Microsoft Lifecam VX-1000

• Windows Live Call Button for use with Windows Live Messenger
• Universal Attachment Base fits on most monitors, or sits directly on desk
• Simple set-up and one-touch calling
• Flexible six-foot cable
• Compatible with leading instant messaging software

ok if not expecting everything perfect:
This camera is similar to most webcams I have dealt with. It has a digital delay, you can see the jumps - it is not a smooth video transmission. It can record dark if you don't know how to do lighting. I am able to deal with these flaws, but other people expect it to show "real time" and "real life" - it is simple technology with simple features. My aunt installed it fine, but it wants to install Windows Messenger and she had problems with that. It was Christmas Day so maybe something was wrong with the website. I paid $22 at Amazon. You get what you paid for. It is simple and works for casual purpose. Don't expect perfection for $22.

VX-1000:
Works as described. Good value. We use it with Digi-Watcher as part of our home security setup. It runs all day (and sometimes all night) under changing indoor light conditions. It doubles as our Skype cam. Focused at about 5', it provides good depth of field, suitable for watching a whole room or a user seated right in front of it without refocus. Good all-around camera.

Microsoft VX-1000 WebCam:
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3085LO2CHKOZD Took it out of the box, installed the program, plugged in the Camera's USB and that was it, worked beautifully. Excellent Cam for under $25, you cannot go wrong with this buy. I'm using Windows XP on a T3410 eMachine. I have a $50 Logitech webcam that looks pretty good, but this camera out did that in clarity, color and speedier as it uses less puter resources, at least the program does over Logitech Image Studio. The Dashboard addition to the program is good for special effects and a little comedy on video or still pics! Focus ring on the front, mic is in a small slot on the front, I prefer a headset over a cam mic though. Can't beat this Webcam for the price. If your using Windows XP, download Webcam Timershot and you can make any Webcam takes an automatic pic as set intervals and save them automatically to your drive. Use if for fun or security to see if anyone is messing with your computer, then slap them if you catch them! haaa Timershot download from Microsoft @: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx The video I took above is from the VX-1000. The video was razor sharp, then when uploaded it was slightly larger than original. Thus the slight pixelization. The shadow effect is not part of the special effects of the camera it is just a video accident that I happened upon. I had the ceiling light out in my room and only a round bulb flourescent telescopic desk lamp on and angled a bit above my head. It made all the background black and as I leaned back in the chair I noticed I dissapeared from the camera so I had a little fun with the effect. Yep, I'm bored and need to get a life!!!

Excellent Camera:
I definitely recommend this camera! I bought it not expecting anything amazing but it actually is pretty darn good quality. It was easy to set up and figure out how to use too. Plus, the adjusting ring allows you to focus the video until it's clear. If you're looking for a nice, affordable camera this is the one for you.

Doesn't work with XP SP2:
I was simply unable to install the driver, due to Error code 1603. I then download its most recent driver from Microsoft web site ... Still no luck.