Tech: Logitech C120 Webcam Review 7.24.2010

Logitech is an industry name in computer devices and electronics. We are reviewing their popular C120 USB webcam. For under $30 dollars, this webcam comes with software that makes it easy to upload to YouTube and add special effects. This is not a professional webcam and is probably best suited for budget seeking amateur webbies. Consider this review before heading out to pick one of these up.

Logitech C120 is a video web camera that has a 6 foot (approximate) USB cable interface. Although the box says it shoots 30fps, it is more likely to be between 20-25fps. Most notable is the video it produces which is considerably blurry. QuickCapture software bundled loads the drivers for the webcam along with software where the webcam can be adjusted or set to automatic mode. Maximum video output is probably taped out around 800x600 or more realistically 640x480 pixels. Changing the size of the output may affect the frame rate. Although this webcam does snap still shots, the quality is so low it is not worth mentioning.

Software Annoyance
The included Logitech software has a simple user interface that allows you to adjust the color, brightness, white balance, and add special effects. This software also has audio controls on it as well as a directory control panel where you can select where you want your videos to be stored. Be sure to check this before using the camera so you know where your video is going.

One particular annoyance is this software seems to constantly want to connect to the internet. This may be the updater in action or some type of registration process that wants internet access. Those with firewalls can select to block this activity. Make sure you know what your camera is doing, when it is on, off, and connected to the internet!

Some Problems
This webcam has a spring loaded mount that is almost worthless because it is too loose to grip anything. You will have to find some sort of steep edge or other thin object to even use the spring mount. Many times the webcam fell from where it was sitting because the mount is inadequate.

The focus ring is a circle around the lens of the camera dome. Most consumers will never even know this exists. Although this can help you clear your video up as you should adjust it according to distance, etc, it still seems to not change the fact that this camera appears to almost always produce blurry video.

Windows XP users may notice some audio issues with the Logitech software due to the fact that it has its own audio software control panel which might conflict with device drivers and the windows audio mixer. The most common problem is muted audio on the video. Be absolutely sure you have audio being recorded if you are streaming or plan to make videos. Otherwise, you might get a surprise when you find out there is no audio on all those videos you just recorded! Windows 7 seemed to handle the video/audio issue a little better versus XP. That is still no excuse for audio problems in XP.

Pass or Fail
For the price tag of $25 from most retailers, this is not very good, considering alternative webcams. There are a lot of webcams out there and if you want something straight forward that you won't be using that much and don't need reliable audio or video, then maybe this is for you. Otherwise, this webcam has some major issues - buy something else.



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