Webcam review: IPEVO Point 2 View USB Document Camera

Point and shoot


Webcam review: IPEVO Point 2 View USB Document Camera

by May Chua
04:46 AM Apr 01, 2011

The IPEVO Point 2 View USB Document Camera certainly lives up to its name. It is flexible so you can manipulate it to point at anything you want to show your video conference partner.

The camera swivels and tilts freely, whether it's mounted on the provided clip or weighted stand. The multi-jointed stand has an adjustable arm which provides a great amount of flexibility in angles. You can also detach it from the stand to approach the subject: The camera's macro mode lets you get as close as 5cm from the subject.

Getting started is easy. You just install the software using the CD provided, mount the camera and connect it via USB to your computer. The webcam doesn't come with a built-in microphone, so you will have to rely on your computer's microphone or purchase one separately.

The interface is straightforward enough: A screen shows what's on-camera, and buttons which allow you to take stills and adjust settings such as digital zoom (up to three times) and exposure.

Given enough lighting, the Point 2 View's 2-megapixel resolution displays sharp and crisp images, even in full-screen view. Its autofocus lens is quick and accurate for most of the time. Some noise appears in the video feed under dim lighting or at night, but the quality is decent enough for you to even read text off a printed page.

But here are a few small gripes: We wish there was a button on the camera to control the digital zoom, instead of having to rely on the on-screen buttons. There is a snapshot button on the camera, but it didn't work on our review unit. The clip also does not sit securely on my monitor - perhaps it was made for thicker displays. However, we've no real complaints overall.

The IPEVO Point 2 View USB Document Camera retails at S$99, and is compatible with both Mac and Windows.


Source: www.todayonline.com