The Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 offers vastly superior performance and a much improved design compared with last year's LifeCam NX-3000 model. The VX-5000 features a square shaped camera body on top of a bendable, rubber stand, which makes it easy to position on your laptop, LCD, or desk.

Excellent image quality; especially in low light; Flexible rubber stand provides a stable and versatile base

LifeCam application is lackluster; Not compatible with Macs

The Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 provides a welcome update over last year's LifeCam webcams. The new, bendy design allows for stable positioning on a thin laptop lid, LCD monitor or desk.

Excellent image quality; especially in low light; Flexible rubber stand provides a stable and versatile base

LifeCam application is lacklustre; Not compatible with Macs

Webcams are everywhere. Many PCs (and all Mac laptops) have them built in, and the prices for those sold separately have bottomed out. Microsoft's LifeCam VX-500 sells for just $17.

Bright and clear video feed; Very easy install; Cool rubber grip; Good bundled software

A few minor crashes; A few features work only with Windows Live Messenger; Audio quality only passable

The humble webcam is becoming fairly prolific these days. Not only is it virtually impossible to find a notebook without one, but they're also making steady progress into consoles and even into some monitors .

Now that many, if not most, notebooks come with built-in webcams, standalone cameras might be a tough sell. They have to deliver both superior video quality and an attractive design.

Attractive design; Decent image quality; Streamlined software

Primitive special effects; Doesnt adjust well to changes in brightness

I have used this cam without the provided software on Windows XP and it operates well. I have had no difficulty using any of the messaging applications and have received feedback from my friends that the picture and sound are great. I would definitely recommend buying it.

The design enables using the cam almost anywhere; The picture is vibrant and rich; The sound quality is clear and very crisp; The device is very easy to use

The software takes forever to load and occupies a decent amount of space

The VX-5000 is one of Microsoft's low-price midrange LifeCam models. Microsoft's LifeCam series cameras are an exceptional way to enhance Internet Communications. User's can now share meaningful connections with friends and family using sight and sound all through the convenience of the internet.

Simple Install; Small and easy to position; User friendly

N/A

My wife's family is pretty far away, and with a couple of small children around, we thought it would

Solid construction by brand name company; good image capability and helpful software tools

Installation can be finicky; base may not work for everyone

A decent camera that should satisfy most people for Instant Messaging type use. The camera is available in several colors to coordinate with your room or computer.

Decent images in room lighting; Flexible stand; Decent in room lighting; Good horizontal rotation for aiming

Over exposes (clips) in very bright light; A bit dark in monitor only lighting simulation

Microsoft have been fairly consistent with their hardware accessories of late, producing peripherals that are well built is not terribly exciting in terms of design. The LifeCam VX-5000 follows that trend. But is this a webcam you should consider?

Size; good build quality; indicator light

Stand not great for laptops; struggles with bright light and contrasty scenes