You need to run the installation software before plugging the camera to the PC. The application will tell the user the right moment to do so. After that it’s only a matter of adjusting the contrast, color and brightness levels and the QuickCam Pro 9000 is ready to be used with instant messengers like AIM and MSN and VOIP applications like Skype. The Logitech application has advanced features like capturing HD videos and adding effects to them.

The capture screen allows for both taking pictures and shooting video. The user can either take a photo by software or pressing the button beside the lens. You set the picture resolution along these values: 320×240, 640×480, 960×720 (video), and 1, 2, 3, 4, or 8 megapixels (photos). There’s a menu for advanced settings like autofocus selection, face tracking, zoom and macro values, and the RightLight technology that compensates for poor ambient brightness.

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Figure 3: Picture setting.

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Figure 4: Advanced settings.

There’s also a visual effects feature that personalize the image transmission with face accessories (like a pig’s nose or a king’s crown) and some other bells and whistles like CGI avatars. The user can download a few effects options from Logitech’s website.

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Figure 5: Visual effects.