Microsoft Lifecam Vx3000 Review

The Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 slips in to any available USB port on your PC. It has a clip that has been designed to attach to the top of your monitor and is wide enough so it can easily hold on to a notebook's lid too.

The bundled software is quick and easy to install and as with all similar cameras, once it’s installed, you simply plug the camera in and it’s instantly recognised.

Being a Microsoft webcam, it’s designed to be used with MSN, so you won’t find any other client software bundled and the setup wizard automatically prompts you to either download Messenger or to check for the latest upgrade if you already use it. While this may seem a little cynical, the reason people will no doubt opt for a Microsoft webcam is the brand loyalty is offers. However, if you use a different IM tool, it will readily work with it, you just need to manually set it up.

Image quality is entry-level, with a 640 x 480-pixel resolution in movie mode and can also capture still image using the 1.3-megapixel CCD. We found quality was acceptable but to make the most of it, you’ll need to optimise the colour settings with your own machine. We found it worked best in brighter rooms, as images looked blurry and faded when we tried to use it in low-lit conditions.

Microsoft Lifecam Vx3000 Features

Photo Swap
Share and swap photos in real time with your friends and family using Windows Live Messenger—right in the video call window!

Windows Live™ Call Button
It's simple to start video calls. One touch of the Windows Live Call Button lets you see who's online, and you're on your way to making a video call.

LifeCam Dashboard
Add special effects and control your webcam—all from the Windows Live Messenger window.

One-Touch Blogging
Upload photos to your blog on Windows Live™ Spaces with any of your photos at the simple click of your mouse

Superior Video Quality
See the smiles clearly with 640 x 480 pixel video resolution.

High Definition Photos
High Definition photos show you in the best light.

Built-In Microphone
The built-in microphone automatically picks up your voice with remarkable clarity.

Optimized for Windows Live Messenger
Seamlessly integrated with Windows Live Messenger for easy setup and use.

Automatic Face-Tracking Software*
Move around without disappearing from the screen—advanced software keeps your face front and center.

Video Effects
Discover a fun way to express yourself with these entertaining video effects built into the LifeCam dashboard.

Universal Attachment Base
It’s a snap to attach the LifeCam to any monitor.

Pan and Tilt
The pan and tilt functionality make it a snap to capture the big picture, however you want to see it.

Flexible Six-Foot Cable
The long, flexible cable gives you more room to move.

Up To 30 Frames Per Second
Capture up to 30 frames per second, which means the video images you see are smooth and seamless.

Crystal-clear Audio
Automatic audio control for enhanced clarity

Broad IM Compatibility
Works with: Windows Live™, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Microsoft Office Communicator, Skype

2X Digital Zoom
The zoom delivers realistic, up-close-and-personal video, so you can see the contours of every smile

3 Year Warranty
Limited Warranty and License Agreement available here.

Hardware Requirements

Operating System
Windows Vista® or Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Hard Drive
300-700 MB free

Connectivity
USB 1.1 port or higher (2.0 recommended)

Other

• Intel Pentium® III 550 MHz (Intel Pentium 4 1.4 GHz recommended) or higher.
• 256 MB of RAM or higher.
• CD-ROM drive.
• Display adapter capable of 16-bit color depth or higher, 2 MB or higher video memory.
• Broadband Internet access required; access fees may apply.
• Audio: Windows-compatible speakers or headphones.

Microsoft's Lifecam VX3000 is yet a very in-expensive with amazing sets of feautres,

It might be an average cam but its easy to use, and the best when it comes to a low-cost choice.