This 5 megapixel webcam has all the basic features you look for. It has a multi-attach base which fixes onto anything: notebooks, CRT monitors or flat panel displays. Unlike regular webcams which are circular, this webcam has a different design. It is more wide, compared to its height and has a lens (which protrudes out from the otherwise flat surface) on one end while the microphone is on the other. There is a snapshot button right in front to take stills. There is a CMOS VGA sensor with a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1920 pixels. For videos it captures about 30 frames per second and gives you a good output. The best part about this webcam is that no drivers need to be installed before you start using it. Just plug it in your XP or Vista machine and you are ready to go. The bad thing however is, it doesn't have an auto-focus lens. You need to twist it right or left to get the perfect picture, and there needs to be lots of ambient light to get a noise-free image.

Mercury ViewCam Classique Rs 700	Performance Coolness
Pros Easy to use Cons Manual focus lens Sold by Kobian	Specs 5 MP (interpolated), USB 1.1/2.0, adjustable stand with rubber grip, snapshot button Verdict

Jayanta Ghosh