EmailBest Reviewed
Webcams
- Budget webcam Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 *Est. $35
- Best webcam overall Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 *Est. $80
- Laptop webcam Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks *Est. $80
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- The extremely compact size and retractable lens of the Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 are major assets for portable use. Image quality and color balance are good. Reviewers like the high resolution, but find that it's inadequate when streaming. Video quality is good at lower resolution in adequate light conditions.
- High-definition video performance of the Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 is useless for applications like Skype phone calls. Reviews say image quality isn't great in dim lighting. Overall, reviewers prefer the competing and less expensive Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro.
The Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 laptop webcam receives mixed reviews, but no one calls it the best in its class. Reviewers place the picture quality of the Microsoft LiveCam below the top-rated laptop webcam, the Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro (*est. $65), which is also less expensive. Some see the Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 as a niche product for use with Windows Live Messenger since it is optimized for use with that service.
Tom's Hardware Guide and Cowboy Frank.net both publish thoughtful, detailed reviews of the Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 laptop webcam. Each review makes relevant comparisons. A review at Everything USB.com is extremely well illustrated, balanced, and thorough, but includes no specific comparisons. Computer Shopper has a good single-product review of the Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro. Amazon.com has the most user reviews for this laptop webcam.
Our Sources
In this roundup, Todd Haselton directly compares five webcams, including the Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000. Overall, the Microsoft webcam falls into the middle of the pack.
Review: Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Review, Todd Haselton, Feb. 14, 2007
Frank Harell directly compares the Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 laptop webcam with the Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro, and describes the tradeoffs between the two. Harell includes a set of standardized test photos in various lighting conditions that can be compared with the output from other webcams reviewed on his site. The quantity of reviews on this enthusiast website makes a strong case for Harell's expertise.
Review: Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Review, Frank Harell, Apr. 10, 2007
Although the review of the Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 is effectively documented with photos and screen shots, and otherwise comprehensive, Scott Clark doesn't directly compare it with other products. Even so, Clark gives the Microsoft laptop webcam a middling score.
Review: Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Webcam Review, Scott Clark
This single-product review of the Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 is well-balanced, but short, non-comparative, and unsupported by photos. The editor's rating is too kind relative to the significance of the issues Joshua Goldman describes in this review.
Review: Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Review, Joshua Goldman, Jan. 2007
5. Amazon.com
Although webcams from other manufacturers draw more user ratings, the Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 gets enough feedback to draw some conclusions. Most users seen happy with the Microsoft webcam, but complaint include difficult installation, a too-short USB cable and poor microphone performance.
Review: Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Webcam Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com
