Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000
by Microsoft
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Our Price: $65.25 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $7.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000
Customer Review: Very pleased!
Summary: 4 Stars
I had purchased another webcam that I was NOT happy with and returned, and ordered this Microsoft Lifecam VX-100 based primarily on the video review(thanks!)It was shipped super fast by the seller(Super Deal in Brooklyn)and arrived in 3 days!!!! :)
The installation process was a bit time consuming and cumbersome, but may have to do with my older model Dell laptop/OS/etc more so than the camera/software. It was labeled very clearly with install software before connecting camera, and came to find you have to go through installation of Windows Live Messenger (which I'm not interested in using as I am a Skyper) and this is what took time. Once that was done the camera installation went fast and painlessly. I am not a technical, camera litterate person and wanted something that's easy to use, and this is it.
Skype found the camera immediately, and although it was too late in the evening to try it out on a live subject, the tests I ran seemed to be just fine. I am pleased with the settings options and chose low light and backlight comp(?)The picture is a little bit delayed, but by far as much as the first camera I bought. The stand unfolds and the camera clamps easily on to the laptop monitor. I also liked the fact that it connects via only the USB port and did not require an additional plug- in for the microphone.
For the price and ease of this camera I am overall very happy with it. I can not compare it to a more expensive, fancy model, but this works very well for my needs!
Customer Review: NOT good for windows 7
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this back when I used to have an XP system. It was fine because you could easily program it to use another microphone over the built-in one. That was a GREAT thing because there is nothing but a constant noise. This feature was taken away with thier recent format you have to get to make the webcam compatible with 7. The only way I can get the microphone override is reinstall it and set the other microphone to default (by going into contol panel>sound). BUT THIS ONLY LASTS UNTIL YOU CLOSE THE PROGRAM. Then there is NO WAY to get the other mic to work again. I HAVE LITERALLY INVESTED HOURS IN TRYING TO FIGURE THIS OUT!!! It cannot be done without reinstalling it every time. I'm just going to have to buy a new webcam. Don't waste your money on this if you want it to last. Eventually you will get a new computer that will come with Windows 7 and you'll have nothing but headache.
If someone can show me how to successfully override the built-in microphone, I will retract my statements and give this 4 stars. But I am in doubt this can be done.
UPDATE!!! After HOURS I figured it out. Basically you have to go into the Sounds tab (within the control panel) and switch the default microphone from one to the other. So if your webcam mic is default, switch to the one you have plugged in. If the one you plugged in is defult, switch to the webcam. THIS MAKES NO SENSE but it works.
Customer Review: Cool Camera. Too Bad it Doesn't Work.
Summary: 1 Stars
I am 17 years old and spend a LOT of time online. My system is Windows Vista and I use a Toshiba laptop (bought it two years ago). I don't have a lot of high-tech software; I use Windows Movie Maker to make my videos.
I've been using my digital camera (which is supposed to be used mainly for taking pictures) to make videos, which only records for 60 seconds. That was a pain, so I decided to get a webcam. I researched for hours and found this one. It sounded like a great product with a ton of good reviews.
Unfortunately, when I tried to install it on my computer, it didn't work. I installed the software, exactly as instructed (though the instructions were a bit too concise - they could have explained a little more thoroughly). No matter what I did, I couldn't get the camera to work. All I could do was take pictures with it. I already have a camera for that.
The picture was a bit grainy, but that didn't bother me. I asked a friend who works with code daily if he could help me. Maybe I was doing something wrong. But nothing he suggested worked, either. I tried Microsoft help and troubleshooting and absolutely nothing helped or worked. So I returned the camera.
I commend Amazon, however, for getting the camera to me promptly and easing me through one of the smoothest returns/refunds I've ever been through. The return/refund process was quite simple and fast.
Customer Review: Possible Vista 64 bit Version Problems
Summary: 2 Stars
Bought this one and after installing and testing with friends on Skype, both noted significant problems with my audio (couldn't hear or understand me; sounded very distorted). I played with some settings and decided to record using the included program to see if the problem was due to Skype. When it would work to finally record (after a two second or so delay after clicking the record button) it would distort the image, then there would be lots of lag and the audio was not able to be comprehended at all.
As I've had lots of "luck" with the 64 bit version of Windows, I'm willing to bet this may be why. Even though it is Windows Vista certified/compatible (whichever it is) it does not necessarily mean it works flawlessly with the 64 bit version. A quick Google search brought me to a few other people with similar issues. I have returned it after having no success when I tweaked with the settings, and I have since bought another camera that specifically states it works with the 64 bit version.
Hope this will save someone else some hassle!!
Customer Review: No online help and no choice over installation/folder locations
Summary: 1 Stars
It won't let me choose what drive to install it on; it just automatically installs it on my C drive, which I don't have much space on. It wouldn't be that big of a deal, but it won't let me change the folder location for all of the videos you make, so while I have 780 gigs of room on other partitions, I can't use them because Microsoft is too stupid to allow you to choose installation or folder locations. They offer no online help because you have to give a product ID number, which doesn't actually exist. It tells you to go to the menu, click help, and then about. Well, it has help/about in separate choices, and neither of them show your ID number, so you're screwed.
Oh, and I installed it and tried messing with the brightness/contrast. With the brightness all the way down, it's still way too bright. Horrible camera. Buy something else unless you don't care about product support, installation choices, folder locations, or brightness levels.