Philips 470 Web Cam: Inexpensive, Multi-Functional & Easy to Use

Webcams are hardly a necessity for casual computer users but they can make the experience a little more fun. I have owned over ten different makes and models of webcams over the years and have to say, this one is the easiest to install and use but there are a few things you need to know about it before you buy one. If you want a basic cam that has a USB connection, is easy to use and can also be used for stills and video clips, this is a good pick.

The price of the Philips SIC 4700 is what makes it really attractive for the budget minded computer user; I picked this up at my local Wal-Mart for under ten dollars. It took about three minutes to install the software and figure out how to use the interface. I use this mostly with Yahoo Messenger but have used it with other websites and cam sharing programs. The imagery of it is better than I expected but it isn't what I would consider top notch.

What do you get with this? The webcam with adjustable clip on stand, software disc, USB cable and the instruction booklet. This has a one year limited warranty against manufacturer defects; you can send in the warranty card or fill out the information online at the website. Before I purchased this I asked the clerk if I could return it if I had problems installing it and he said "no problem". Some stores have a limited return policy on electronics or make you pay a restocking fee but that was not the case with this purchase.

Installing and setting this up is almost effortless. The interface allows you to save video captures, stills and clips and there are some nice editing features that you can use to make greetings that you can send in emails or post to web sites. For video streaming and messenger programs you can have a speed of up to twenty five frames per second, that is the absolute max that this camera provides and that doesn't mean that you are going to have that speed each and every time you use it.