ReviewSaurus – Technology Rocks!

We often come across tools that enhance the utility of our PC. I find CamStudio to be one of them. CamStudio is a Screen Activity Recording Software which can record all your screen activities into an AVI file. This software comes in handy especially when you have got to prepare demonstrations. Lets have a deeper look into what this software has to offer.

Reasons for a GO

1. Minimalist Interface

It won’t take you more than a few seconds to figure out how it works. Going with the old Windows style interface, CamStudio may not be a darling to your eyes but is effective like anything.

2. Features

CamStudio affords you certain useful features like

Conversion to SWF format
Recording activity in a region
Screen Annotations
A host of audio and video compressors
Displaying a customized cursor in the recording

3. No codec Issues

CamStudio offers its own codec thus preventing any codec related problems

4. Its an Open Source software !

Reasons for a NO

1. CPU usage

CamStudio can prove to be a little heavy on your CPU with an average CPU usage of around 60%

2. Capture Frame Rate

Even the maximum capture frame rate that the software offers may not satisfy some users. The blinking cursor during the recording is also an area where an improvement would be welcome.

Here is a sample video

3. Output Format

Would have loved to see it offer more choice in for the output formats which currently is are just AVI and SWF

4. Bug in SWF convertor

Due to a bug in the SWF convertor a few users may experience a few problems in running the SWF files on Netscape or FireFox. But CamStudio promises to fix this in its next version and offers a temporary workaround on its website.

Software Version and Summary

Version: 2.00
Licence: Free
OS required: All Platforms
Homepage:http://camstudio.org/

Overall Review and Views

For those looking for a simple and effecting tool for capturing the scree activity into a video file, CamStudio can prove to be a good solution. If the company can pack render the software the ability to capture in few more formats and boost the capture rate a bit, this software will become a true winner by far.

So, what’s your say on CamStudio?

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