Bulbs & Fittings Ideas

System requirements

If your computer is relatively new, say three years old or less, you probably have no reason to worry about system requirements. However, those with older computers still running the software they were designed to work best with may not be able to use this device's advanced features, or if you have an even older fossil like I do, you might not be able to use it at all. For some reason, when I chose this camera the system requirements weren't given on the main Amazon product page as they usually are. Amazon has now posted them, under the heading Compatibility.

For software, you have to be running Windows XP (SP2 or higher), Windows Vista or Windows 7, or Mac OS 10.5 or higher. (The info Logitech supplied for Amazon says Mac OS 10.5 is required, but the Logitech website says 10.4.9 or higher will work, at least for some functions, as pointed out in a comment to this review. If you have a Mac you can find your operating system number by clicking on About This Mac in the menu under the Apple logo. I'm still running OS 10.3.9 myself, and love its stability--never crashes even under heavy use.)

To use only the basic functions of this webcam the hardware requirements include a 1 GHz or faster processor, 512 MB RAM, and a USB port, with USB 2.0 recommended. That last recommendation matters--if you only have USB 1.1 (12 Mb/second), your ability to stream video will be restricted to what you could do with cheaper, non-HD webcams. (Mac users can check their hardware using the About This Mac function mentioned above.)

To use the full functions of this webcam, including 720p video calling and 1080p video recording, you need a 2.4 GHz or faster Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB RAM, a USB 2.0 port, and high-speed internet (for HD calling or other HD streaming) of 1 Mbps upload speed or higher. (My trusty old PowerBook doesn't have any of those features except compatibility with high-speed internet.) If your system doesn't meet all those requirements, you're better off getting a cheaper webcam and not paying for the advanced features of this one.

A suggestion

Logitech has an older webcam, their premium model C910, that has the advanced features of this one plus built-in dual mikes for stereo sound recording (the C615 only records in mono), a 5-MP sensor (only 2.1 MP for the C615--the C910 should have better resolution and low-light performance), 10-MP still photos (only 8 MP for the C615, though in practice that's not a big difference--8 is enough!) and a high-quality Zeiss lens (the C615 has high-quality glass but not Zeiss, which has a reputation for the highest quality). Right now the C910 is only a few bucks more than this one, so you might want to consider it as well. It does lack the folding and swivel features of this one (the C910 only swivels vertically), which are pretty cool for some uses. The system requirements are almost exactly the same. (According to the info here at Amazon the C910 will work with Mac OS 10.4.11 or higher, while the C615 requires 10.5 or higher, but the Logitech website says 10.4.9 or higher will work for both, though it also says only the C910 is officially supported by Mac OS. If you own an earlier version of 10.4, the upgrade to 10.4.11 is free at the Apple website, by the way.) (Edit: Amazon has dropped the price of the C615, so now the gap in price with the C910 is more substantial, but it will probably tighten up again.)

Pros
- Price
- True HD video (1080p/15fps or 720p/30fps)
- Quality microphone (very sensitve accurate frequency response, low noise)
- Standard threaded tripod/mount adapter
- Flexible mounting options
- Easy manual horizontal and vertical tilt adjustment which stays in place

Cons
- Cannot disable blue LED (e.g. to eliminate glare or provide stealth)
- Monophonic microphone (generally not an issue for a security or weather cam)
- Same old Logitech capture software (cannot capture stereo from external sound source)

I'm using this camera in combination with the following components as a low-cost high-quality security camera:

* PTC 65ft USB extension cable (80ft cable did not work)
* Motion-sensing outdoor lights
* Vitek VT-EH10 Camera Enclosure
* Blue Iris webcam/security software

I currently have two of these cameras setup and will be adding more as the results blow away any security CCTV "system" I've found, but at a fraction of the price!

Customer Video Review Length:: 1:53 Mins

Please excuse the video quality...total novice at work! PS - Due to Amazon size limitations I reduced the length and quality of the video.

Installation and set-up: Very fast. Took longer to remove from the box than to have up and running. Install the software, plug in, re-start computer and you are ready to use.

Photographs & Video: Really like the intuitive interface. I've attempted to show it on the video attached. A pop-up screen provides full access and controls for all functions including photographs or video's. Upload instantly to Facebook, Twitter, uTube or email. Chat in real time. Integrates with Google and other applications.

Widescreen or regular size. Full tilt, pan, other controls.

Automatic lighting adjustment.

Other add-on's available including face recognition that helps secure the computer when not in use.

Fun features like avatars, ability to create a short film and basic editing also available.

Bottom line - my favorite webcam to date. Seriously convenient - perfect for travel or home use. Sound is very sensitive, just about idiot-proof as evidence by my attempt to use a video review!

Thanks for watching and hope this helps provide a glimpse of the terrific features.