Home > Consumer Reviews > Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 (Blue)

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2YDETSE67YWC 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 using the included software. Thanks and have fun shopping!

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 easy video effects
+ Advanced features are just a click away, allowing customized settings
+ For those who want to do IM and chat, this seems to be tightly integrated with those applications and Windows Live
+ Integrated Microphone is a nice feature and one less thing for your desk
+ Nice indicator light alerts you to when webcam is capturing
+ The options to take a snapshot, record video or record sound are nice and useful for basic multimedia stuff
+ Nice range of model accent colors: i.e. Blue, Green and Red


Cons
- Video quality perhaps not good enough for professional (work) use yet
- The video capture (listed at 30 frames per second) still seems to perform too slowly to capture fast movement (try waving your hand)
- The microphone sensitivity is average and the camera must be directed at you for it to capture sound adequately
- The highly touted low light performance and auto-adjustment works slowly and not as well as the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000
- The software installation includes too much scumware, adware and software for chatting and other things you may not want; just more stuff to remove
- The 640 X 480 video resolution does not easily scale to full screen and won't satisfy demanding users

Comparing Against The Alternatives

Yep, despite some strong points, this guy still has a lot of cons. If you are a basic user many of those cons will be irrelevant in light of the excellent price. Most of my main points are highlighted in the pros and cons. But there are a few points that need emphasis.

The Microsoft LifeCam VX-7000 offers a *true* 2.0 megapixel sensor, while this guy only gives you 1.3 megapixels, and those are interpolated which basically means they are not based on the direct sensor but are *enhanced* from the VGA resolution that is captured by the camera. So one would expect the VX7000 to capture video better. Similarly, the Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 captures high definition video at twice the video resolution. Either of those might be options, but each at slightly higher price tags.

If you really want a very clear picture and don't mind spending twice as much, then the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 is worth looking into. It definitely has a better auto-adjustment feature than the VX-5000 and also sports Zeiss optics for those that are into that. The Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF is another high end camera that also has some auto-focus features at a higher price tag, around $100. Do your research depending upon your needs.

While it's not really a con, all three versions of the VX-5000 camera that I've seen look black. The accent color is not very noticeable. So my advice is to just get the cheapest one. They are selling at different prices and the prices fluctuate so you will definitely want to watch them carefully.

If you need an inexpensive webcam and don't need high definition video, this unit is one of the best options. More demanding users should step up to higher end Logitech and Creative units.

Enjoy!

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.

I bought this camera on advice seen in this list as well a friend who had just bought one. However, the software had a glitch in it and wouldn't completely install to my computer that uses windows xp. Online help didn't help from Microsoft.

I sent it back and got a logitech Qickcam Communicate MP that functions fine and set up in a few minutes with no glitches. Amazon took back the Microsoft LifeCam with no problem and was real happy with the Amazon service.

This web cam was super easy to install and use and the interface is a no brainer (even a caveman can do it).It sits on top of my LCD monitor with nothing but the camera in view and the little blue light tells you when its on. The mic is sensitive so you dont have to yell just talk in a normal conversational voice. I am going to buy another and have already recommended it to others.