Webcam Options

jschrauwen · 05-28-2007, 11:23 AM

I've done a search but didn't quite find what I was looking for. I'll be taking my CarPC with me to Afghanistan in July for 6 months since I've been told they have wifi service on the camp (Kandahar) where I'll be staying. Camp provided phone and computer services/access is very limited hence the camp provision of this service.
My CarPC's wifi is working great and I wanted to find a GOOD webcam so that I can keep in contact with my daughter and family back home on a regular basis. I've looked at the various ones listed at Newegg and I'm having a difficult time discerning which would be my best option or what I should specifically look for. Of course when I return from my tour I'd like to put this webcam into my car or use with my desktop.
With that in mind, should I restrict my search to notebook type webcabs?
Are notebook webcams usually smaller than non-notebook ones?
Am I limited as to the length permissable of the USB cable for a webcam?
I'm asuming these are the specs I should be shooting for;
-USB interface
-Built-in microphone,
-at least 1.3 megapixel
-30 fps
-640 x 480 (not sure what to strive for here)

These are some of the ones I have been considering and perhaps someone may be able to comment on these;

SONY VGP-UVC100 1.3 MP Effective Pixels USB Interface VAIO USB Camera and Microphone
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826777001

Logitech 960-000016 1.3 MP Effective Pixels 640 x 480 30fps USB Interface QuickCam Ultra Vision Special Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826104043

PHILIPS SPC900NC/37 1.3 MP Effective Pixels 640 x 480 90fps USB Interface Pixel Plus WebCam
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826138025

Thes are just a few that I'm looking at and I'm open to other options or suggestions. Thanks in advance for taking the time to view and respond.
Cheers,
John

chuq00 · 05-28-2007, 01:41 PM

I have a webcam hooked up to my home pc that is being ran thru a hub, and 2 usb extentions and it works just fine. Also you may want to look into a webcam like one from Logitech (I think) that actually tracks you as you move. Just a thought.
Well good luck!

jschrauwen · 05-29-2007, 12:26 AM

Wow, no one usues webcams? Did I pose a difficult question?

dettlej · 06-04-2007, 02:04 PM

I am running a logitech and has everything you are looking for. It is pretty small , I have it mounted on the back of my rear view mirror. Never have any problems running through a hub and the pic/sound quality even while moving is great. Here is a link on new egg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830108132

I can post a vid or 2 if you want to see the quality.

jschrauwen · 06-04-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by dettlej

I am running a logitech and has everything you are looking for. It is pretty small , I have it mounted on the back of my rear view mirror. Never have any problems running through a hub and the pic/sound quality even while moving is great. Here is a link on new egg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830108132
I can post a vid or 2 if you want to see the quality.

Thanks dettlej

That's the sort of feedback I was looking for. I'm not sure why I omitted it from the list of potentials because I do remember looking through it's specs. I think it was because of the possible low light issues that were addressed in the user feedback section. I'll put this one in the running as well. If you've got a clip already handy that would be easy to post that would be great. If not, thanks OK too. Many thanks again, cheers,
John

rijndael · 06-04-2007, 04:43 PM

one thing you forgot to consider is that you are going to be restricted on your bandwidth (Ive been to Khandar)...everyone uses the same pipeline...and believe me...its not that great...you will have some really crappy and choppy images if you stream off the wifi...cause you have people playing LAN games and ****...

good luck over there btw...

dettlej · 06-04-2007, 04:50 PM

Wow, I actually helped someone out on the forum! Mark this down as a special day lol

Anyways, here are 2 clips, one is just cruising down pch and the other is from the first night I installed, its dark and it skips a little between frames as the camera is working to adjust the light so quickly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB_oSpw7lDI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYm2yGVWPTs

jschrauwen · 06-04-2007, 05:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by rijndael

one thing you forgot to consider is that you are going to be restricted on your bandwidth (Ive been to Khandar)...everyone uses the same pipeline...and believe me...its not that great...you will have some really crappy and choppy images if you stream off the wifi...cause you have people playing LAN games and ****...
good luck over there btw...

Oh nooooooooooooooooo!!!!

OK, I'm hoping that each contingent has their own servers for their own troops there. I don't even know who provides the service either. Is it a base wide thing or contingent specific? Are there dead / blind spots there as well? I'm bringing two types of RP-SMA antenna's with me.

Curiosity · 06-05-2007, 02:41 AM

Out of around 10 cams I've had, that liitle square Logitech dettlej mentioned has been the best. Even at night, but I haven't used a night vision specific one though. Logitech makes some great webcams.

ASmods · 11-24-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jschrauwen

I've done a search but didn't quite find what I was looking for. I'll be taking my CarPC with me to Afghanistan in July for 6 months since I've been told they have wifi service on the camp (Kandahar) where I'll be staying. Camp provided phone and computer services/access is very limited hence the camp provision of this service.
My CarPC's wifi is working great and I wanted to find a GOOD webcam so that I can keep in contact with my daughter and family back home on a regular basis. I've looked at the various ones listed at Newegg and I'm having a difficult time discerning which would be my best option or what I should specifically look for. Of course when I return from my tour I'd like to put this webcam into my car or use with my desktop.
With that in mind, should I restrict my search to notebook type webcabs?
Are notebook webcams usually smaller than non-notebook ones?
Am I limited as to the length permissable of the USB cable for a webcam?
I'm asuming these are the specs I should be shooting for;
-USB interface
-Built-in microphone,
-at least 1.3 megapixel
-30 fps
-640 x 480 (not sure what to strive for here)

These are some of the ones I have been considering and perhaps someone may be able to comment on these;

SONY VGP-UVC100 1.3 MP Effective Pixels USB Interface VAIO USB Camera and Microphone
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826777001

Logitech 960-000016 1.3 MP Effective Pixels 640 x 480 30fps USB Interface QuickCam Ultra Vision Special Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826104043

PHILIPS SPC900NC/37 1.3 MP Effective Pixels 640 x 480 90fps USB Interface Pixel Plus WebCam
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826138025

Thes are just a few that I'm looking at and I'm open to other options or suggestions. Thanks in advance for taking the time to view and respond.
Cheers,
John

the phillips is the best one for me, I have it for my house and it records very nice in low light conditions.

Curiosity · 11-24-2007, 02:24 PM

The important part...

Quote: Originally Posted by jschrauwen

I'll be taking my CarPC with me to Afghanistan in July for 6 months

vull · 01-04-2008, 12:15 PM

i trust logitech and canon, but not sony or philips. lastones produce too much crap