Face Time with Logitech Fusion vs Ultra Vision

Vision is powerful. Speaking over a phone or a computer is fun and in some cases very useful, but with sight, a whole new dimension is added. Webcams are nothing new, but the news is that they are now so much better! Good looking design, more than the norm glass lenses and high quality resolution is a few of the reasons to join the world of webcam users.

Logitech is a well known name to those of us that love gadgets. Most of us have owned one or more Logitech items such as computer mice, keyboards and of course webcams. The name QuickCam, although it is not an original to Logitech, has been continued by them since 1998. Multiple webcams later the name is still very recognizable.

Two very popular models of Logitech QuickCams are the "Fusion" and the "Ultra Vision". Both are beautiful, both are reasonably priced and both perform their duties admirably. They both include software packages that help you easily snap still digital photos, and digital video. They both work with virtually all instant messaging programs. Programs such as Skype coupled with a webcam makes video calling second nature. So, if both are so great what are the differences?

Fusion

1.3 megapixel sensor as well as the "RightLightTM 2 technology that improves low light images

Worry less about choppy and scratchy voices - Logitech built in "RightSoundTM technology

No more guessing - "activity light" says You Are Live!

Are you animated? That's fine since your face is constantly tracked by the "intelligent face tracking"

Be playful with a special avatar to show your mood and playfulness. Also on a serious note this is a great option to protect your privacy.

The bendable "stand" balances the Fusion on your LCD monitor with just a bit of fiddling.

Ultra Vision

Impressive image quality due to it's mostly glass lens

1.3 megapixel sensor as well as the "RightLightTM 2 technology that improves low light images

Worry less about choppy and scratchy voices - Logitech built in "RightSoundTM technology

No more guessing - "activity light" says You Are Live!

Are you animated? That's fine since your face is constantly tracked by the "intelligent face tracking"

No more worry about how you look - now you can see yourself before anyone else does by using the "Quick Preview" button.

Just as easily - snap still digital photos with the push of a button

Be playful with a special avatar to show your mood and playfulness. Also on a serious note this is a great option to protect your privacy.

An improved flexible stand makes balancing the Ultra Vision easier than ever.

Sure, there are less expensive webcams available as well as more expensive ones. No, these webcams are not going to compare to your high megapixel digital cameras with all the cool settings. But, for their purpose - both are more than adequate. Their ease of set up, their compact size, and their versatility goes along way to provide you with a fun experience. Their quality is adequate for business purposes as well.

Some Fusion and Ultra Vision users say that some instant messaging programs work better than others (MSN Messenger - Best and Yahoo Messenger - most issues) with these webcams. It is difficult to say whether the issues are due to the applications themselves or possibly they are due to a driver issue. Then again, it may be that some user's expectations do not match the abilities of these webcams.

Personally, I have used some pretty poor webcams in the past and a clear-adequately lit image would be pretty satisfying. Add the ability of the webcam to follow your face as you move around and that is impressive.