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Recently Logitech was kind enough to send GeekDad one of their new webcams from their current line for review. With Logitech already dominating the peripherals market, webcams are starting to see some competition coming from the built in cameras in some of the newer laptop computers. Logitech decided it best to stay ahead of that curve, releasing a line of webcams featuring 720p HD Video. The one reviewed here is the middle of the set camera, the Logitech HD Webcam C510 with 720p Video and Swivel Design.
Overview & Functionality
The first thing to keep in mind is that if you do not have an HD monitor or an HD anything to view the video on, then guess what? It's not HD. It's like the commercials on television showing HD better than the picture you've got, but if you aren't viewing on an HD television then how can you tell? Same thing here. While it does record in 720p HD, you can change the settings to record in a lower resolution or switch from widescreen to standard. Both options save storage space as well, by reducing the file size. But you already knew that. The HD feature is a nice touch on the webcam, especially considering the price point (under $60.)
Video viewing was done on a Samsung SyncMaster 933 HDTV Monitor. Recording was done on a piece of crap old Dell laptop that still seems to function well enough to do two things at once. The recording was smooth and gives a handy little countdown meter before the recording actually starts. There was no problem with the sound pickup, recording at 48khz. Lowering it did cause a little static on playback, but nothing substantial. HD playback was smooth for the most part, though there was some motion blur on quick movements. Considering the hardware, this is to be expected. Remember folks, this is a laptop webcam, not a professional HD rig like a Sony HVR-HD1000U or comparable. With that in mind, it operated as expected.
The C510 comes with the standard Logitech software package. A program called Logitech Vid™ HD is the junior Skype clone, handling video calling. It's a very basic use program and anyone with Skype probably will never open it. The other is the Logitech® Webcam Software program. This is the program used to video and still picture capture. It features interactivity with the Vid program, Skype, Windows Messenger, and offers the option to add more applications to the interactivity including uploading directly to social media services such as YouTube or Facebook. This is a very convenient option.
Before uploading you might want to edit the video. The Webcam Software offers a free download of a piece of software called Magix for video editing, or you can simply use your own. Considering the price point, it makes sense that the focus in the package is on the camera, and not on the software package. The software also offers motion capture and has a feature that follows your face, zooming and panning to adjust. Of course, you still have to keep your face in the frame.
The C510 is a compact little camera and comes with a soft carry case. This is of course a good attribute to have in a webcam suited for laptops. It folds into itself, with the camera swiveling around to close against itself, protecting the lens during travel. The cord can be a little cumbersome if you happen to lose the twist tie, but you can always find another one. If you have a problem with getting cords tangled, you may want to just leave it twist tied so you aren't spending twenty minutes every night trying to separate your webcam and headphone cables.
The Z design of the camera and it's mount is innovative, but not very sturdy. I found that while it'll sit on the laptop screen nicely, it'll fall off just as quickly if you happen to bump or shake the laptop. This can be an issue during filming obviously.
A clip or snap design might have worked better, except the Z design works because of how it folds into itself for travel. The Z design relies on small rubber tabs on the lower parts to keep it from sliding off the laptop. Because of this, the camera is more likely to fall forward than back. Of course, you could always just swivel it and fold it up and set it on the desk, instead of at the top of the laptop.
The C510 is sturdy when folded up, since there was only one for testing it didn't get the full stress test, but was dropped a couple times just to see if it bounced or broke. Risky, but it was the last test performed. It bounced. Unfolded, the normal cautions apply to the exposed lens. Aside from the lens, it has a built in microphone and indicator light.
Wired: The compact design and portability of the camera, in addition to the HD recording and low price point make it a good buy for a portable laptop webcam.
Tired: The Z design, while neat for folding up to drop in the computer bag, isn't as sturdy on the laptop screen as it could be. Nothing some duct tape can't handle.
