Logitech HD Webcam C510 Review

The Bad: Video Effects software a bit wonky

Construction

The C510 is lightweight and clips easily to the top of a laptop screen. A protective cover is attached to the camera, and the rotating head allows you to simply spin it around so the lens faces into the cover. The cable can get a bit tangled when you're rotating the webcam during use, but turning it slowly -- and with some practice -- will prevent this from happening.

This webcam definitely rates on the smaller end of the scale, and its size, weight and attached protective cover all make it a great choice for travelers. A travel pouch is also included.

Webcams have come a long way from the grainy, stop-and-start jagged images of the past. Nowadays, even if you're just using the webcam for video chatting, you want your video to look its best. As with most things, though, better video usually means more money. The C510 tries to combine HD video with an affordable price, and it does this well at $59.99.

Even though 720p high-def isn't the same thing as 1080 high-def, you still get a lot of bang for your buck with the C510. Every blemish and every line -- for better or worse -- was visible on my monitor. Color tones were even and accurate, and it recorded well in both sunlit and moderately dim (one desk lamp) rooms. Overall, images were extremely crisp.

It's important to note that while this is an HD webcam, it won't do you any good if you're using it on a non-HD monitor. Also, to take advantage of true HD video calling, your computer will require certain specifications, such as 2GB of RAM and the right processor. The C510 can record in a variety of resolutions, though, so it would still be your best buy if you know you'll soon be upgrading your monitor and/or your computer.

Like most webcams, the C510 can take digital still images and it does so at an impressive 8 megapixels. While this is always a handy feature, it's not as if you're going to use a webcam in place of your regular digital camera. But still … it's certainly nice to have.

The C510, although plug and play, also comes with some optional software. The software only took a few minutes to load, and it gives you the choice of such things as one-click uploading to social-networking sites like Facebook and YouTube. You can also make use of Logitech’s series of avatars, known as Logitech Video Effects, which are similar to those found in Microsoft’s suite of special effects. Logitech’s avatars proved to be a more difficult to use, unfortunately, and there were several times where it spent so long “calibrating” that I finally just gave up.

It has a single microphone that certainly did the job during Skype sessions and vlogging. Sound was static-free and voices were not muffled. If you’re not a Skype or other instant-messaging fan, you can also try out Logitech’s Vid program.

The C510 records clear, crisp video and has a solid construction. Its rotating head and decent price are just icing on the cake.