Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 (Blue)

Customer Video Review Length:: 1:44 Mins

This camera is worth buying in this price range for people who generally use Windows Live products (messenger, etc) and normally do basic web cam sessions with a resolution no greater than 640 x 480. If you'd like to do full screen video using other software like Skype, you'll want to get a higher end Microsoft camera or something like the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 (my favorite). I've been using the Quickcam Pro 9000 for the past year and have really liked it, however, it seems to be at least double the price of this MS camera. One downside to this Microsoft camera is that the microphone can be a bit faint and the sound can be a bit off. That said, unless you have high expectations for crystal clear web cam chats, then I can certainly recommend this camera for people mainly interested in ease of use with Windows Live Messenger and other Instant Messaging programs. It was easy to install and is extremely easy to use. I recorded this video in 320x240 resolution... Read more

Microsoft's LifeCam VX-5000 is a good all around webcam at a reasonable price. While some of the features are improvements, this is not the highest end model you can get and not even the top of the line in Microsoft's line-up. You may have to do some more research and demanding users will want to step up. But for those that are looking for the best bang for their buck, this model should definitely be in the running.

Pros
+ Good Price for basic webcam
+ The flexible base is probably the best design out there for working with a variety of monitors, including laptops, flat screens and traditional monitors
+ The included software is very easy for non-techies to install and configure using simple buttons
+ Ability to zoom, pan and tilt are nice, though now standard, extras
+ Easy settings also allow for... Read more

The life cam seems to me to be a better camera especialy in lo light areas around your computer. It has shown me a clearer and brighter picture than my old HP. The one thing I was very upset about it when you down-load the CD that comes with it, it atomaticaly down-loads a bunch of un nessasy crap that slowed my computer down considerably every time I booted up my computer. I had to uninstall the whole program and go directly to Microsoft, find the correct boot-up program and reinstall the program from there. This could take you around 45minutes to a hour and I have a brand new top pf line core two duo. This became a whole lot of spam sales garbage that no one should have go through with out their concent!! I hope taging on this garbage to any little thing you buy STOPS or I would consider not buying anything else from Microsoft!Brian W.