Microsoft has come up with its latest webcam, LifeCam VX-5000, an improved version of the LifeCam NX-3000 which was launched last year. The VX-5000 offers a highly improved look and several features that weren’t there in the previous version. The VX-5000 camera is square in shape and is above a rubber stand that makes it easier to place on laptops and LCDs.
The camera moves from one side to other for around 30 degrees in either direction but it cannot be tilted. You can easily start video calls in your Windows IM by simple pressing a button on the camera, specifically made for this purpose. However, you need to be careful while adjusting the camera, as you might accidentally hit the button and begin a video call.
Apart from being very flexible and easy to use, the LifeCam VX-5000 gives much better performance in places with low visibility. In fact, the camera is so powerful that you get clear pictures even if the room is completely dark. The light coming from the screen is enough. Not only this, if the camera is turned towards someone sitting next to you and not a lot of light is falling on his face, the pictures will still be very clear.
It is generally seen that the picture quality of video conferencing is not as good as in comparison with video recording. The VX-5000 also has this problem but vis-a-vis its competitors, it still provides a much better picture quality. It definitely is a very good webcam and is fairly cheap, priced at £30. You wouldn’t find a better webcam at the same price.
