Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000

With Microsoft’s Live Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger) proving to be the most popular instant messaging software by some margin, it doesn’t take a giant leap of logic to see why Microsoft might also want a piece of the webcam market, selling devices designed to be directly compatible with the software.

Features
The VX-6000 is Microsoft’s flagship webcam and it covers all the basics. It has a built-in microphone so you don’t have to worry about buying a separate model, and a button on top that can take you straight to a video chat menu in Live Messenger. The camera features a 1.3-megapixel lens with a wide angle, so a small family should be able to sit in front of it to hold group conversations.

Performance
Pictures on the camera look good, even in slightly dodgy lighting conditions. We found the sound from the microphone was a bit rough though, and certainly wasn’t the best on-board microphone we’ve come across in recent webcam reviews.

Ease of use
There can’t be that many webcams in existence that are tricky to use and this model is no different – install the software, plug it in and you’re there. If you are a Live Messenger user then there are shortcuts that can turn a small number of button presses into even fewer, though once you’ve committed to an instant messenger, most of the ease of use should come from the software rather than the camera, and this model slips into the background well. If you’re not a Live Messenger user, it is also compatible with the other big-name messengers.

Value for money
Although the webcam is pretty good, for this price we’d be looking for perfection, and we thought its microphone let it down a bit. The software isn’t as sophisticated as some of the software available on other manufacturers’ devices either.