Pros:* The case it comes in is great; very nice looking, compact, durable, and the lid doubles as a mini-tripod stand (great feature)
* Easy set up with iPods and computer (uses a quick and painless method of QR code syncing)
* Device itself is small, clean looking, simple to use, has flash, and works like it's supposed to
* Livestream works wonderfully with no problems
* For the most part, works as advertised
Cons:
* Is not Windows compatible (does not work at all with Windows)
* Does not function over Bluetooth
* Does not work (or at least I couldn't get it to work) over a public wifi (university's wifi) signal
* My iPhone 5 takes higher quality video than the camera itself
* When you have it connected to your iPhone/iPod the iPhone/iPod must remain turned on (as in, the iPod cannot go into sleep mode, meaning you cannot let the screen go dim) otherwise it cuts the signal to the camera instantly, and stops the recording
Of course, if you have any of those devices, you already have a webcam, so why would you need a new one? You wouldn't at least not a standard webcam designed to mount on top of the computer and record your face. But what if you wanted to switch between your face and your profile or between your face and the baby's crib, as you were Skyping with grandma? This makes it easy to switch live between the built-in webcam and another view, anywhere that's in range of the same access point you are using. It would be ideal if, for example, you were streaming an interview live, where you could put one person in charge of switching the viewpoint in front of the laptop, and another interviewee seated comfortably nearby with this recording their responses.
What got me most excited, though, was the potential to use it for stop motion. I use a stop motion program (iStopMotion) that allows me to preview shots and control a webcam from my computer. With this I can set up the camera wherever I like, untethered to my computer, and then record things one shot at a time. I actually went looking around for something like this that would work on my Mac a couple years ago and couldn't find anything like it out there. The images look great, and the process works great. The camera can either mount directly, via a magnetized swivel ball on the bottom, to the top of its carrying case, or, for even greater flexibility you can remove the lid of the case and mount that to a tripod (or gorillapod) via a standard 1/4" mounting screw. I wish, though, they'd also included a screw mount on the bottom of the camera, because that would allow for even greater flexibility -say if you wanted to mount this to a gorillapod mount and mount that to a lamp on the top of the ceiling.
I have noticed, further, that for this to work you do have to have a strong WiFi signal nearby. This doesn't seem to pick up signal as well as some other WiFi devices I've used. In certain spots of my house, and even in my office, I get a message from the Broadcaster app that the video bandwidth is insufficient and I can see heavy pixelation in the images. This is true even where I know that the bandwidth is capable of streaming HD movies from Amazon or Netflix, so I can only assume it's due to the device's own WiFi transmitter/receiver. That's the biggest weakness of the device as far as I'm concerned, and the reason why I don't give it the highest rating.
Overall, though, this is a fantastic new kind of webcam, that's well designed, and works well for video calling and for other creative uses ... if you have a strong nearby signal. What this camera does not do is function as a security or nanny cam. It is a surprising omission in what otherwise is a very impressive wireless video camera for OSX and iOS devices. It turns off after a while.
Setup is simple. An O.R. code is generated on your setup device, in my case, a MacBook Pro. Once a connection is made to a WiFi network, you simply hold the camera about six inches from the screen and within ten seconds or so, the camera is fully operational.
The hollow base serves as a storage compartment for the device which has a builtin rechargeable battery as well as an external power connection. The base also serves as a multidirectional video mount, eliminating the need for tripods, etc.
I have accessed the stream on my MacBook Pro, my iPhone 5, and my new iPad. It also broadcasts to UStream so you can share with your friends and neighbors. A Facebook or YouTube link is provided, and uploading to those services from Apple devices is easy. iMovie is supported as well for those fans of this quirky Apple app.
Logitech positions this as a multi-angle camera to supplement the builtin in cameras on Apple devices. It promotes dual camera shots on Skype calls (and presumably on FaceTime) but unless you are a Spielberg wannabe or an aspiring adult movie star it does not seem worth the trouble.
As to the 720p resolution, it is adequate. Logitech does offer a 1080p webcam but without the wireless capacity. The wireless functionality is the key here and accompanied by a person hotspot (and a great data plan) you can practice being Steven Spielberg anywhere.We bought this camera hoping to have found the fountain of youth, but even though video quality is great and the concept is great too, even on direct power, it resets itself after 30 minutes. For streaming this is a serious problem because when Wirecast looses the signal has to be restarted to get it back and half way through a concert or church service, that is not possible.
Logitech should develop a 920 with the possibility of using Canon EF lenses. That would be a dream come true for webcasters and a huge step for human kind.This device works quite well in a Wi-Fi environment. The picture quality is very good when uploaded to U-Stream or to a computer for later posting. It has the benefit of not having to lug around another computer or equipment. The base it comes with is not so great. The camera falls of easily and one should not leave it unattended. I think it is a bit pricy for what you get.
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