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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Budget webcam
- Low price
- Built-in microphone
- Unique stand
- Fixed focus lens
- Some complaints about bundled software
- Not easy to attach to laptops
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Average Customer Review
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Great value for the money, November 16, 2009Not a bad little camera. I bought a similar logitech one just before this one and had to return it to the store because the mic didn't work. I was glad to return it because the software was kind of… annoying and a little intrusive and the camera looked very cheap. I wanted a simple camera that got the job done with an acceptable picture and without any headache. This camera fits that description. Very easy to use, very easy to make and save videos. The software doesn't get in your way or cause problems. The design is very slick, and the mic works very well. Not half bad. Would recommend this to anyone who wanted what I did; A well made, good looking camera that works and has acceptable quality.
Works ok, typical Msoft bug, November 12, 2009Received the cam in a timely fashion. Installation was painless. We've been using it to webcam with family (grandma/grandpa) the video quality is ok for that purpose, the colors are a little off, our… biggest gripe, is the Camera's microphone doesnt work. I don't know if its a camera problem or a software problem.... but everything Microsoft always seems to have some sorta bug which takes hours to figure out... overall it gets the job done... we just cam and use our landline speaker phone to talk...
web cam-ok, November 11, 2009ya, it works, but..., November 10, 2009this webcam does work with windows xp, however, the "microsoft" software that is included which runs all the extras doesn't. after checking on the web, I found that many other people are having this same… problem and we seem to be completely ignored when we email microsoft. it works, but at the bare minimum of its reported capability. I bought this because another I tried didn't work at all. I would look at a different make/model for a webcam.
Pretty good webcam, WORST SOFTTWARE, November 3, 2009
Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 (Blue) |
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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
