Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Review

What the reviewers like:
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.

What the reviewers don't like:
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.

Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 review highlights

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.

Also see full report: Webcams

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Tom’s Hardware Guide
Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Review
Todd Haselton
Feb. 14, 2007

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.

2. CowboyFrank.net
Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Review
Frank Harell
Apr. 10, 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.

3. EverythingUSB.com
Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Webcam Review
Scott Clark

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.

4. Computer Shopper
Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Review
Joshua Goldman
Jan. 2007

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.

5. Amazon.com
Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Webcam Reviews
Contributors to 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.

Also see full report: Webcams

Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Review