re-installed the LWS on the computer. There are warnings when you install it that "most" of the features from LWS will not be available with the C930e, but you can "skip" them. When complete, there aren’t too many that I’ve found missing — except one rather important feature: When using a C920, one can deactivate the camera LED. With the C930e, however, those radio buttons do not exist — you are stuck with the dual-edged halo. Not a huge deal in many cases, but I do NOT want the light shining all night long toward the gate — sort of ruins the "surveillance" part of "surveillance video." I will probably cover the two LED slivers with electrical tape.

* Video/audio quality: Seems better. I haven’t tried a variety of background colors and much movement, but will assess that later. On initial view, it looks favorable.

* Knowing what I do now, I probably would have bought a second C920 instead of the C930e. At this point, the C930e has slightly diminished functionality for a minor improvement, with a ~ – premium. It’s all shiny and new-car-smell, but not that much better.

The picture and audio quality between this camera and my laptop’s internals isn’t even comparable. I switched between the two a couple times, and noticed that the internal camera was at least 50% blurrier, and the ceiling light behind me gave off quite a glare (my lens is clean, by the way). When switching back to the C930e, the picture was crystal clear and the glare, while not totally gone, was diminished to an acceptable level.

I then did a couple of focus tests; it only took the C930e about 1.5 seconds to focus between my ring held about 1.5" away from the lens and the ring held 2′ away from the lens. Very impressive, as my old internal wouldn’t even come close to focusing on something that close. The audio is crystal clear on the other end of the connection; I even gave a go at recording a movie of myself playing guitar, and the audio came through amazingly clear for just a home webcam.

I’m not sure if they mention that this comes with it in the description or not, but there is a little rubber "cap" that can fit over the lens when you’re not using it, and then easily and quickly flip up when you want to use it. Great for both protecting the lens and if you’re paranoid that someone can get access to your webcam without your knowing.

There are lights on either side of the camera that light up when the camera is active. I had thought these would be rather distracting, but they are very unnoticeable; they give a clear indication when your camera is on, but they definitely wouldn’t distract you from a conversation.

The only other thing I’ll mention is the software; there is a link to their site in the manual to download it. It’s a regular download for Windows, and a link to the app store on Mac. It allows you to zoom, and then once you’re zoomed in it will tilt, pan, scroll, etc. You can also adjust things like the white balance, brightness, contrast, and color intensity. You can download it without purchasing the camera if you’d like to take a look at it first, just google "Logitech Camera Settings download" and that should take you to the Logitech site.

All in all, I am incredibly happy with this camera. True, it is quite expensive, but (at least right now) it is the top of the Logitech line; in this case, you really do get what you pay for.