LifeCam
The LifeCam is a lineup of webcams from Microsoft for PC users marketed since 2006. Various models and series of webcams are designed for either laptops or desktops.
VX Series
History
The VX series of Microsoft LifeCam debuted on 13 June 2006,[1] and were available for sale in August 2006 as Microsoft's first entry into selling webcams, with only two models, the VX-3000 and VX-6000. One of the exclusive features include the integration with Windows Live Messenger, by having a Windows Live Call button that can be used to easily initiate a video call.
These models both feature a similar round body design, with a round base, known as the Universal Attachment Base.
The entire series was designed for desktop use, as it used a base for attaching it to a desktop monitor. All webcams of this series interface via USB.
Specifications
Model | Released | Video Resolution | Image Sensor | Built in Microphone | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VX-500 | 2008 May[2] | 640 x 480 | 0.3 MP | No | |
VX-700 | 2008 Aug[3] | 640 x 480 | 0.3 MP | Yes | Seems to be available in selected markets only. |
VX-800[4] | Japan - 2009 Sept[5]
Spain - 2009 Oct[6] |
640 x 480 | 0.3 MP | Yes | Part Number JSD-00007,
was released in 2011, while JSD-00014 was released a year later. |
VX-1000[9] | 2006 Sept[10] | 640 x 480 | 0.3 MP | Yes | Universal attachment base |
VX-2000 | 2009 May[11] | 640 x 480 | 1.3 MP | Yes | |
VX-3000 | 2006 June[1] | 640 x 480 | 1.3 MP | Yes | Automatic face tracking software
Universal attachment base Pan, tilt and zoom |
VX-5000[12] | 2008 May[2] | 640 x 480 | 1.3 MP | Yes | Flexible Stand
Available in three colour variants:
|
VX-5500 | 2008 Sept[13] | 640 x 480 | 1.3 MP | Yes | Swappable plastic front covers
(in white, blue and red) |
VX-6000[14] | 2006 June[1] | 1280 x 1024 | 1.3 MP
(5.0MP Interpolated) |
Yes | Wide-angle lens
No Automatic face tracking software Universal attachment base Pan, tilt and zoom |
VX-7000 | 2007 Sept[15] | 1600 x 1200 | 2.0 MP
(7.6 MP Interpolated) |
Yes |
NX Series
All webcams of the NX series are designed for notebooks and interfaces via USB 2.0.
Specifications
Model | Released | Life Call Button Rated Actuations | Field of View | Video Resolution | Image Sensor | Built in Microphone | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX-3000[16] | 2007 Sept[15] | 5,000 | 55° Diagonal | 640 x 480 (0.3MP) | 0.3MP
1.3MP Interpolated |
Yes | Face-tracking, digital pan, tilt, and 3x zoom
are not available for 640 x 480 video capture. |
NX-6000[17] | 2006 Sept[18] | 10,000 | 71° Diagonal | 1600 x 1190 (2.0MP) | CMOS 2.0MP
7.6MP Interpolated |
Yes | Face-tracking, digital pan, tilt, and 3x zoom are not available for 640 x 480 video capture. |
LifeCam Show
- 2.0 megapixel sensor
- 8.0 megapixel still images (interpolated)
- 21-60" focused depth of field (fixed focus)
- 71-degree wide angle lens
- Comes with many attachments: Magnet disc, clip, and its own stand—it can be used on both desktop and laptop computers.
- Released: Sep 2008
LifeCam Cinema
- 720p 16:9 1/4" OmniVision OV9712 Sensor[19]
- 5.0 megapixel still images (interpolated)
- Autofocus
- Built-in microphone
- 73,5-degree wide angle glass lens [20]
- 4"-∞ depth of field (autofocus)
- Released: Aug 2009[21]
LifeCam Studio
HD Series
These series debuted in March 2010 and uses Microsoft's TrueColor technology for improved color balance. They all have 720p HD video resolution and have built-in microphones.[24]
Specifications
Model | Released | Video Resolution | Image Sensor | Auto focus | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HD-3000 | 2011 Feb | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | No | Lacks video effects. |
HD-5000 | 2010 Mar | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | Yes | |
HD-5001 | 2010 Mar | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | Yes | Best Buy exclusive |
HD-6000 | 2010 May | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | Yes | Designed for notebook users. |
References
- "Microsoft Hardware Advances Digital Communications Experiences: First webcams from Microsoft make seeing, hearing and sharing a breeze". Microsoft. 2006-06-13. Archived from the original on 2006-06-16. Retrieved 2020-02-22.
- "New Microsoft LifeCam Bends Over Backward for You". Microsoft. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2020-02-22.
- Dubey, Krati (2008-08-28). "Microsoft LifeCam VX-700 Webcam Launched in India". TechShout. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
- "LifeCam VX-800 Technical Data Sheet" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2020-03-02.
- "マイクロソフト、厚さ13mmのBluetooth対応モバイルキーボードとウェブカメラなど発売". CNET Japan (in Japanese). 2009-09-29. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
- Penalva, Javier (2009-10-17). "LifeCam VX-800 de Microsoft, sencilla y asequible". Xataka (in Spanish). Retrieved 2020-03-17.
- There is no known official press release by Microsoft for this product. This approximation for international sales is done by factoring first archive date of US website, and Amazon's first availability date of 5 Apr 2011.
- "Microsoft Webcam: LifeCam VX-800". Microsoft. 2011-06-24. Archived from the original on 2011-06-24. Retrieved 2020-03-02.
- "LifeCam VX-1000". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 2009-12-09. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
- "Microsoft Expands Digital Communications Line With Notebook LifeCam Featuring Industry's Highest Video and Still Resolution". Microsoft. 2006-09-13. Retrieved 2020-03-02.
- "Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000: Share Life at a Price That's Right". Microsoft. 2009-05-19. Retrieved 2020-03-02.
- "LifeCam VX-5000". Microsoft. 2010-02-03. Archived from the original on 2010-02-03. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
- "Microsoft's Latest LifeCams Bring Life to Video Calls With Versatile New Designs". Microsoft. 2008-09-09. Retrieved 2020-03-02.
- "LifeCam VX-6000". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 2009-12-08. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
- "Microsoft Hardware Kicks Off 25th Year with Pioneering New LifeCams and Notebook Mice". Microsoft. 2007-09-13. Retrieved 2020-03-02.
- "Microsoft Internet Communications – LifeCam NX-3000". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 2008-03-05. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
- "Microsoft Internet Communications – LifeCam NX-6000". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 2008-03-09. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
- "Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Has 2-megapixel Video Resolution". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
- OmniVision Brings True 720p HD Video to Microsoft's New Flagship Webcam, Press Release from 5. October 2009
- Technical Data Sheet for Microsoft LifeCam Cinema
- "Action! LifeCam Cinema Introduces 720p HD Widescreen Video". 20 August 2009.
- Presentation of the Microsoft LifeCam Studio
- Technical Data Sheet for Microsoft LifeCam Studio
- "Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000, HD-5001 and HD-6000 webcams get TrueColor auto-balance". 16 March 2010.