Quick Summary: The Foscam W25 is comparable to the significantly more expensive Logitech C615, however the Foscam has better color and lighting. The Foscam includes a power indicator light and privacy cover, and it is a little thicker.
Finding myself in need of a new webcam for my desktop and laptop computers, I wanted to make sure to get something from a trusted brand that would last me for years without frustrations. Amazon offered two brands that I had a trust relationship with. First Logitech, which I’ve trusted for computer accessories for almost 2 decades, and second, Foscam which I’ve used for security camera for many years. I ordered both a Logitech C615 at about $70 and a Foscam W25 at about $30. Both have essentially the same specifications. They are both 1080P HD webcams with a 30fps frame rate.
I expected that the Foscam would be serviceable, but not quite as good as the Logitech. I was surprised by the results when I compared side by side. I tested each under various lighting conditions and took side-by-side screenshots. In every lighting condition (bright, dim, backlit) I found the Foscam had better color and lighting on my face than the Logitech. Besides this, both were easy to set up and responded with no delay.
The only reason I wouldn’t give the Foscam a full 5 stars is I that don’t like the physical build that much. The camera housing is bulkier than Logitech’s as seen in the side-angle picture. It also uses a 3 axis ball mount, rather than Logitech’s 2 axis tilt-swivel. The 2 axis is easier to move without creating an awkward tilt and feels more sturdy. The Logitech tilt mechanism also allows for more range of motion when tilting up or down. Both webcams have a threaded receiver for mounting on a tripod or stand if that’s something you’ll want to do.
Unlike the C615, The Foscam camera includes a privacy cover, which is nice, especially since it has a disconcerting red light that illuminates whenever it is plugged in. Whenever I see this, I think it indicates that it’s recording. Maybe this is a benefit, but I guess I prefer the bliss of ignorance with the indicator-less Logitech version.
The Logitech C615 webcam folds up nice and flat and would be the obvious choice for a webcam that you regularly need to pack into a laptop bag. Although the base of the Foscam web camera folds flat, the camera itself remains a bulky mass on top of a ball mount. I’d fear damage if it were regularly packed around.
I wouldn’t call either of these a bad choice, it depends what your priorities are. If you want a good USB webcam without spending a lot of money, the Foscam W25 1080P HD Webcam is a great value. If you need something sturdy that you can easily travel without fear of snapping the mount, I’d go with the Logitech C615. If a privacy shutter is critical, then the Foscam is your choice, but since these are both USB cameras, just unplugging it is a better way to ensure both the camera and microphone are off. Finally, if video quality is your number one concern, they’re both good, but in my opinion the cheaper Foscam is the winner here.