Great Picture webcam (Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000)

Member Name: wilsonolly2001

Product:	Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000
Date:	20/10/09 (95 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great picture quality easy to install and operate

Disadvantages: The sound quality could be a lot better and the packagng hard to open

I have been a user of Skype for a number of years now and have been looking for a new web cam as mine eventually gave up working.
Prices have dropped a lot in the last two years so I was quite keen to go down to my local IT store and see what they had on offer. The Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000 was brought to my attention as it was priced well at just under 20 pounds but manufactured by Microsoft so you can guarantee good value for money.
At this point I would say that it was a bit of a nightmare getting the camera out of the box as the camera is surrounded by hard plastic which eventually I managed to cut my way through with some sharp scissors.

Eventually I managed to remove the packaging and connected the camera to the computer I was really happy when Windows automatically detected the new hardware and began installation I didn't even need the driver CD that came with the product.

The camera camera itself is pretty good quality for the money with the build quality standing up to the occasional bash or being knocked on the floor.
The cable that is bundled with the camera however isn't very long about a meter which is probably OK for most people however I did find some reorganising of my workspace was needed to accommodate the small cable.
The microphone isn't bad but I do find that with the cheaper cameras to get the price so low there must be some sacrificing of quality somewhere and the microphone is it for this camera.

This product is great for Skype but I have also wanted to use this product for business VoIP calling and the microphone doesn't hold up for conferencing calling which is a shame due to fantastic picture quality
In conclusion I would recommend this camera for families who want to keep in touch with friends and family using some sort of VoIP service however I wouldn't recommend this product for a business communication tool as its call quality isn't professional enough

Summary: This camera is great value for money and works with Skype well not a tool for business

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