Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviews say the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 webcam is easy to mount, setup, and use. The 1.3-megapixel video and image quality are good. It has a manual focus adjustment, a wide-angle lens and a built-in microphone.

What the reviewers don't like:
Most reviews say you can get a better webcam for the money. The face-tracking feature on the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 doesn’t work smoothly, say testers. Best performance is achieved with Microsoft programs. Some complain that the microphone isn't very sensitive.

Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 review highlights

Reviewers reach a variety of conclusions about the performance of the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 webcam, but none of them think it is either the best or the best for its price. Some, but not all, prefer the notebook version of this webcam, the Logitech LifeCam NX-6000 (*est. $70), which costs the same but has a higher-resolution image sensor (2 megapixels vs. 1.3 megapixels). The Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 is optomized for use with Windows Live Messenger, leading some critics to say it fits best as a niche product to use with related Microsoft applications.

We found many reviews of the LifeCam VX-6000 which is Microsoft’s flagship webcam. Tom's Hardware Guide offers the best direct comparisons. Cowboy Frank.net, Everything USB.com, and Geekzone.com have good reviews with stills and videos, but less direct comparison. The report at Hi-Tech Reviews.com on the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 is well illustrated, but ultimately lacks much in the way of insight.

Also see full report: Webcams

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

1. Tom’s Hardware Guide
Webcam Roundup
Todd Haselton
Feb. 14, 2007

In this roundup, Todd Haselton directly compares five webcams, including the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 and Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000. Haselton reports that the similar NX-6000 (the notebook version) produces better picture and video quality than the VX-6000, and it has additional capabilities. As they are similarly priced, he sees no reason to buy the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000.

2. CowboyFrank.net
Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 Review
Frank Harell
Mar. 22, 2007

Frank Harell reviews more webcams than any other source. He publishes a series of photos from each webcam to help compare them. Harell describes the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 as "quite comparable with many of the other brands for the same price."

3. EverythingUSB.com
Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 Review
Shane McGlaun

Everything USB.com regularly reviews webcams. This review of the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 is exceptionally well documented with videos and photos. Comparisons with competing products would perfect this review.

4. Geek.com
Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 Review
M. Freitas
Sept. 26, 2006

This single-product review very capably covers the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000. It does not mention any competing products, nor did we find other webcam reviews on this site. The review is helpfully illustrated with photos from the webcam and screenshots, and a demo is available sometimes. We’re impressed that the reviewer used the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 webcam for a month before writing the review.

5. Hi-Tech Reviews.com
Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 Review
Kevin Elliott
Aug. 27, 2006

This single-product rave review is helpfully illustrated with screenshots and still images from the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 (but beware of several better quality images that are not from the webcam). Beyond that, a prospective buyer learns little beyond basic facts that will assist with decision. No other webcams are mentioned.

Also see full report: Webcams

Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 Review