The hardest thing to deal with in a long distance relationship is not being able to see each other. With the advantage of technology, that is all in the past. With a wide variety of computer cameras, seeing each other will be no problem. Computer cameras have a price range from about $30 through more than $1000. If all you want to do is see your honey and let them see you, then you don't need a camera that can jump through hoops or one that is the size of a dime. You need a good priced camera that gets the job done.
A good camera should include the following:
1. A good picture. It doesn't need to be able to see the pores in your face but it should be able to show your face without any blur.
2. A nice software package. Having a camera is one thing but without any software to use it with, it is useless. You will end up spending more money on software, increasing the overall price by at least another hundred bucks.
3. Some decent features. Each company has a totally different idea on what the consumer wants. Some think people want a nine foot cord. Others think it should have a built in mic. Research the available features and buy the camera that is right for your situation and needs.
4. A big part of the camera is the installation manual. How hard is it to install a computer cam? It's only plugging in a cord. If this is how you're thinking then let me help you out. Anytime you add anything to your computer, there is a chance it will not work or it will cause problems somewhere else. Don't let this scare you away from getting a camera. Just be prepared. A nice troubleshooting section will get you through anything.
We reviewed a few computer cameras for you to get an idea on what is available:
Creative Labs CT6840 USB Video Blaster WebCam III
This camera usually sells for about $120 but has been marked down to around $40 at a few places. The picture quality isn't great but it is fine for video phone/chat. It has a pretty good software package and it's easy to install. This cam lacks on features but what features do you want on a forty dollar cam? At this price you can afford to buy one for you and your honey. Also, a microphone is not included with this camera so add on $15 for the mic (you can get them cheaper) and its still a good deal.
Creative Labs CT6860 Video Blaster WebCam Go
The WebCam Go is priced at around $130. The picture quality is less than average, but still not bad for video phone/chat. It has a very good installation manual and a good software bundle. The key feature on this cam is that you can pop in some batteries and use it like a normal camera. This sounds like a good idea, but Creative Labs just couldn't pull it off. If the picture quality is just good enough to use for your PC then why would you want to take it around and use it for snap shots? If you're going to buy this camera, don't buy it for this feature, it's not worth it. It also does not come with a mic.
3Com HomeConnect PC Digital Camera
Now we're talking. Average picture quality, adjusts to different lighting with ease, 9-foot detachable connector, adjustable focus knob and great software. For about $150 what more could you want? The picture could be better, and it could have come with a mic but nothing is perfect. This is one of the easiest cams to set up and it's a decent price. If you want an all around good camera then this is the one.
Logitech 961134-0403 QuickCam Pro USB
The QuickCam Pro comes with an excellent software package. The picture quality is average and the installation is simple. It will be up and running in a matter of minutes. The QuickCam Pro also comes with a Labtec microphone. This camera costs around $150.
Ezonics EZ-308 EZDual Cam
This camera did what Creative Labs couldn't do. Make a PC cam/still camera. The picture quality still isn't the best for still pictures but there is a night and day difference between the Creative Labs CT6860 and the Ezonics EZ-308. This cam has a very short connector cable and I couldn't get it to sit on top of my monitor if my life depended on it. Other than that this camera comes with a great package. With lots of software to play with you won't get bored with it anytime soon.
Now that you have seen a few cams and know what to look for, go compare prices and features and get the cam that is the best for you.
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This camera usually sells for about $120 but has been marked down to around $40 at a few places. The picture quality isn't great but it is fine for video phone/chat. It has a pretty good software package and it's easy to install. This cam lacks on features but what features do you want on a forty dollar cam? At this price you can afford to buy one for you and your honey. Also, a microphone is not included with this camera so add on $15 for the mic (you can get them cheaper) and its still a good deal.
The WebCam Go is priced at around $130. The picture quality is less than average, but still not bad for video phone/chat. It has a very good installation manual and a good software bundle. The key feature on this cam is that you can pop in some batteries and use it like a normal camera. This sounds like a good idea, but Creative Labs just couldn't pull it off. If the picture quality is just good enough to use for your PC then why would you want to take it around and use it for snap shots? If you're going to buy this camera, don't buy it for this feature, it's not worth it. It also does not come with a mic.
Now we're talking. Average picture quality, adjusts to different lighting with ease, 9-foot detachable connector, adjustable focus knob and great software. For about $150 what more could you want? The picture could be better, and it could have come with a mic but nothing is perfect. This is one of the easiest cams to set up and it's a decent price. If you want an all around good camera then this is the one.
The QuickCam Pro comes with an excellent software package. The picture quality is average and the installation is simple. It will be up and running in a matter of minutes. The QuickCam Pro also comes with a Labtec microphone. This camera costs around $150.
This camera did what Creative Labs couldn't do. Make a PC cam/still camera. The picture quality still isn't the best for still pictures but there is a night and day difference between the Creative Labs CT6860 and the Ezonics EZ-308. This cam has a very short connector cable and I couldn't get it to sit on top of my monitor if my life depended on it. Other than that this camera comes with a great package. With lots of software to play with you won't get bored with it anytime soon.
