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
Get info about new reports and updates
Budget webcam
- Low price
- Built-in microphone
- Unique stand
- Fixed focus lens
- Some complaints about bundled software
- Not easy to attach to laptops
April 2009. Reviewers agree that the Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 is among the best budget webcams available. Image and sound quality are not as good as the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 (*est. $80), but reviewers all recommend this webcam for everyday video chats. Unlike some budget models, the LifeCam VX-5000 has a built-in microphone and a flexible, adjustable stand, although some reviewers note it is awkward to attach to laptops. Otherwise, features are basic, and focus cannot be adjusted. The Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 has VGA resolution, 640 pixels by 480 pixels, for video and a 1.3-megapixel sensor for still shots. The Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 also earns praise for its performance in low light compared to other webcams in its price range. Although some reviewers find the bundled LifeCam 2.0 software an improvement over previous Microsoft webcam applications, others insist that there is still much room for improvement.
CowboyFrank.net, PCMag.com and CNET, among the most authoritative testers of webcams online, all recommend the Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 for casual chats. TrustedReviews.com, Pocket-link.co.uk and BenchmarkReviews.com agree, though these sources are generally not as thorough in their reviews. Despite the consensus over the LifeCam VX-5000's suitability as a no-frills webcam, reviewers are divided on the merits of its bundled software and flexible stand; some like them, some do not.
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  117 store reviews | In Stock. New | $42.99 | See It |
 |  1419 store reviews | In Stock. FREE FEDEX 2-3 DAY DELIVERY | $173.57 | See It |
 |  1675 store reviews | In Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25! | $30.87 | See It |
| See All Stores | ||||
Our Sources
Frank Harrell's review of the LifeCam VX-5000 isn't as detailed as some of his other webcam reviews, but still manages to bring up some unique points and criticisms. He recommends this webcam in its price range for "Instant Messaging-type use." However, he notes that images tend to get over-exposed in daylight conditions, making this best for relatively stationary, indoor-lighting use.
Review: Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000, Frank Harrell, Dec. 19, 2008
Reviewer John Brandon is impressed with the image quality of the LifeCam VX-5000, stating that in basic chats it rivals the universally acclaimed Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000. In this thorough review, Brandon also praises the included software, LifeCam 2.0. He objects that some of the webcam's features only seem to work with Microsoft Messenger, but otherwise finds this a good buy for "video chats with friends or geographically remote relatives."
Review: Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000, John Brandon, July 17, 2008
3. CNET
CNET covers webcams in single-product reviews. Discussion covers important considerations, but it falls short of some other reviewers. Installation and performance are generally described clearly. In this review of the LifeCam VX-5000, Matthew Elliott notes that the webcam is very good for video chats and a marked improvement over earlier Microsoft models. However, Elliott does not like the LifeCam 2.0 application at all.
Review: Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 (Red) Review, Matthew Elliott, May 15, 2008
Britain's TrustedReviews.com covers webcams in occasional single-product reports. The reviews are generally competent. This brief review finds that the LifeCam VX-5000 is a good webcam for "the basics," but gripes that the software seems to be geared toward children.
Review: Microsoft LifeCam VX 5000 Review, Ardjuna Seghers, Aug. 9, 2008
Pocket-lint.co.uk is a prolific and up-to-date reviewer of webcams, although reviews are light on testing and offer few comparative details. The LifeCam VX-5000 is discussed in this rather breezy review as having no significant drawbacks relative to other similarly-priced webcams, though reviewer Chris Hall cannot recommend the LifeCam VX-5000's flexible stand for notebook users.
Review: Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 Webcam Review, Chris Hall, Jan. 9, 2009
BenchmarkReviews.com tests webcams occasionally, providing good sample photos of the various models and camera image quality; specifications of the computer systems on which the cameras are tested are also provided. The LifeCam VX-5000 gets the site's Golden Tachometer award.
Review: Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 Webcam, Mat Thompson, July 18, 2008
7. Amazon.com
Most of the almost 100 reviews at Amazon.com are positive for the Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000. Even owners who give it an average rating concede that it's pretty good for the price. Only a few owners give this webcam a poor score; all complain about the software.
Review: Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000, Contributors to Amazon.com
