A webcam is a digital camera that lets you see and talk to family, friends or business associates over the Internet (think video conference). To accomplish this "talk," you’ll need a webcam, appropriate software such as Skype (www.skype.com free), a computer with Internet connection, and someone at the other end who is similarly equipped.

The new Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 (www.logitech.com $80) makes it easy to add a feature-filled webcam to your laptop or desktop computer for participating in those video calls. Resolution for video calls is limited to 720P, but for recording videos you can use the smooth, stunning, full 1080p resolution (and still snapshots are taken in amazing 10 megapixel resolution). Included software allows one-click video uploads to your Facebook or YouTube accounts and also Twitter notification.

In addition to straight video, the included Logitech Webcam Software offers fun effects such as on-screen avatars (including a shark whose mouth and head mimic your movements), or options for turning yourself into an alien, cat or bat. Decorate your image with a crown, arrow in head, or similar, and the software tracks your head movements to keep the crown or whatever in place or add distortion for fun-house mirror effects.

Of more practical use is the ability to zoom, tilt and pan the webcam using on-screen controls while on a video call. The facial recognition feature can automatically keep your face centered within the frame as you move about, and the auto-focus Carl Zeiss ultra-wide glass lens provides an amazingly sharp, clear picture. This was all especially notable during "Skype" sessions we had with family and friends and also in the still photos we took. The webcam measures 3.75 x 1.25 x 1 inch and sits neatly atop our monitor screen, looking like it belongs there. Integral to the webcam are stereo microphones on each side of the lens, making for terrific clear sound.

Logitech’s Webcam Software also includes a motion detection feature. When activated, it automatically starts video recording whenever motion is present in the webcam’s field of view and stops when motion stops or after a preset time has elapsed. The recorded video is then available for viewing, emailing or uploading to YouTube.

The Logitec HD Pro Webcam C910 also provides free Magix photo editing software for organizing photos and basic editing and Magix video editing software for editing and combining your videos. Installation was 1,2,3 easy. No problem seeing why this webcam won an Honoree Award at the 2011 International CES show.

We find webcams a great way to "visit" anyone by seeing and hearing people in a home or office setting or any place you can bring your computer and webcam. With all the other features in this unit, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay in touch and have fun creating images.