The test in itself was simple, to tell the truth. No matter how many advanced features it has, a webcam must transmit a pristine image and clear sound. Boasting a 2 megapixel Carl Zeiss lens, the QuickCam Pro 9000 made us ashamed of our pre-historic 2001-model webcam. Every friend we contacted through instant messaging attested the high quality and sharpness of the image received. But it was during a session of VOIP conversation using Skype that the webcam really shone. Since Skype allows for full screen video transmission, the QuickCam high resolution came in handy: no image noise or artifacts during the session. The RightLight corrected any brightness fluctuations and optimized the picture. The microphone worked great, delivering our voice intelligibly to the listener. For those hooked on YouTube, the HD recording feature allow the user to be an amateur filmmaker and register those precious moments of pets and small children raising hell in the household.

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Figure 6: On top of the display (front).

The only gripe we had was with the way you secure the webcam to the display. The small ledge bellow the main hinge doesn’t allow a stable mounting and the camera can tip over or sideways if the user is not careful enough. The QuickCam never fell due to an unsteady balance but we think it could have presented a more reliable mounting. The unconventional design may not please everybody.

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Figure 7: On top of the display (back).