Microsoft lifecam nx 3000 web cam

The Microsoft LifeCam NX is an inexpensive, basic Webcam for laptops that delivers acceptable video quality and little else. The bundled LifeCam software is third-rate--we prefer the apps that Creative and Logitech bundle with their Webcams--although the design mirrors the Creative Live Cam Notebook Ultra, which we like. Installing the LifeCam NX is a simple, three-step process.

The LifeCam app is sparse. Along the top are three buttons for snapping a photo, recording an audio clip, and recording video. Along the bottom, your most recent recording--photo, audio, or video--is listed as a thumbnail in the bottom-left corner of the window.

More useful would be highlighting the last few videos or photos as with Logitech's QuickCam app. A button in the lower-right corner lets you e-mail the clip or photo, but the service doesn't support Web-based e-mail, including Hotmail.

Even if you sign up with a corporate or school e-mail account, you're forced to tell the LifeCam software what type of mail server you use POP or IMAP and the name of the incoming and outgoing mail servers. Microsoft, why include this button if I'm forced to play 20 questions? The help file suggests I contact my ISP to track down this necessary information to e-mail a Webcam video clip or photo. Really, I'll just go ahead and attach the file myself. If the last item you've recorded using the LifeCam software is a photo, the button next to the ill-conceived e-mail button lets you upload a photo to your Live Spaces page, should you have one.

It's simple to do, but then again, uploading a photo to any blog service is just as easy. A third button in the lower-right corner opens up the LifeCam Files folder, where all of your clips and photos are stored. The Photo Swap feature lets you send photos while video chatting in Live Messenger, which is a cool feature for sharing photos and really the only feature I found useful in the software. Even the goofy video effects that come bundled can't compare with what you get from Logitech or Creative.

Without any face tracking feature, for example, you don't get to play around with 3D avatars. And even the scenic overlays are lame compared to the video effects available with Creative's and Logitech's Webcams.

Video quality on Skype was indistinguishable to that of using either of the laptop Webcams from Creative or Logitech--not great, but more than passable with decent color levels and relatively smooth movement. Pan, Tilt and Zoom The pan and tilt functionality make it a snap to capture the big picture, however you want to see it.

Craig O. Verified Owner. Not Bad!!! Overall Review: 2. Did you? Yes No. Fabio T. Pros: Works great. Nice clean picture and good audio pick up. Cons: Cord is a little short but it is meant for a note book. William J. Pros: The camera quality is pretty impressive for a relatively cheap webcam. Jason B. Pros: Really nice picture and great built in microphone. Cons: None Overall Review: I got this for my wife so we could speak over Skype I am in Iraq for a year and it works great, I can hear my kids fine and she didnt have to do anything but plug it in.

Naasson A. Easy to use. Overall Review: None. Did you find this review helpful? Benedict F. Pros: works fantastic easy install plug and play Cons: no cons. Pros: It works like its suppose to.