Microsoft LifeCam VX-600 Review
The Microsoft LifeCam VX-600 is the response of Microsoft to higher-end webcams such as the Creative Live Cam Voice and the Logitech QuickCam Fusion. New never before seen features on a webcam are offered on the LifecCam VX-600 such as a call button that works alongside Windows Live Messenger and a unique blog option that works in the Windows Life Space Blogging tool.
A small, ring-shaped base is offered on the VX-600 and works wonderfully for the different mounting situations. When unfolded into an L-shaped hook, the stand can be easily mounted on an lcd monitor or notebook screen. When collapsed, the base is perfect for desktop mounting. The stand even flips flat open so it can be placed on top of an old style CRT monitor. Suffice to say, the Microsoft LifeCam VX-600 is one of the more stable and flexible webcams out there. Ease of maneuverability is another asset of the VX-600. The head swivels 360 degrees and tilts 90 degrees up and 45 degrees down. This webcam is impressive compared to the simple 90 degree vertical movement of the QuickCam Fusion. The Microsoft LifeCam VX-600 also offers a large button on top that works with Windows Live Messenger to bring up a list of contacts to call. The only problem is that this button is a bit too prominent and easy to press and can make for accidental launches of the call center whenever the webcam is adjusted.
The Microsoft LifeCam VX-600 arrives with a single CD that includes drivers and a software package for taking pics and video clips. To set up the Webcam, you also need to install Windows Live Messenger — the install wizard takes you to the correct page on Microsoft’s web site and leads you through the installation. Microsoft does not include extravagant extras like Creative’s Webcams do, but it packs the necessities all within the Microsoft LifeCam package: you will be able to take still photos, shoot videos, and edit with either Windows Movie Maker, Microsoft Paint, or Adobe PhotoShop.
Like most Webcam software, the Microsoft LifeCam suite is effortless to use. 3 buttons on top of the screen let you decide on taking a still photo, recording audio, or recording video. On the left side, a button launches a window that lets you pick out video resolution. You can decide on capturing photos in the equal resolution you have selected for video or set photo resolution individually. Microsoft includes a dashboard that lets you add cartoon characters and backgrounds to the picture; but the video effects aren’t as stunning as Creative’s or Logitech’s. The dashboard also includes LifeCam navigational controls, such as pan and zoom. There’s also a button at the bottom of the window that launches the Windows Live Space blogging tool where you can automatically post pictures to your blog; a cool feature we haven’t seen in any other Webcams.
Although a decent all-around webcam, the VX-600′s image quality and video effects don’t measure up to the Logitech or Creative webcams. If you are a frequent user of Windows Live Messenger, this webcam’s features may be right for you but the Creative Live Cam Voice or Logitech QuickCam Fusion are the better options out there.