Logitech Previews New Web Cam Line

By John Laposky On Jul 17 2006 - 6:00am

Logitech will ship next month an updated line of five new QuickCam Web cams.

At the top of the line is the QuickCam Ultra Vision which features five extra-large lenses, three made of glass, and a low f-stop of 1.6, allowing for greater image detail in harsh lighting conditions.

It comes with Logitech's RightLight 2 technology, a system of hardware and software technologies that intelligently optimizes video settings in low and uneven lighting conditions as well as backlit conditions.

An ultra-wide field-of-view lens provides 78 degrees of visibility and the integrated mic eliminates acoustic echo using Logitech's RightSound technology.

The cam supports Logitech Video Effects, allowing a user to add accessories to their onscreen image, such as a wig, glasses or a hat, or completely transform into an animated character that mimic's the user's facial movements.

The 1.3-megapixel Ultra Vision will retail for $149.

Also at the top of the line is the QuickCam Orbit MP, which combines a motorized camera head with intelligent face-tracking software, allowing the cam to follow a subject moving about a room.

The cam can cover 190 horizontal and 100 vertical degrees and it includes a 9-inch stand so the head can be elevated to eye level.

The Orbit MP has a 1.3-megapixel VGA CMOS sensor for 640 by 480 video resolution and also features RightLight 2 and RightSound technology. It ships with with a stereo headset with microphone for video calls and will retail for $129.

Logitech's mid-tier offering is the $99.99 QuickCam Fusion. It features a 1.3-megapixel sensor that can produce interpolated still images up to 4 megapixels. It also incorporates RightLight 2 and RightSound technology, and its design improves eye-to-eye contact, according to the company. It includes a privacy shield.

Rounding out the line are the QuickCam Pro 5000 and the QuickCam Communicate STX.

The Pro 5000 comes with a flexible universal base to fit a traditional desktop monitor or clip to a flat panel. It boasts a 63-degree field-of-view lens and its VGA sensor allows for 640 by 480 still images.

It has an integreated mic and will retail for $79.

The Communicate STX couples VGA video and “enhanced performance” in less-than-ideal lighting, according to Logitech. It offers one-click access to IM applications via its privacy shade and captures 1.3-megapixel interpolated still images.

It will retail for $49.