Floppyhead – Digital Media and Streaming

I was recently contacted by Best Buy’s PR folks to review a webcam under their in-house label, Rocketfish. The Rocketfish Webcam, retailing at $62.99, has all the expected features of a high-end camera, including a built-in microphone. Features include:

* Up to 8.0-megapixel still image capture with software interpolation; video capture up to 1600 x 1200; up to 30 fps
* 2.0-megapixel sensor
* Built-in microphone for videoconferencing and recording
* Smart Face Tracking technology focuses on you
* Autofocus ensures a sharp and precise image
* Advanced Video FX enables you to add exciting effects while you video chat
300° camera rotation

On my Dell monitor the cam rests nicely and is easily adjusted, mainly because the USB wire is attached the base of the camera and not to the camera itself, unlike the Logitech camera I currently use. Some reviewers have recommended a piece of velcro to tie it down. I am not sure if that is necessary. The webcam is not designed for notebooks since its base is too wide.

Installation:
Installation is straightforward. Install the bundled software and then plug in the webcam. I did have an issue with my main Vista computer. I could not get the drivers installed properly. Granted, it most likely is a result of my computer being subjected to rounds of hardware testing. Technical support was of little help in solving my issues.

Bundled Software:
The included software, called Live! Cam, is very average. Nothing fancy or innovative. It offers screen and video capture with a minimal interface. The camera shines when used with televideo programs like Skype or Google Chat. I think most people will use software other than the what is provided in the box.

Performance:
The 2 megapixel camera sensor is the what makes this camera stand out from the crowd (and somewhat expensive). The image quality is a step above most webcams, putting it in head-to-head competition with high-end models like the Logitech Pro 9000. The image is not grainy and the video is smooth. The low-light image that the camera produces is adequate for most situations, picking up details you would expect. In a dimly lit room, shadows were reduced on my face but the image was not over-exposed.

Conclusion:
The 2 megapixel sensor is what separates this camera from its competitors. To buy a comparable web cam from Logitech with a 2 MP sensor, you have to spend just about $20 more than the Rocketfish cam. After using a 1 MP camera for over a year (a Logitech cam that I spent about $30 on), I have to say that a 2 MPs (and at 30 fps), like the Rocketfish Wedcam, is worth the extra cash. Overall, I think the Rocketfish camera is a solid competitor in the crowded market of webcams.