The LifeCam is a lineup of webcams from Microsoft for PC users marketed since 2006. Various models and series of webcams are designed for either laptops or desktops.
The VX series of Microsoft LifeCam debuted on 13 June 2006, [1] and were available for sale in August 2006 as Microsoft's first entry into selling webcams, with only two models, the VX-3000 and VX-6000. One of the exclusive features include the integration with Windows Live Messenger, by having a Windows Live Call button that can be used to easily initiate a video call.
These models both feature a similar round body design, with a round base, known as the Universal Attachment Base.
The entire series was designed for desktop use, as it used a base for attaching it to a desktop monitor. All webcams of this series interface via USB.
Model | Released | Video Resolution | Image Sensor | Built in Microphone | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VX-500 | 2008 May [2] | 640 x 480 | 0.3 MP | No | |
VX-700 | 2008 Aug [3] | 640 x 480 | 0.3 MP | Yes | Seems to be available in selected markets only. |
VX-800 [4] | Japan - 2009 Sept [5] Spain - 2009 Oct [6] | 640 x 480 | 0.3 MP | Yes | Part Number JSD-00007, was released in 2011, while JSD-00014 was released a year later. |
VX-1000 [9] | 2006 Sept [10] | 640 x 480 | 0.3 MP | Yes | Universal attachment base |
VX-2000 | 2009 May [11] | 640 x 480 | 1.3 MP | Yes | |
VX-3000 | 2006 June [1] | 640 x 480 | 1.3 MP | Yes | Automatic face tracking software Universal attachment base Pan, tilt and zoom |
VX-5000 [12] | 2008 May [2] | 640 x 480 | 1.3 MP | Yes | Flexible Stand Available in three colour variants:
|
VX-5500 | 2008 Sept [13] | 640 x 480 | 1.3 MP | Yes | Swappable plastic front covers (in white, blue and red) |
VX-6000 [14] | 2006 June [1] | 1280 x 1024 | 1.3 MP (5.0MP Interpolated) | Yes | Wide-angle lens No Automatic face tracking software Universal attachment base Pan, tilt and zoom |
VX-7000 | 2007 Sept [15] | 1600 x 1200 | 2.0 MP (7.6 MP Interpolated) | Yes |
All webcams of the NX series are designed for notebooks and interfaces via USB 2.0.
Model | Released | Life Call Button Rated Actuations | Field of View | Video Resolution | Image Sensor | Built in Microphone | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX-3000 [16] | 2007 Sept [15] | 5,000 | 55° Diagonal | 640 x 480 (0.3MP) | 0.3MP 1.3MP Interpolated | Yes | Face-tracking, digital pan, tilt, and 3x zoom are not available for 640 x 480 video capture. |
NX-6000 [17] | 2006 Sept [18] | 10,000 | 71° Diagonal | 1600 x 1190 (2.0MP) | CMOS 2.0MP 7.6MP Interpolated | Yes | Face-tracking, digital pan, tilt, and 3x zoom are not available for 640 x 480 video capture. |
These series debuted in March 2010 and uses Microsoft's TrueColor technology for improved color balance. They all have 720p HD video resolution and have built-in microphones. [24]
Model | Released | Video Resolution | Image Sensor | Auto focus | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HD-3000 | 2011 Feb | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | No | Lacks video effects. |
HD-5000 | 2010 Mar | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | Yes | |
HD-5001 | 2010 Mar | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | Yes | Best Buy exclusive |
HD-6000 | 2010 May | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | Yes | Designed for notebook users. |
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