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Overview of several lines of Genius webcams

There is an opinion that webcams are no longer as popular as they used to be. The fact is that most laptops and netbooks are now equipped with built-in cameras, thus they are systematically replacing specialized external models from the market. And yet, as long as users work on stationary PCs, manufacturers of such gadgets need not worry, their products will continue to be very popular.

Genius is one of the most popular brands on the Ukrainian computer peripheral market. The line of Genius webcams includes about thirty different models. It is, of course, not possible to consider all of them in this review, so we will focus on the most common options.

Genius iLook 300

Of course, first let's talk about the models related to the budget segment. For example, Genius iLook 300. This device has a classic look, just the way most users imagine a webcam as such. Traditional spherical shape with protruding lens and large stand. The built-in cheap CMOS sensor has a resolution of 0.3 megapixels and operates at the usual 30 frames / sec. Focusing is manual, there is no microphone. But the most unpleasant thing is that the viewing angle is too small (the camera can only be turned up or down by 25 degrees) and the presence of a slow USB 1.1 interface.

The main advantage of the iLook 300 over similar competing devices is the proprietary stuffing in terms of entertainment applications. We are talking about the CrazyTalk Avatar programs (creating different avatars using animation effects), Avatar Live! (an animated picture that simulates the movements of the user's lips) and Magic Mirror (also creating avatars). Plus, this model can be used as a tracking device. The Genius iLook 300 is fine for low bandwidth communication, but you will have to buy an additional headset separately.

Genius iLook 1321

There are several more models in the Genius iLook line, including the iLook 310 and iLook 1321. In design, they are not far from the budget iLook 300, except that the iLook 1321 was executed in black and silver colors. But in terms of technical characteristics, there are some positive changes. Genius iLook 310, with similar budget parameters (0.3 Mpix, 30 frames / sec., Manual focus and video resolution 640x480), is equipped with a built-in microphone, and can also change the viewing angle by 45 degrees.

As for the older model iLook 1321, here the improvements are more obvious. Even if the webcam still has a CMOS sensor, but the matrix already has 1.3 megapixels, which allows you to increase the video resolution to 1280x1024. However, in this mode the device works with a frequency of only 15 frames / sec., Which, of course, will not add quality to the final image. There is also a built-in microphone, but focusing remains manual. The main differences between the iLook 1321 and its predecessors are the use of a USB 2.0 interface, better vertical (60 degrees) and horizontal (360 degrees) visibility and support for Linux.

Genius FaceCam 311

Genius also supplies peripherals to the marketthe equally popular series of FaceCam webcams. Outwardly, this series is not strikingly different from the spherical iLook models. FaceCam webcams are rectangular, with the exception of the spherical FaceCam 310 and 315, whose design defies any geometric analysis.

The most budgetary option, FaceCam 300 has a 0.3 megapixel matrix and a USB 1.1 interface. This model can rotate 360 ​​degrees horizontally and move vertically up to 70 degrees. The FaceCam 310 has a wider viewing angle - 120 degrees. In all other respects, these webcams are no different from each other except in appearance. Included with them comes standard software, which includes Magic Mirror and Avatar Live!

Genius FaceCam 315

Unlike the iLook line, FaceCam webcams do not require installation of drivers, and also work with the IPM function, which prevents unauthorized access to them. Of course, we will not describe each FaceCam 300+ model, because they do not differ much. The only exception can be called FaceCam 315 due to its non-standard design and the presence of glass optics with increased image clarity. The viewing angle was also increased - up to 125 degrees.

The Genius FaceCam lineup contains very interesting specimens. For example, FaceCam 1000 was created to support video conferencing and provides a widescreen resolution of 1280x720, while retaining 30 frames / sec. Naturally, the interface is exclusively USB 2.0. Its immediate descendants FaceCam 1005 and 1020 differ only in rounded shapes and resolution (1280x1024). FaceCam 1020 also has auto focus.

Genius FaceCam 3000

The highest quality among Genius FaceCam rectangular webcams are models with a 2 or 3 megapixel sensor. The former include FaceCam 2000 (resolution - 1600x1200) and FaceCam 2025R, which also stands out for its atypical rhombic design, is equipped with infrared LEDs and specializes in working in the dark.

3 megapixels allows the FaceCam 3000 to produce HD images with a resolution of 1280x720. At the same time, it is endowed with manual focusing and viewing angles up to 125 degrees.

The Genius iSlim line was also awarded a separate mention. These webcams are designed to be as comfortable as possible with slim monitors. It should be remembered that the devices themselves, despite their loud name, are far from ultra-thin and do not differ much from other Genius webcams. The iSlim 321R, 1320 and 2020 AF models resemble soap cameras in their appearance.

Genius iSlim 1320

It is logical that all the junior models of this series (310, 320, 321R) are budget devices with a 0.3 Mp CMOS matrix and a maximum resolution of 640x480. More powerful models with a 1.3 megapixel matrix work using the USB 2.0 interface. True, the maximum quality declared by the manufacturer, they provide a low frame rate (8-15), not even reaching the acceptable 30 fps.

2 MP webcams Genius iSlim, in addition to the power of the built-in sensor, do not particularly stand out among other models of this manufacturer. They already have autofocus lenses, and at the highest quality they produce 6 frames / sec. From the design point of view, iSlim 2000 AF is interesting, which protects its own lens with a special shutter. It also comes with the Genius WebMate program, which simplifies the work with the YouTube service.

Genius iSlim 2000 AF

Another line of Genius e-Face webcams (1300, 1325R and 2025) is available with a matrix of at least 1.3 megapixels and works via a USB 2.0 interface. With wide viewing angles, the models in this series belong to the middle class, although they look rather unassuming in design.

All of the above webcams are easy to find on sale, they have proven themselves well for individual use. It must be remembered that in the case when the camera is needed solely for communication, there is no point in looking for large-format models with support for HD-resolution. For such a mission, as the best option, devices with a 1.3 megapixel sensor and a resolution of 800x600 will come down. Thus, you will be provided with good visibility without overloading the network channel.

Genius WideCam 1050

If the purpose of searching for a webcam is to record and then transfer videos to all sorts of resources such as YouTube, then there is no need to limit yourself to megapixels.

Finally, a few words about new products. Recently, the Genius WideCam 1050 model was announced on the Ukrainian market, which has an "ultra-wide angle lens of 120 degrees." Excellent option for conferences with many participants. Image quality is enhanced by a 5MP CMOS sensor and glass lens. The final resolution is 1280x720 with HD support. At the same time, the webcam provides the usual 30 frames / sec.

The choice, of course, is yours. The well-known company Genius, thanks to its own rich model range of webcams, can satisfy the needs of everyone. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the products of this brand in our catalog.

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