Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000

Product Survey: Webcams

After the LifeCam VX-5500, it's now time for Microsft to release the VX-2000, and at first glance, this webcam is a carbon copy of its big sister. The two models share a similar design, a 640 x 480 resolution and manual focus. So what's changed? Well, this new model is plug and play, and so it can get you video chatting without the need to install any extra software. The stand has also been redesigned, and is now smaller. It still works on any surface though. Finally, the noise-cancelling treatment is no longer available. Let's see if these changes have any effect on the quality of this webcam. In general, both the quality of still images is good and video is responsive. The picture doesn't break up, and there is no ghosting with movement. There could be more detail, though. The webcam tends to block out dark areas, losing detail. In night mode, the webcam does well and there's no noticeable drop in the framerate. There is, though, a small amount of overexposure, which means a lot of detail is washed out in lighter areas. When using VoIP, your voice is clear and is easily recognisable by the other caller.