Versatile Webcam With Digital Camera (Logitech Clicksmart 820)

Member Name: browndoll

Product:	Logitech Clicksmart 820
Date:	21/07/09 (123 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A webcam that can be used as digital camera

Disadvantages: None

Versatile Webcam With Digital Camera


Logitech webcams were famous for their sphere-shaped designs and funny-looking but awesome bodies that look like alien spacecrafts which are mounted on the top of computer monitors. Logitech Clicksmart 820 has a different body design.

When my old Logitech webcam just died and stopped functioning, my mother-in-law used to complain when she couldn't see my kids while we talk online. I always ended up promising I'd get a new webcam if I could have time. She then sent me this Logitech Clicksmart 820.


Logitech Clicksmart 820 has amazing features. I found out that it is not just a webcam but has digital camera features as well.

As A Webcam:

While connected with the computer, Logitech Clicksmart 820 functions as a webcam. It delivers superb-quality video images with its 640x480 resolution and with frame rate of up to 25 frames per second. I haven't experienced blurring images with it and it's really not necessary for me to adjust the webcam settings as it already provides great resolution settings upon the first use.


As A Digital Camera

What most webcams don't have that this Logitech Clicksmart 820 has is the Digital Camera Feature. I just unplug the cable from the PC, then I can use it to take pictures anywhere. It takes good pictures with its 2.1 megapixel. It has video capture, fixed focus lens and a self-timer. It has a backlit LCD screen that functions also as status display for review and playback.

Included Software

Logitech Clicksmart 820 includes software that makes video and picture management so easy. It has Photo Album Package and a Quick-Sync feature which allows me to preset the images that I want to send via e-mail immediately. When used a webcam, it easily integrates with Netmeeting, MS Messenger and such other multimedia messaging software.
The Body

Logitech Clicksmart 820 is a lightweight camera made in plastic material. The design is typical of old film-cameras. I like the robust-like and very handy oblong-shaped body. The stand is separate from the body. I just slide the camera to the left to detach it from the stand and slide it to the right to attach it.

Specifications

* Optical Sensor Resolution: 2 MP
* Optical Sensor Technology: CCP
* Maximum Aperture Range: F/2.8
* With Built-in Flash
* LCD Display Size: 1.5 inches
* Shooting Modes: Frame Movie Mode
* Image Type: JPEG
* Viewfinder Type: Optical
* Dimension: 4.5" W x 2" D x 3.3" H
* Weight: 0.4 pounds


==Slight Drawbacks==

AS DIGITAL CAMERA

Though I mentioned that it takes good pictures as a Digital Camera, this should not be be a replacement for professional photography cameras due to its low 2 megapixel quality. However, this is a very handy gadget for those not-so-important occasions. You can let a kindergarten kid bring it away from home without worrying so much of losing it because it is far inexpensive than 'real' digital cameras. This camera comes with a wrist-strap to prevent it from dropping.

SELF-TIMER

Logitech Clicksmart 820's timer in not that reliable for me. I can set the timer to 15 seconds but it sometimes snaps at about 10 seconds or earlier. So when using the timer feature, be sure to pose and smile faster than the time being set.

BATTERIES

To be able to use Logitech Clicksmart 820 as Digital Camera, 4 AAA batteries are needed when it is unplugged from the computer. This camera seems to be power-hungry that it depletes batteries' energy sooner than expected. I spent much on purchasing batteries in packs before. This was resolved when I bought a 4-compartment battery charger and AAA rechargeable batteries. When I bring the camera outside, I recharge 8 AAA at home first, put on the 4 batteries in the camera and bring the other 4 as extra.
Verdict

Logitech Clicksmart 820 is an excellent webcam as it delivers high-quality images. It has software inclusion that allows me to get integrated with Netmeeting, MS Messenger and other multimedia messaging software that other webcams don't have.

It can also be used as a Digital Camera when unplugged from the computer. There are some slight drawbacks maybe on it as a Digital Camera, but what is actually paid here is the price for a webcam - and the Digital Camera is just an included feature that serves as a bonus for me. I highly recommend this logitech Clicksmart 820 web camera.

(also posted on ciao)

Summary: I highly recommend this logitech Clicksmart 820 web camera.

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