Need Advice on Choosing a Webcam

[SweetErika]

So we're thinking about getting a webcam for chat with friends and family (ok, and maybe the occasional naughty video). It doesn't need to have a ton of features or produce the highest quality images, but a semi-accurate representation of the subject(s) would be good.

We've read some reviews, and I've searched here, but I'd like some personal recommendations since a lot of the products reviewed are either several years old or the newest gizmos with a million features we don't need (with a price tag to match).

What are some good, basic, inexpensive cams?

Any other advice or suggestions to steer us in the right direction?

Thanks!

 

[Eilan]

We bought a Logitech QuickCam IM a few months ago. Neither my husband nor I can remember how much it cost, but we're both thinking that it was certainly no more than $40.

This cam works with most of the popular IMs. It also records video and captures pictures. The picture quality's not the greatest, but it's not the worst, either. It's worked well enough for us.

 

[EJFan]

a friend of mine, a computer guru, just got a webcam and i THINK it's the one eilan mentioned. i know it's a logitech and from what i understand one of the models they make are about the best you can get for the money.

i'll get a model number for you as soon as i can get in touch with my buddy. in the mean time, do a product review search on pcworld.com... they have a good reviewing system that i've never been let down by.

does this mean more frequently updated avatars?

 

[SweetErika]

We bought a Logitech QuickCam IM a few months ago. Neither my husband nor I can remember how much it cost, but we're both thinking that it was certainly no more than $40.

This cam works with most of the popular IMs. It also records video and captures pictures. The picture quality's not the greatest, but it's not the worst, either. It's worked well enough for us.

a friend of mine, a computer guru, just got a webcam and i THINK it's the one eilan mentioned. i know it's a logitech and from what i understand one of the models they make are about the best you can get for the money.

i'll get a model number for you as soon as i can get in touch with my buddy. in the mean time, do a product review search on pcworld.com... they have a good reviewing system that i've never been let down by.

does this mean more frequently updated avatars?

Thanks for the replies, Eilan and EJ. We actually bought the Quickcam IM today, but I'm not sure if we'll keep it...the picture's okay, but the color sucks even after a ton of adjustments. Plus, we're considering this one (it looks better for about the same price...let me know if that's incorrect):
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830106122

As for the AVs, I have a ton and change when the mood strikes or every couple of hundred posts, but feel free to remind me, EJ.