PC Hobbyist

Which one of the two would everyone here recommend?

Logitech Quickcam Fusion or Quickcam Communicate STX?

Or would you recommend a different one all together?

I have been reading reviews and it definitely seems that Logitech is the way to go. Between the two above, I don't really care about the extras in terms of video effects, or pan, tilt etc. I am also not going to use it to take still images, so the photo-taking resolution is not important to me.

What is important is the video resolution and quality. I plan to use it for video conference/chatting. The following features are important to me.

1. VGA resolution for video capturing
2. nice, fine, smooth video quality
3. built-in mic
4. if possible - auto focus (but I don't need the face-tracking feature)
5. USB 2.0
6. 30 fps (although I know the messaging software might only be able to handle true 15 fps)

So, as far as I can tell, both of my candidates above meet my requirements. However, Fusion costs twice as much as Communicate STX.
If you look at my list above, is it justified to spend twice as much for what I will use it for?

I guess the main question is - if two cameras offer a VGA video capturing resolution, can one of them still provide a better and finer video quality in the end? My assumption is "no", but I can't say I am 100-percent sure.

Thanks for your help.

*** UPDATE with new question ***

I have been reading more reviews and comments online and it seems that a lot of people have major blue-screen-of-death crashes when installing the drivers for many logitech cams. A lot of reviews say "cam is great but software and drivers are very unstable". Problems are common with the audio / echo cancellation drivers and a couple of others. Some people ended up losing the mic capability all together because of constant crashes. I checked logitech forums and there are known issues of instability, but even after months of knowing this, logitech has not come up with a solution.

So, I was wondering if I should look into the Microsoft webcams (either MS Life-Cam VX-6000 or VX-3000). I would think the compatibility would be better there, but who knows.

What are everyone's thoughts on this?

__________________

The Astroman

IMHO, Logitech has built itself a solid reputation. I do not believe you can stereotype Logi's cams with those BSODs. I have a Logitech cam, never had a problem. It's always what I reccomend to ppl, because of build quality and ease of use.

Hope whatever you get will suite you.

__________________
Intel P4 HT 2.4 GHz // Asus P4P800
Radeon 9600// 2x256MB PC3200 Infineon + 2x512 MB TwinX 3200C2 Corsair XMS
80GB IDE//140GB SATA // CM Stacker
DVD Player // LiteON SHW 16H5S Lightscribe
Logitech Z5300// SB Audigy 2 ZS
Akasa Rheobus // 19’ LCD
Keyboard // Logitech MX518
FAN of: Lost,The OC, Alias, DH, Prison Break, 24, Nip/Tuck, CSI, NCIS
CHINA EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

DCIScouts

I believe that a lot of the difference in price between the two is that the Fusion comes in a much smaller package or case. As for the crashing issue, the Logitech cams are the best, but if you would feel more satisfied with a MS, then I would direct you down that path...

__________________
In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
-Martin Luther King Jr.

The most overlooked advantage to owning a computer is that if they foul up there's no law against wacking them around a little.
-Joe Martin

FOLDING FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND :F@H Team 44358
Posting and you - CF Edition
Cheers CF