Logitech QuickCam Messenger WebCam

The webcam captures decent colors. The key is to have good ambient lighting: place a light behind the camera, not behind yourself! Also don't use a strong light source; something soft works best. The camera provides auto-white balance as well as auto exposure. Focus, however, is not automatic, so you need to manually turn the focus ring to get the sharpest picture of yourself. You can also snap still images of yourself, if that's what you are into.

If you run Windows XP, you don't need to install any driver. Just plug in the QuickCam Messenger, and fire up the latest version of MSN Messenger (version 6), which was compiled to work great with Logitech webcams, thanks to some marketing agreement between Microsoft and Logitech. You can also use Yahoo Messenger, but the new MSN Messenger has better video chat than Yahoo's offering. For AOL's instant messenging program, you'll need to install a utility on the companion CD-ROM. I haven't tried it since I don't use AIM, so can't comment on its quality.

For other flavors of Windows -- Win 2000, ME or 98 -- install the companion software first before you plug in the QuickCam Messenger. The installer will tell you went to plug the webcam into the USB port.

In short, this webcam gives decent image quality (esp. considering the price, before or after rebate) and has the nice touch of a built-in mic. The downside is no auto focus and so-so image quality.

Note: There's no support for Macintosh. If you use a Mac, get a Windows XP PC, or you can probably use Virtual PC 6 to make it work.


Great All-In-One   November 6, 2003
69 out of 76 found this review helpful

I just received this webcam yesterday and in less than ten minutes had it set up on each of my two computers (one with Win2000 Prof- Dell Latitude C610 and the other with XP Home-Dell 4400).

The installation of the software is easy, though I would suggest the custom install for those who know a bit about what programs they want and don't want loaded.

The picture is fantastic, particularly if you have a bright light or window behind you! The focus ring works well to adjust to different preferred distances from the webcam.

The software suite is easy and intuitive to use. Create an .avi movie file with sound by selecting the button and clicking start. To send it to someone simply right-click your resulting file to find the 'email' option. The built in auto-compressor is a nice feature bringing the 2Mb movie to a 60K size for sending that all but the most full email accounts can receive. It took me less than 3 minutes to send a friend a 10sec movie note.

For less than $35 including the mail-in rebate, considering it's ease of use and clear picture, it's probably your best deal on a webcam/mic/camera all-in-one.


Great for the money   February 9, 2003
39 out of 42 found this review helpful

The Logitech QuickCam Messenger WebCam is a great little toy for the money. I really can't compare it to other webcams because this is the first one I've ever used. However, installation is pretty easy but takes a strangely long 15-20 minutes. It integrates seamlessly into Yahoo Messenger. It also works alongside AOL IM and MSN Messenger but takes separate software (included). The only catch is the other side has to download special Logitech software to see it with AOL and MSN (I don't know if Yahoo requires an add-in or whether the webcam feature is already included). Still, when I used it with a friend they could see me in less than 5 minutes including the download. As you'd expect, the quality of the feed depends on the connection on both sides. Overall, a good product for a small investment.


I Love It!   March 26, 2003
Richard D. Cappetto (Moodus, CT United States)
34 out of 37 found this review helpful

Its easy and inexpensive; takes maybe 10-15 minuets to install; You just insert the software and follow the instructions; and at the right time you plug it into your USB (the software tells you when) and then you go trough a set up process, to adjust the camera and mic. It works perfectly well with Yahoo Chat.


All right webcam, but   January 24, 2004
my_view (Los Angeles)
31 out of 32 found this review helpful

Got this webcam today and set it up in office (bright light condition) and I cannot see much differences in video quality vs. QuickCam Pro 4000. But the similarity ends when this webcam gets home, at home's lighting condition, QuickCam Messenger cannot compete with the QuickCam Pro 4000 in video quality, not even close. (by the way, both Messenger and Pro 4000's still picture quality are pretty poor and personally, I don't care for the still picture quality since I can use a digi camera to take a picture). The CCD in QuickCam Pro 4000 really shines in low light condition. (QuickCam Messenger uses CMOS)

So, in bright light condition and all you need is just a little video in IM chatting, you might get away with this QuickCam Messenger, but for all the others, will be better off with the QuickCam Pro 4000.

All after all, this is the first time I can compare side by side with 2 webcam using different technologies (CCD vs. CMOS) and obviously, you get what you paid for. :)

My advice will be go for the QuickCam Pro 4000 or the recently introduced Orbit, but of course, more expansive. Good luck in searching for the new webcam.