The latest in webcams comes from Microsoft’s Hardware division. The LifeCam VX-3000 is both a camera as well as a noise-cancelling microphone. The camera itself captures video at 640×480 pixels, takes photos at a 1.3 megapixel resolution, includes face tracking software that controls the camera’s pan, tilt and zoon functions, and adjusts for low lighting conditions. The other camera in this line is the VX-6000 which also adds a wide angle lens and a 3x digital zoom. The VX-6000 also takes photos at 5 megapixels and shoots video at 1280×1024. Microsoft is launching these webcams to coincide with the new version of Windows Messenger (called Windows Live Messenger), but these webcams interoperate with other Instant Messenger apps as well.
The Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 is optimized for Windows Live Messenger. Three key features give you a superior Windows Live Experience. First, the Windows Live Call Button makes it easy to start a video call. Simply press the button to see who’s online, and you’re on your way to a video call. Second, with the LifeCam Dashboard you can access video effects and control your webcam from the Windows Live Messenger window. Lastly, with One-Touch Blogging, a single click allows you to upload to Windows Live Spaces, an “online scrapbook” that lets you easily post blogs, photo albums, and personal music lists.
Price: $49.99, $99.99
(Please note prices are subject to change and the listed price is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting)