New LifeCams unleashed


Posted by Nick White on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 3:52 PM 16 Comments

Today MS Hardware announces two new LifeCam models that will hit store shelves later this month.  The VX-7000 and the NX-3000 each boast a sleek design alongside impressive features for capturing and sharing photos with friends and family.
 
The VX-7000 is designed for the desktop PC, with a 2.0-megapixel sensor for HD video (2.0 MP) and still photography (7.6 MP interpolated).  Its new design allows it to fit seamlessly onto a PC monitor; in addition, it offers:

  • Built-in unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation
  • 71-degree wide-angle lens
  • Automatic adjustments for low-light conditions
  • Illuminated LED to indicate when it's in use

For laptop PCs, the NX-3000 offers video at 640x480 resolution, HD still photography (1.3 MP) and a built-in unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation.  Other features are:

  • Automatic audio control to enhance sound clarity
  • Swivel lens to adjust camera angle for use on notebooks
  • Illuminated LED indicates when it's in use
  • Video Effects to personalize video calls
  • Protective carrying case

LifeCam users with Windows Live Messenger (Beta) should note that they can take advantage of a new virtual photo album called Photo Swap, which allows sharing of photos in real time.

Both the VX-7000 and NX-3000 will be available later this month, at estimated retail prices of US$99.95 and US$59.95, respectively.

SEP 12
 

Posted by Josh's Windows Weblog

Today Microsoft Hardware unveiled 5 new devices that will be in stores between September and October
SEP 13
 

Posted by Electronic Punk

Illunminated LEDs!!! Light emmiting diodes that light up!

Sadly wasn't impressed with the way my Lifecam 6000 would randomly stop working during messenger conversations, so won't be investing.
SEP 13
 

Posted by tino

Ohoh, instead of releasing a working Vista driver for the NX LifeCam Microsoft releases new generation of cams? Unbelievable!
SEP 13
 

Posted by Spencer

The new LifeCam design is very nice.  I will definitely pick one of these up soon.
SEP 13
 

Posted by Parm

Though the new LifeCams do look nice, is there any chance of working drivers for the current LifeCams?

I've a VX3000 that locks up my Windows Vista 64bit PC whenever I try to set it up.
SEP 13
 

Posted by All Things Techy...

New LifeCams unleashed
SEP 13
 

Posted by newscientist2000

Some pretty impressive hardware specs on that first webcam, hopefully the software drivers are up to the job, and Microsoft can update the drivers for older webcams soon for those effected.

Although I dont own an older Microsoft Lifecam I do have a Logitech Orbit MP, which is a really good camera, but the first driver revision that came on with the camera on a CD was functional but a little buggy, the second driver update that added new features was real garbage, as it used 100% of the cpu on my machine and caused system instability.  Only a year later when Vista came out and Logitech could be bothered to update their drivers did the XP drivers come out that finally worked properly.

My advice is to read some reviews before splurging on any webcam or buy from a store that will allow returns if the software/hardware is buggy.  
SEP 13
 

Posted by Brandon LeBlanc

For all those interested in LifeCam Drivers:

Microsoft has released update drivers for ALL LifeCams (the new ones announced by Nick above and the old ones). You can now upgrade from the 1.3 version of drivers to 1.4:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/windowsvista/support.mspx

Just choose "Install software" next to LifeCam software.

I've tested the drivers out with my LifeCam and have noticed some impressive performance improvements. Worth checking out if you have a LifeCam currently.

- Brandon
SEP 14
 

Posted by newscientist2000

Thanks for the info Brandon
SEP 18
 

Posted by Parm

Thank you very much for the info Brandon!

I've tried the 1.4 drivers and can confirm that my VX-3000 webcam is now usable on Windows Vista x64. Hoorah!
SEP 30
 

Posted by WhiteKnight

Does the microphone on the camera and the microphone on the laptop come together to form a microphone array (described in other Vista Blogs?) That would be cool!

What about the ring cam.  Thought it was coming this summer, but haven't seen it anywhere.
NOV 25
 

Posted by alexindra

Rightly said ..Microsoft Lifecam VX-1000 did work well with  work with AIM and Yahoo Messenger too..
DEC 05
 

Posted by NX3000

I know that this isn't an XP blog, but I just bought an NX-3000 and went to install it on XP with the included 1.4 driver disk (and also attempting to use the LC14.exe downloaded files) and I don't get any drivers installed for my camera.  Did they plop in new Vista drivers and remove the XP ones?
DEC 10
 

Posted by Brandon LeBlanc

NX3000, if you go to the following URL you can choose to download the setup files for XP:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/digitalcommunication/downloads/default.mspx

I'd try downloading the setup file there and using it to setup your webcam and see if that works.

- Brandon
FEB 06
 

Posted by weB3now

Hi, I'm wondering if someone can help me--I purchased a LifeCam VX-3000 and I am using it with 32 bit Vista.  I use this with Skype and it works great, everything is very clear and video is perfect.  The problem is I wanted to use this for video blogging, and whenever I click on video capture the video stops and starts, is very choppy and the audio isn't sync'ed and plays back at high speed--like I'm a chipmunk.

I don't understand this when I can use it for Skype calls and it works brilliantly, and then as soon as I try to record it doesn't work.  I have tried to adjust the resolution settings, and it makes no difference.  Can someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks!
FEB 07
 

Posted by Nick White

Hey weB3now:  we're not the best place to seek product support -- I suggest you direct your inquiry to one of the Windows Vista public newsgroups, found here:  http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.mspx.
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