Probably one of the easiest PC video cameras to install, the Create and Share Camera Pack will have you creating digital videos, conferencing with friends and family, and sending still images through e-mail in no time. Don't worry if you're technology-shy, this camera is made so that even the most extreme technophobe can figure it out.
To set up the Create and Share Camera Pack, we just plugged our camera into the USB port on the back of our computer, turned it on, loaded the software and the install took care of the rest. The manual was incredibly easy to follow, with large print, nice illustrations, and well-divided sections for quick reference. After the software is installed, you can choose to take a tour of it or explore on your own. We found that the software was intuitive enough to just jump right in.
The camera is so small and light, that if you don't permanently mount it in place, it will move around. However, once you secure the camera, it is easy to adjust with both pan and tilt. You can adjust variable lighting settings and a manual focus if the picture isn't quite right. The video looks sharp and surprisingly clear and stays in focus from various distances. Make sure you have at least 28.8 Kbps modem, so that you receive clear, unchoppy video--anything slower won't be worth your time.
Aside from videoconferencing, Intel provides a number of other applications for the camera. You can send e-mail postcards, play camera games that let you interact live with the game on the screen, create and edit your own movies, or build your own Web page. One of the perks that sets Intel's package apart from the rest is the Create and Share's additional software that you can send to a friend or family member with whom you want to videoconference. Even if they don't have a camera themselves, it will enable them to see and hear you. For the novice videoconferencer, this package is a great deal, with just enough user-friendly software to make it a worthwhile investment.
Pros:
- Nice, clear video
- A great sampling of user-friendly software
- Adjustable camera
- Easy to install
1 Inexpensive and maintence free
I have had this cam for about 3 years (actually bought 2 b/c I enjoyed the first so much, not a whole lot of tweeking and so on) good software, good support should you need it. Buy it you won't regret it. Great for a entry - mid level cam.
2 BAIT & SWITCH from Heiu Nguyen
Bought the Intel ICS2USB Create-and-Share Tethered Camera and was shipped the older version - Intel PC camera pack from the year 2000 that retails for $59.99-$79.99 NEW, not the $114 that was paid. The guy (Heiu Nguyen)tried to say that the camera I got was actually better than the one I ordered, but that he would graciously allow Me to keep it because of his mistake on shipping the wrong item!!! When what he really needs is to get rid of the old, outdated version that intel no longer sells on their official website.
3 Number One PC Camera Choice
The camera and the accompanying software are first rate. I especially like the Scene Recorder, with its ability to take snapshots and record videos. Please note that you can record sounds, such as your voice, with the videos. And most importantly you can Trim them. Videos are saved with extension AVI. You can use a Publish tool to compress an AVI file to Internet streaming format with extension IVS. Microsoft IE 5.0 browser can display both types of files on the Internet. Intel also makes the IntelPlay QX3 Computer Video Microscope. It has magnifications 10x, 60x, and 200x. You can have the most fun possible with two computers side by side: one with the Create and Share Pack Camera and the other with the Microscope Camera. Set up a Live View on the display of the pc with the microscope. Hand hold the Create and Share camera, and point it at the microscope Live View on the other pc. Speak into a microphone and record a video with your voice on the pc with the Create and Share Pack. An AVI silent video file recorded with the IntelPlay Camera can be compressed using Create and Share Publish. Use Create and Share NetCard to send a message with an AVI video recorded with either the Create and Share Camera or the IntelPlay Microscope Camera. I am looking forward to a chance to use the IntelPlay Microscope to generate the video seen in a Video Phone sender view.
4 This is THE Camera
You can't go wrong with a package like this one. Not only do you get a camera that takes pictures and does video conferencing, but you get a web site program, audio recording (which is quite good), and other extras that make this package worth the money. It's easy to set up and easy to use!
