Microsoft Lifecam Cinema OR Logitech 9000 Pro

[ReelPeese]

Which cam is better? Microsoft Lifecam Cinema OR Logitech 9000 Pro?

 

[LadyLuna]

I've only ever used the Logitech 9000, so I can't say for sure that it's better than Lifecam Cinema. It works well enough for both the regular streaming in 360x240, and the "HD" streaming in 640x480. I am looking into getting something better for the home videos though.

I do know that my s/o computer-geek took a look at the Lifecam Cinema awhile back and said it had about the same resolution as the Logitech 9000... so it might just be a case of which has the better computer software to adjust settings.

Logitech 9000 has zoom, options for follow face, rightsound, rightlight, and autofocus. It also has manual control for focus, exposure, gain, brightness, contrast, color intensity, and white balance. You can use anti-flicker at NTC-60Hz or PAL-50Hz, or just turn anti-flicker off. You can have it normal or mirrored. Those are just the actual settings, not the fun stuff you can do to the stream after it's captured.

Quick Capture allows for photo or video. You can choose which folder it stores new photos/videos in, and whether there's a countdown or not.

Video options:
-standard
-320x240
-640x480
-960x720
-2MP (may be choppy)
widescreen
-320x180
-360p
-720p
-optimized 720p (may be choppy)

Photo options:
-standard
-320x240
-640x480
-2MP
-8MP
widescreen
-320x180
-360p
-720p

Anyone with the LifeCam care to comment?

 

[Felicity]

I actually think the LifeCam Studio is better than the Cinema because I remember staring at the back of both boxes forever comparing them and went with the studio. It was my first ever cam, and it lasted 7 months. I only had to replace it because I was too rough with the cord.

I really like the mobility of LifeCam it's great for moving back and forth and using on a tripod. Actually its so flexible you put it pretty much anywhere (I put it on my shower rod once and it worked!) Its really really really good for people with bad lighting!! I know this from experience! Bad side it doesn't have a timer for the pictures so its really hard to take photo sets with it. The auto-focus is really sensitive and extra blurry too. So the autofocus always has to be turned off.

I just got a Logitech C910 and I liked it better than the LifeCam even though its not as good lighting wise <I actually had to invest in lights, oh my!> The picture is super crisp, the autofocus can be left on because it actually does the job right, it has lots of neat buttons the Lifecam doesn't have like twitter, youtube, skype, etc.. I looked into the Logitech 9000, and while it may be pretty good.. I like the C910 better.

Just my opinions though! Happy webcam shopping!

 

[Jupiter551]

Microsoft or Logitech

It's like being asked to choose between Hitler and Mussolini lol; one's crazy, the other is incompetent and they're both evil.

If only Razer started making cams!

 

[charmedagain]

I went with a Microsoft Lifecam Cinema. I chose it over the logitech b/c in the reviews on amazon at the time People were saying the LifeCam was better. I have never tried the Logitech so i cannot really say but I have no complaints about the Microsoft Lifecam Cinema

 

[Jessi]

I use the Lifecam Cinema, never tried logitech. I find the lifecam a little frustrating at times, because my settings never save when I plug it back in, although I don't know if that's true for other cams.
Also, it has two VERY RAM consuming processes which need to be on to use it (according to Microsoft) but I found a workaround by uninstalling their software and using manycam as the driver/settings application instead, which is a little easier on my shoddy netbook.
It doesnt do well unless you have TONS of light, and then you'll have to fight with overexposure as well.
When the time comes for a new camera I will probably go for something superior to both.

 

[Whisperly]

I had this same dilemma, and watched a lot of reviews on both. THIS review - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TVQ8WNkrOQ - swayed me into getting the Lifecam. The quality is perfect and the audio is fantastic. I absolutely love it. I'd recommend it to anyone.

 

[LadyLuna]

Anyone with the lifecam willing to remark on the options like I did?

 

[Kaeyra]

I went with Microshit because the video and sound quality seemed better to me than Logitech. I forgot about my bad past with Microshit and how great things have always gone with Logitech, and am filled with regret. $80 down the drain. I even took the first one back and exchanged it. The microphone quality is actually awful because it picks up strange little noises that sound like nothing to me (ie stereo on lowwww volume) and all my members say I sound like rice crispies- snap crackle pop. There's also an icon for the zoom/whatever features that'll pop up in the task bar. I USED to be able to use it during shows, but it randomly quit working. I uninstalled, downloaded the software and drivers off the site, reinstalled, no luck. Uninstalled, reinstalled off the CD that came with the piece of shit, still no luck.

I'd just go with whichever brand scares you less, honestly -_- I had an old ass Logitech cam and should've just kept it, because my old standalone mic had good quality and the members seem more annoyed by my sound than pleased by my crisp video. I am pleased with that part, but since I can't open the software to take the fucking HD pics and vids I wanted to FOR MFC.... it's kind of a moot point. :angry4:

 

[Jupiter551]

I've actually never owned a microsoft or logitech webcam, but I've owned numerous other peripherals by both of them over the years - it really depends on the individual product.

I bought a $200 microsoft wireless mouse that is useless in under a year and a logitech one for half the price that lasts 3 years.

Also bought a $75 fancy logitech mic/headset which made my neck ache like a bitch and had a shitty mic (according to everyone in vent), then followed up with a microsoft lifechat headset for about half that price that was so comfortable I'd forget I was wearing em and are going on 2 years now.

The list goes on with keyboards, speakers, joysticks...a $300 logitech racing wheel that is only useful now as a door-stop..etc

So yeah I dunno, I don't think you can judge the two by brand. Honestly I'd get whatever Amber has cos her cam is *always* crystal clear, in focus, and perfect.

 

[LilyMarie]

Logitech 9000 has zoom, (...)

Where do I zoom? >_< I bought the Logitech pro 9000 a couple of days ago, I'm just getting started on MFC. I'm very satisfied with the cam, but I don't know how to zoom. Would someone explain it please?

 

[Keithy]

the C910 is on sale right now at best buy FYI.

 

[LadyLuna]

Logitech 9000 has zoom, (...)

Where do I zoom? >_< I bought the Logitech pro 9000 a couple of days ago, I'm just getting started on MFC. I'm very satisfied with the cam, but I don't know how to zoom. Would someone explain it please?

On the webcam controller there are little magnifying glasses next to a sliding bar. That's the zoom.

To get to the controller, go to the software and click on the controller icon at the bottom. It's the same place where you can set the "follow my face" "right sound" "right light" "autofocus" on or off, and where the focus bar is for manual focus. Just look up in the black section. There should be a picture of a projector screen, a circle surrounded by triangles, and the zoom. The circle with the triangles is where you control the tilt of the lense in the camera, above and beyond where the camera is actually pointing. I believe the button with the projector screen is where you can make something else appear on your camera instead of your picture, but I've never played with it so I don't know for sure.

 

[Sevrin]

 

[Vanessa Jade]

I just bought a LifeCam Studio a few days ago and I have to say I really like it.

I can't comment much on the software included with it, as the software does not run on my mac (grr) but it's quite nice.

One thing I hate, however - Streamate's HD encoder software does not recognize it. What the hell? Grr.

I found that the Logitech lagged a little more and the image was less clear. Also the LifeCam Studio seems far more well made.

Edited to add: Without the software, no zoom. Sigh.

 

[SNATCH]

I would say neither...? I owned a Lifecam last year, && I want to flush that motherfucker down the toilet. PIECE. OF. SHITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.

Other than that, I have only owned Logitech cams. I have a C910. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. I saw it for like $60 at Walmart I believe? Or somewhere... Cheap. I paid $80 for mine new on eBay, when they were $110 with tax from Best Buy. I will never regret it. I uninstalled the software, because it was fucking up my PC. Lagging it like a motherfucker. The software is useless. You can adjust camsettings from ManyCam, && Skype, withOUT the software. .

 

[Jessi]

I just bought a LifeCam Studio a few days ago and I have to say I really like it.

I can't comment much on the software included with it, as the software does not run on my mac (grr) but it's quite nice.

One thing I hate, however - Streamate's HD encoder software does not recognize it. What the hell? Grr.

I found that the Logitech lagged a little more and the image was less clear. Also the LifeCam Studio seems far more well made.

Edited to add: Without the software, no zoom. Sigh.

Do what I did and use Manycam, then you can uninstall all of microsoft's crap and still have all of your options =]

 

[charmedagain]

I am using Lifecam Studio I thought it was cinema but I have the Studio one. I have loved it, if anything at first I thought the picture was too good and I was scared it would show every single flaw I have.

 

[Kaeyra]

I wish someone had told me about Manycam haha. I need to try it and see if it lags my pc too much, MFC software alone + running cam usually sucks up all resources... But I'd really like my zoom back >_>

 

[Whisperly]

Hokay, here's some more info about the Microsoft Lifecam Cinema HD...

Specs -
Both video & picture settings:
- 160 x 120
- 320 x 240
- 424 x 240
- 640 x 360
- 800 x 448
- 960 x 544
- 1280 x 720
- 5x HD Photo Capture / 1280 x 720 HD Video Capture

Visual Settings -
Camera Control -
- Focus (option to set this to auto focus, but the auto-focus is not worth a damn imo)
- Zoom (digital zoom, therefore not worth a damn imo)
- Pan (not worth a damn imo)
- Tilt (also not worth a damn imo)

Video Settings -
If TrueColour is enabled, (you can easily disable it by un-checking the box here), you are presented with these settings to edit:
- Brightness
- White Balance (you can put this on auto if you wish; gives great results imo)
- Saturation

If you un-check TrueColour, you are presented with the full range of options to edit:
- Brightness
- White Balance (as before, you can put this on auto if you wish)
- Saturation
- Exposure (you can put this on auto if you wish)
- Contrast

Personally I am more fond of disabling TrueColour. More options and abolishes any lag (not that it's that laggy to begin with). In fact for me unchecking this makes my movements mirror-like in fluidity / precision.

You also have the Powerline Frequency schtik - 50 Hz or 60 Hz. You can change this no matter whether you're on TrueColour or not.

Pros:
- The image quality is SHARP. Even in crappy lighting conditions it still looks awesome.
- The sound quality is SHARP, it picks up the human voice (and also music! etc) beautifully and smoothly.
- Widescreen.... Very, very noice.
- The webcam is fixed to a flexible, posable bracket which allows complete control and versatility over angles, etc.
- The 'head' of the webcam is able to twist around, side to side and up and down.
- It's still sturdy enough to set the cam on the floor also by it's bracket, so I can still do mah upskirt thang without it being attached to my laptop.
- LONG fuckin lead.... great for this profession. I like to set my cam far enough from my bed to get a good shot of my whole body. I just latch the bracket onto one of my cabinet handles!

Hmmm's:
- There is no option to turn the widescreen off, unlike the Logitech.
- I see NO difference in the HD setting. In fact, I prefer the smaller res video / picture captures, purely because they have less lag. The beauty of it is that whatever res it's set to, it all looks epic and sharp and lovely.
- You get some funky 'weird' settings with the software - for example, you can have a cowboy hat, alien head, or split-screen mirrory stuff, among many others. I don't really care for these too much. (If anyone wants me to include them though, just ask). My laptop can't really cope with them. But they're just a bit of fun I guess. I will still use manycam over the webcam software.

Cons:
- The auto-focus is SHITE. Seriously. It takes just too long to auto-focus (imo anyhow). I don't use it. I fiddle with the focus once when I start up, and then leave it at that.
- The settings (exposure, brightness, auto-focus, etc) reset to their defaults whenever you start it up again.
- You sometimes hear a slight high-pitched buzzy sound in the background of a recording. This is due to the exposure level (somehow) interfering. Taking the webcam off 'TrueColour + Clearframe Technology' and lowering the exposure can sometimes remedy this.
- If you're using the software which came with the webcam, there is no way to tell how long you've been recording for if you're making a video. *facepalm* I don't get how they could have missed this.

But yeah! Ah love this camera. :-D