I'm not really much of a webcam user in the social sense, but seeing as Australians should be getting the National Broadband Network at some stage hopefully, I am sure webcams will get used more and more in the future. Of course I didn't want to spend too much and it had to work on Ubuntu!
HD Webcam for Ubuntu Linux
When buying hardware for Linux you really need to research what works and what doesn't, instead of moaning like a little girl after the fact, if you do this you will have trouble free setup and configuration for many years to come, if you don't you will need to wait until someone writes the drivers for it, if at all. I have found Logitech products of all types to often work flawlessly, logitech is a great place to start your search, for Linux supported hardware. I plugged it into a spare USB port and opened "Cheese Webcam Booth" as a first test for image and apart from the ugly scone in the window, it was working perfectly.
It also has a MIC in the camera, usually I just use my headset, but thought I would give the inbuilt mic a try, you will need to adjust your "Sound Preferences" for the input tab, you should choose 0825 Analog Mono from the Hardware tab you will see the 0825 entry, choose it and you should be good to go. It appears to work fine on Google+ "Hangout", but it was only a quick test so far.
HD video calls
You’ll get HD 720p video calling on most major instant messaging applications and Logitech Vid™ HD.
Includes Logitech Vid™ HD
Now HD video calling is free, fast and easy for you and anyone you want to talk to. It’s built into your webcam setup, so you can call right away.
RightLight™ technology
It automatically adjusts the image during your call, so you look your best even in dim light.
3-megapixel snapshots
It’s easy to take snapshots when you don’t have time for a video call (software enhanced).
Built-in mic with RightSound™
It gives you clear conversations without annoying background noise.
IM compatibility
Works with Skype™, Windows Live™ Messenger, Yahoo!® Messenger, AOL® Instant Messenger (AIM®) and other popular instant messaging applications.
The specs:
HD video calling (1280 x 720 pixels) with recommended system
Video capture: Up to 1280 x 720 pixels
Photos: Up to 3.0 megapixels (software enhanced)
Built-in mic with Logitech RightSound™ technology
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 certified (recommended)
Universal clip fits laptops, LCD or CRT monitors
Well I still need to do some more real life usage testing, but for the price and it's Linux compatibility it gets five stars from me ;o)
At the time of writing this review I bought this webcam from Blacktea Tech for AUD $28.00 from the following link
http://www.bttech.com.au/logitech-c270-webcam-p-242048.html
Great purchase all round!
