• Non-compatible software is the main gripe with the "QuickCam Pro 5000."webcam image by R??gis Verger from Fotolia.com
  
  The Logitech "QuickCam Pro 5000" boasts crisp video quality and exceptional sound quality, and comes from a reputable company. Setting it up to your preferred messenger is easy, and you can be video-chatting within 10 minutes of opening the box. Unfortunately, this hasn't been the story for many customers, and there has been an online backlash revolving around the software's compatibility issues. Along with this, there are several minor issues affecting the webcam.
  
  

Stability

• Logitech's "QuickCam Pro 5000" is supported by a small, fixed stand with a flexible tail. This allows the camera to sit comfortably atop your monitor, and the camera's angle can be further altered by hand. It is, however, prone to falling completely off of the stand if it's moved to a harsh angle. It can be re-attached easily, but can quickly become a source of frustration.
  
  

Visuals

• The camera itself is only 1.3 megapixels, and there is no option to adjust focus, which can be problematic if you want to capture text or illustrations. To help, there is the "Face Tracker" option, which is designed to automatically keep you in focus as you move around. It also constantly adjusts the zoom, which can be irritating for the other party in video chats.
  
  

Privacy Shade

• The unit has a "Privacy Shade," which can be flipped down if you want an audio-free video chat. This is fixed horizontally to the sides of the camera's spherical body, and comes across the front like a belt. The bar is simply swung down over the lens (the "Privacy Shade" has a hole for the lens) to enable muted video chat. While this is a cool feature, its physical connection to the camera is flimsy, and if used a lot, it'll probably come off in your hand.
  
  

Software

• The biggest issue with the Logitech "QuickCam Pro 5000" is that of the software and drivers. People with Dell laptops or who use Windows 7 have encountered problems. For Dell users, the software can crash your computer, bringing up an ominous blue screen, a problem most easily solved out by using "System Restore." When you're back up and running, there is a software update online which sorts out the issue. For Windows 7 users, it's a little more difficult. Unfortunately, none of the relevant software seems to be able to install on Windows 7. There are links floating around for versions which work, but not for everybody, and you may need to download a "virtual" XP to run the application.