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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

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 .

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

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

Compact Design; Bendable Attachment

Some Software Features Don't Work or Don't Work as Expected; No Integration with Other Online Services (Live Spaces Only

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

good product for a great price, very easy to use, although i had to porchase anaudio boost to be able toskype and communicate good price dou, very god and easy product. that i had to buy extra accessory to it wasnt fun dou, and costly too.

product is good. It arrived on time & takes good quality picture/video,Even in less light indoor. But the software required to operate did not come along with the shipment and had to search online and download from Microsoft site. No manual, No CD is bad.

I am really satisfied with the product. Although, i wished id bought it here at MWave.com for a much lower price.

Good photo resolution and video resolution

None so far