35 out of 35 people found this review helpful.
Affordable with a Decent Webcam Picture -- the Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000
Date of Review: Jun 14, 2009
The Bottom Line: The Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000 works well and is affordable, but it is not top of the line.
I wanted the family connected with Skype so that we could more frequently and easily communicate with each other via video phone. That is why I purchased the
Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000 Webcam.
DescriptionThe Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000 is at the lower end of the Microsoft LifeCam series of webcams. Video and photo resolution is 640x480. Unlike the higher models, it does not have automatic face tracking, auto focus, pan/tilt/zoom features, 3x digital zoom or a wide-angle lens.
This webcam does have a built-in microphone, a manual focus ring, a flexible 6-foot 2.0 USB cable attached to the webcam, and a base that can be used with a CRT or LCD monitor. It offers 30 frames per second, and the webcam comes with video effects and a convenient Windows Live call button. It also automatically adjusts for low lighting.
Black is the color of this round webcam. The base is also circular, and it can flip open to attach to a flat-screen monitor.
The box includes: one webcam with a 6-foot USB cable, a Microsoft software CD, and a Quick Set-up Guide and a Product Guide.
My ExperiencesI bought and installed this webcam on my parent's computer. Their computer is running Windows XP. I've used this webcam quite a bit and am pleased with the quality of the camera considering how little it cost.
Setup was a breeze. A bright green tag came attached to the webcam stating to install the software first. The set-up guide also emphasizes to install the software before plugging in the webcam. Just place the CD in the computer and follow the prompts. Once the software is loaded, plug the USB connector into a USB port on the computer. Set the webcam atop the monitor. In this case, we kept the base intact and set in on the CRT monitor.
The 6-foot cord attaches from the back of the webcam. I had no trouble snaking the cord to a USB connection on the back of the desktop computer tower. I was also pleased to see that the cord did not drag the camera head backward. The last webcam used was an ancient Logitech webcam (probably one of the first invented), and the USB cord on that old webcam pulled at the camera so that it was hard to keep the webcam in the proper position to see a person's video image.
Once the software was installed and the webcam in position, I was able to open Skype and run through the set-up procedure to sync Skype with the new webcam. Everything went smoothly.
My one complaint is the lack of documentation for the manual focus ring. I can see where someone installing this camera would think it was broken out of the box. Nowhere on the packaging or in the literature does it explain this webcam has a manual focus ring! It's a good thing I had prior experience with a different webcam that had manual focus, or I would have thought this one was malfunctioning. You may have to turn the ring quite a bit before the picture comes into focus (the ring is located at the outer edge of the lens area). Once I had the image in focus, the camera was all set to use.
The picture of this camera is not top-notch, but it is fine for average use. If you want crystal-clear video, then this camera is not for you. The image will appear slightly grainy. I notice when someone moves away from the camera (ex: across the room to pick something up), there is pixelization in the image that is not as noticeable when a person is sitting in front of the webcam. Color is good (not great). The built-in microphone is also good.
This webcam is advertised as working well in low light situations. As with all webcams I have used, I find that for the best image, good lighting is important despite low-light workability claims. There is an Ott light near the computer that we have angled to produce the best lighting for a clear image. The computer is located in a room with very poor light. Even with the bad room lighting, as long as the Ott light is on, the image is clear and of good quality.
Even though Microsoft touts this camera as being optimized for Windows Live Messenger, I did not download Live Messenger as suggested. Instead, I connected this camera to Skype. I have had no problems using this webcam with Skype. The video images for the most part are fluid.
PurchasingI bought this webcam from
Staples for $31.99.
SummaryThis
Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000 was a good purchase. While it is not top of the line, this webcam produces a good image and has nice sound quality for an inexpensive price. I can see where this webcam might not be to everyone's liking (especially if they want more in the way of product bells and whistles).
So double-check the store's return policy before buying this Microsoft model.
I hope you found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
System Requirements:Windows Vista or Windows XP (SP2)
Intel Pentium III 550 MHz (Pentium 4 1.4 GHz)
256mb of RAM or higher
300-700mb free on hard drive
CD-Rom drive
Please read my other reviews:Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 (webcam)Microsoft QuickCam Connect (webcam)Ott-Lite Floor LampMicrosoft V220 Notebook MouseWestern Digital Portable Hard Drive Sandisk Cruzer Flash DriveSony Walkman Digital Media PlayerPhilips Portable DVD Player with screenAltec Lansing SpeakersCopyright 2009 Dawn L. Stewart
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