Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 - Green

Sure, it's meant to be PnP (plug and play), but even I was surprised with the lack of documentation that comes with this entry level webcam.And as far as entry level webcams go, for this price point, you really can't go wrong with this pick.Straight out of the box, the contents are three: 1) Camera, 2) ver 2.0 software on CD, and finally, 3) little quad-fold english/spanish intruction sheet. Really? A small plug and play instruction sheet? Yup, that's it. Not that I'm a huge fan of overly complicated and awe inspiring manuals, but for the juggernaut that is MS, I was a but dissapointed with the lack of a written manual. It seems on something like this, it would be a no brainer to include even an abbreviated manual for non-techies to understand how to operate once installed. No, you're on your own by visiting the MS web page and sifting through thier documents.Also, out of the box I recommend, (like another user suggested), to go straight to the support site and download the newer software and not even use the enclosed disc. It ships with v2.0 software, but as of my writing 2.04 is available.The camera itself is pretty impressive. In my office, the picture looks good under low light conditions, it's picture clear, the built in mic does it's job once configured (an important step you should not skip). The base, while a nice idea, isn't as robust and sturdy as the box copy proclaims, but adequate enough to do the job. Some may find themselves using a piece of tape or other weighted object to keep it still....a clamp option would have been nice.But the reason I'm knocking this down a star is based on the lack-luster descriptions and "how-to's" for the software. Once you download and get the camera operational, again, you're on your own to figure out how to record, what your effects options are, what file extensions are used and default storage. For intermediate and advanced users, this may seem like a no brainer or intuitive, but for beginners....you can feel a bit lost. It's as if if MS says "Here you are...here's your webcam" and walks away.Some of the bundled software or apps you can optionally load seem like aesthetic window dressing...for fun...Take effects for example: There are plenty of cool effects, but some are pretty lame, and the icons really don't help explain what they are until you click and discover for yourself. Some nice toys to play with, but they lose their novelty value fast.I was really hoping for some documenation or pointers on video blogging, atleast the basics...but again...you're on your own. Looks like I'll be printing out or buying additional manuals later, but what do you expect from a sub $30 price point? A little more consideration to the entry level user would have easily given this 5 stars. Overall a good camera in a sea of over-priced mediocre ones.

I have purchased a total of four Microsoft Lifecam VX-5000's for myself and family. It makes a great gift. The price is relatively low and it installs very easily. With Vista for sure you can plug it in and be video chatting within minutes without ever touching the CD Drawer. In many cases just plugging it in with XP is enough also, however on one install we had to use the supplied software. Not sure why it would not plug and play for that one particular situation but it may have been more a fault of the computer and it's flaky USB function.We are using Skype to communicate, I tried Yahoo Messenger but it was too cumbersome and didn't provide a very good experience.As for image quality? It's probably better than some webcams but not spectacular. I didn't really realize just how mediocre it was until I connected with my brother with him using the built in iSight webcam on his Apple Desktop. Wowzy Wow Wow!! The image coming across from the Apple compared to family members with the VX-5000 blew me away. For example my nieces faces are washed out on the VX-5000 if the light isn't just perfect, making them look like little aliens. Now I am debating the purchase of better webcams. Maybe it's a good excuse to consider an Apple computer if just for the iSight Camera. But that doesn't address the issue of my nieces who are not going to be the beneficiaries of a new MAC at my expense.In the end if you just want a webcam that installs easily and doesn't cost much, this is it. If image quality is a higher priority, you may want to try something else.I am editing/amending this to say that I have decided to relegate my VX-5000 to my laptop backpack for travel and will purchase a Logitech Quickcam PRO 9000 for my desktop. Update to come. Now that I have embraced the whole video communication thing I want a better webcam. If it works out positively, my family will be getting new webcams for the December Holidays.*****This is a follow up. I now have the Logitech Webcam PRO 9000. Much better picture quality. Seems on a par with the Apple. My only complaint would be the slow to install software and the higher price(double). Otherwise I guess you get what you pay for as this is a much better camera.

First of all I don't write many reviews but I feel this cam is worth a few minutes telling you about this Microsoft LifeCam 5000, this was just what I was looking for. I purchased the "RED" because of the price, who cares about the color and after getting this camera, come to find out its approx. 98% black, only a small red band that goes all the way around it no big deal...buy the red one, best for the price who is going to see it anyway. I'm thinking about getting another one to use as a security cam for my front door. I can't see the front door from my office window; I really need to see the postman when he comes to my front gate/door or my Rottweiler will freak him out.Very EZ to install....however I did not use software that came with it, just plugged it in and my system (Window 7) installed all the software needed, in five minutes it was up and running and now after using this cam for about two weeks no problems. The adjustments are also EZ to use and the camera sit atop my monitor or will sit on my desk top with no problems moving.The first few times I used this cam with skype phoning my family and friends they tell me it look like I'm in real time with no delays and with the built-in mic the sound of my voice is very clear, you don't need to yell into this cam like my last one, just talk normal. I highly recommend buying this cam and as others have stated don't use the software that come with it, if you are running Windows 7 all you need is to plug it into the USB port and your system will install all the software needed.Can't beat this for the price...good luck.