Logitech Quickcam and Quickcam Pro

Both Logitech QuickCam and QuickCam Pro are not your run-of-the-mill webcams that you can get at most computer stores. Like high-end digital cameras, they have glass lenses designed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss, the global leader in camera optics.

Probably, the most important part of any device intended to capture images is a good quality lens, which will ensure sharp and distortion-free images. Both the webcams also boast of auto focus technology to give you high levels of detail and clarity.

A nice feature in both webcams is the tracking feature, which automatically zooms and adjusts the frame (digitally; not with optical zoom) according to the subject's movement. It also incorporates Logitech's RightLight and RightSound technologies; circuitry to help capture better images and video in low light, and to help capture sound under difficult conditions.

Looking at QuickCam Pro 9000: it is very easy to mount on any notebook screen or even LCD monitors. It also enables you to take still images at more than its native 2-megapixel resolution using software interpolation (up to an 8 MP resolution) but shooting at a higher resolution causes a long shutter lag. Software interpolation is best avoided, but with the Pro 9000 there was no major distortion visible.

The Quick Cam Pro on the other hand is very sleek. It provides an ultra-wide field of view that keeps you right in the middle of the action. It comes bundled with a 12 inch stand, and is essentially useful in cases where you don't want it peeking out from over your monitor. There's also a nice travel case for safe portability. The bundled software is easy to use and allows easy capture, editing, customization, and printing of images.