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

Pros:
-Great quality for the $
-Perfectly compatible and easy to use with Skype
-Plug and play compatible installation for Vista

Cons:
-Base, while easy to flex and attach/stand, is not easy to create a desired tilt/angle
-Software is not installation friendly

Verdict:
For $28, this is an impressive unit. The picture quality is surprisingly good for this price and functions well even in low light. Recommended.

I don't know if it's a coincidence, but two of our computers crashed after installing this.

This is my first web cam purchase and I am very satisfied. I am kind of a gadget fiend and always want to get the best product for my dollar or the best product period. After much review, I felt this camera would suffice. I am REALLY glad I didn't spend the extra money on the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 as it would have been unnecessary for my purposes. I am using it for basic chat so I don't use all the video conferencing features or mic. All the features is comes with are perfect for what I'm using it for. The still shots are cool and come out great, but I'm not going to print them or anything. I don't see the mic being an issue if it sits on your screen... how far away do you sit from the computer? I'm sure it performs just fine based on other reviews I read.

The 1.3mp clarity is everything I anticipated it to be in both high or lo light settings. The image is very clear, and the camera auto adjusts very well. I sat in my room with the light on talking to friends and then turned the light off to test the auto adjust, utilizing the light only from the computer screen and there was no change in quality... I was impressed. The camera software also has additional features and icons to add to your streaming picture; color adjustments, adjust face size, add angel halo above your head, bouncing soccer ball, make eyes bigger/smaller, basically adjust your face looks as if you were in one of those carnival fun houses looking into those mirrors that change your looks... unnecessary but entertaining.

There has been some remarks about the stand although it sits perfectly fine on top of my LCD screen (19" ViewSonic) without falling as the flexible rubber grip molds directly the way you want it, and also hugs my laptop screen (Sony Vaio) just fine as well.

The only con that I see from the way I use the camera is the video capture. If you wave your hand or do fast sudden movements, the cam is a little slow to adjust/focus but it doesn't really bother me because I sit still for the most part. If that is of concern, then I would look into the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000.

None the less, if you're just using it for at home/general purposes and not for business, where you don't really care about Hi-def video or over 30-frames per sec video capture, this webcam will do the job just fine. The cam is very easy and quick to install, and an overall great performer.

Form Factor : 5
Picture Quality : 4
Lifecam software(special effects) : 5
Video Quality : 3 (motion blur)

Overall excellent camera for the price.

I bought six of these for my entire family, because everyone lives so far away. It is great we can see each other whenever we want and everyone has been asble to see the 2 new babies. It was so easy to hook up and use. Most of my family is pretty technology challenged and no one has had a problem yet. It is a great picture and sound.