Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam Review

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The Logitech ConferenceCam is a unique HD webcam for video conferencing. Its “eyestalk” raises the camera high enough to avoid unnecessary double chins, and it comes with a remote control that you can use to tilt, pan, zoom, and adjust the volume from across the conference room.

What I liked about the ConferenceCam

While it’s not that difficult to adjust a webcam to point at you when you are sitting in front it it, you are likely to need to adjust a video conferencing camera more often, which is when the ConferenceCam’s remote comes in handy. Although I think that, if your idea is that you will point it at whoever is speaking during a call, you will want to have someone whose job it is to make sure the camera is always pointed in the right direction.

The Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam does very well as a webcam. Colors aren’t particularly bright, but that’s my only niggle. The wide-angle lens makes it easy to take in everyone seated at a conference table with only a little distortion. Audio is excellent, as advertised, and easily picks up normal voices from around a good-sized room. (Press mute before trying to whisper something, or the person on the other end of the line might hear.)

You don’t need any special software to use this, by the way. Just plug it in and you can use it with your video conferencing software. It’s easy to use, the quality is excellent, and it’s perfect for video conferencing.

What I didn’t like about the ConferenceCam

The panning servo was broken on the unit I received, which meant I could only adjust the camera up and down. That may or may not say something about the camera head’s durability. I wouldn’t hold it against the ConferenceCam unless it turns out to be a common problem.

Other than that, which was probably just a problem with the review unit I received, I don’t have any real complaints with the Logitech ConferenceCam. It works exactly as advertised. You plug it in and it does its thing. It’s not super complicated; it’s just a webcam you can adjust with a remote, and that’s what it does. The question is more about whether it suits your needs.

I’m not giving it a 5, though, because the colors were a bit washed out, and because I’m not sure it’s really all that useful for your average solo or small-firm lawyer.

Who should buy the Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam

The ConferenceCam is meant for people who have a room dedicated to video conferencing — or at least a conference room where it often happens. At your desk, you would just put a webcam on top of your monitor, where it belongs.

It also requires a computer, though, which not everyone has in their conference room. And that computer will obviously have to be hooked up to a monitor — or a projector and screen.

So if you have (a) a room (b) where you want to video conference (c) with a computer and a screen in, then get the Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam.

Summary

Sam Glover has been writing about law practice technology, management, marketing, and other stuff on Lawyerist since 2007. He consults on appeals and motion practice in his solo practice. When he isn't blogging or lawyering, Sam drinks espresso and plays with fountain pens.