VX-1000: Good quality webcam at a reasonable price (Microsoft Lifecam VX-1000)

Member Name: Jamwee

Product:	Microsoft Lifecam VX-1000
Date:	13/07/09 (103 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, sturdy, good quality

Disadvantages: The need to restart your PC if the application you are using freezes

As with so many things that I don't *need* but would just like, the main thing I go on is price - which is why I purchased this webcam. A bit of research led me to the VX-1000 as it was a good quality camera at a very reasonable price. The main reason I bought it was for use with Skype, but as with most webcams it will work with near enough any application - I only have experience of using it on MSN and Skype.

The camera feels as if it is good quality, I've had it for a while now and even being slung about in my laptop case it's survived the abuse. It sits sturdily on top of my monitor thanks to a little hook that detaches from the bottom. The circular lens rotates which acts as a focus adjustment, this is pretty handy. It has a built in microphone which was a big bonus, this works relatively well and I have used it for making regular telephone calls using skype as well.

It comes with software which you don't have to install, basic users may automatically do this. It doesn't have any real impact, the software gives you the option to have some 'effects' when using your camera with MSN. When I say effects, I mean you can have a cartoon spider dropping down or cartoon snow falling - I'm sure it would be useful somehow!

The video quality itself is very good. This is my second webcam and it's worlds better than my last, but I think it was bought in the 1980's. Overall it performs well and does the job, all at a very reasonable price!

The one and only gripe I have, is that when the webcam is on an application is started which runs in the system tray. If for any reason skype or MSN freezes and you have to close it, the application thinks the webcam is still running. The only way to resolve this is to restart your PC! Not a major issue, but it can be frustrating.

Summary: All round good camera, which does the job - at a good price!

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