The webcam market is old hat to Logitech, which has some of the sharpest designs of any manufacturer. We took a look at the high-end QuickCam Ultra Vision Special Edition and were duly impressed by the look it took at us.

Like most top-of-the-line webcams, the Ultra Vision features a 1.3-megapixel sensor for high-resolution video and still images of up to 4 megapixels (interpolated). The built-in RightLight 2 technology provides optimal settings for low-light conditions. RightLight 2 offered to run during installation, and it provided us with a well-balanced image.

The Ultra Vision's large lens provides a wide field of view of up to 75 degrees, and when it zoomed out, it was able to capture our entire home office. The unique design of the Ultra Vision includes a flexible monitor clip that allows it to hang on top of both CRT and LCD monitors. The built-in microphone means you don't have to use a headset. To make using the Ultra Vision even easier, the webcam has two buttons (one on each side of the lens housing) that you can program to allow quick access to communication applications.

Installing the Ultra Vision was an easy task. It automatically checked for a software update during install and was therefore ready for Windows Vista when we plugged it in. Of course, the Ultra Vision does not just support Vista, although it offers extra features for the new operating system. These include a handy gadget that turns the webcam into a motion-sensitive video-capture device, and Logitech promises more gadgets down the road.

The rest of the built-in software is notable as well. The face-tracking software always keeps your face in frame, which is especially handy for holding video conversations while you're working on another task. Also included is some entertaining avatar software. These video effects morph your face into that of a dinosaur, shark or other creature, which then mimics your facial expressions. You can also add smaller effects such as a digital hat or mustache that the software keeps in the right spot, and you can engage filters that change the way you appear on the other end of the webcam.

The Ultra Vision supports any video-chatting applications, and it makes it easy to upload video to an online blog or video-sharing site such as YouTube. At $130, the Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision Special Edition is not the cheapest webcam on the market, but it is one of the sharpest and most versatile.


Pros: High resolution, great software
Cons: Pricey

Warranty
2 years, hardware