It might be a 'curate's egg' but the aGent v5 webcam ups the quality for animation, writes Chris Drage
Although video and animation are potent tools for learning, sometimes, even with the best effort in the world, the end results can be disappointing. One of the vital elements often overlooked in the production chain is the camcorder or webcam as schools frequently opt for the cheap and cheerful instead of purchasing a slightly more upmarket device which will deliver better results.
The aGent v5 Webcam (£46.95 from Kudlian) is one such option. It's slick and in a shiny metal case, but simplicity lies at the heart of its design.
There is a manual focus ring on the front of its cylindrical body and a small microphone aperture on the underside. The package includes a number of stands for different locations: a notebook clip for a laptop, an LCD screen clip and desktop stand – handy for video conferencing/chats and Skype applications. The aGent V5 can also be mounted on a small desktop tripod (not included) – excellent for creating for animations.
The box also contains a disc of software. Although the camera plugs directly into a USB port, and was found immediately by my Vista-based laptop, in order to have any control over the webcam on a PC you will need to install the driver software as well. However, when using the aGent V5 with I Can Present (Kudlian Software) the application took care of the webcam and I would imagine the same goes for I Can Animate as well.
For Apple users the applications supplied include Webcam Monitor, CamGrabber, CamTwist, Gawker, iVideo, PhotoStickies, QuartzCube, Simple Video Slicer and the VLC video player. On the PC the applications include CAMagic and Ulead Video Studio 7 SE but you do not need to install these unless you particularly need them.
On test the first issue that immediately surfaces is the lack of autofocus. The aGent V5 offers fixed focus only, which is fine for those video chats where the participant(s) might be fairly static or for animation with models, but if you have a group of students who might be using a wider or deeper space or changing their distance from the camera, adjusting the focus can become a chore. Another item I missed was an LED indicator light to show when the webcam is active.
'With correct focus the resulting image is truly crisp and sharp'
However, with correct focus the resulting image is truly crisp and sharp. I compared the image with that of the webcam built into my good-quality laptop and it was streets ahead in sharpness, colour rendition and ability to cope with lower light levels. I captured 1 minute and 20 seconds of HD video which resulted in an uncompressed file of 1.3GB – a tidy reminder that if you do opt for an HD webcam be aware of the resulting file sizes as they can be huge in uncompressed high-definition video! Similarly, you do need a computer that will handle it.
The biggest disappointment was the sound quality, which is not good – certainly not what I expected from an otherwise very good webcam. Placing the microphone opening on the underside of the camera means that the input volume has to be increased so much that a good deal of background noise is recorded as well. I resorted to the built–in microphone on my laptop and it was substantially better. The combination of laptop, microphone and aGent V5 produced very satisfactory results but may not be ideal for some.
If we look upmarket to an alternative like the FaceVsion TouchCam N1 (typically £89, see "Webcam that wants to video-conference") we see a substantial improvement in audio performance. This webcam’s wide-angle lens (with auto-focus!) puts much of the subject and surroundings in the shot with impressive colour and resolution. Compared with the aGent V5, the TouchCam N1’s unidirectional, dual microphones really excel in picking up the speakers' voice. Importantly, there is far less distracting, ambient noise picked up from close quarters. But it costs more.
The aGent V5 HD certainly is a stylish webcam, looking and feeling like the quality device it is. I particularly like all the mounting options and what you get for your money. For simple, online chat it is quite practical with the caveat that you will probably want to use a separate microphone. The HD video that the aGent V5 captures is of excellent quality but the sound quality does let the side down. It's fine though if you propose to dub a separate soundtrack over the video. And do keep in mind those large file sizes. Overall it's a bit of a curate’s egg: but certainly very good in parts.
Ratings (out of 5)
Fitness for purpose 3
Ease of use 4
Features 3
Quality 4
Value for money 3
aGent V5 HD
Budget high-definition webcam for Windows or Mac, includes inbuilt microphone, laptop clips and software bundles (Webcam Monitor, CamGrabber, CamTwist, Gawker, iVideo, PhotoStickies, QuartzCube, Simple Video Slicer and VLC video player for Mac; CAMagic and Ulead Video Studio 7 SE for Windows), £46.95.
(Also available as part of Kudlian"s 'I Can Present Studio")
www.kudlian.net
www.facevsion.com/uk
