Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000: Easy Way to Stay in Touch

My family and I recently dragged ourselves into the 21^st century. One set of grandparents lives about 2000 miles away from us. It's hard to see your grandchildren grow up in a once a year trip, so they suggested that we look into getting a webcam.

In case anyone else is this low-tech and hasn't heard of webcam, here is a brief definition, according to Wikipedia: a web camera is a real time camera, whose images can be accessed using the World Wide Web, instant messaging, or a PC video calling application.

We did some research on what type of web camera to purchase. Since we use Windows on our PC, we ended up with Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000. And we love it! Here are a few reasons why we think the Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 was the right purchase for us.

The price. One advantage of buying technology a few years behind anyone else is that the price is lower. We paid $50 with a mail in rebate of $15, making this an extremely affordable way to stay in touch.

Built-in microphone. When you are planning on "talking" with two active young children, the built-in microphone is a definite plus. The audio on the Microsoft Life Cam VX-3000 is crystal-clear and fuss-free.

Automatic face-tracking ability. Once again, our primary use with this web camera is for our young children. The automatic face-tracking capability of the Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 allows the viewer to see all the multiple wiggles and jumps of her grandchildren without losing sight of their faces.

Still photos. Parents and grandparents just can't get enough pictures of their cute offspring, right? This Microsoft LifeCam allows you to take still photos in that split second that one of the wiggly offspring is looking particularly adorable. The quality of these still photos rivals that of a good digital camera. The web camera also adjusts for low-light automatically.

Long cable. There is no need for the adoring grandparent on the other end of this video call to miss any of the antics of the grandchildren. The LifeCam comes with a 6 foot long, flexible thin cable so you can help track the children's movements.

One button usage. With the included software, you can start a video chat by clicking one button. If the viewer also has Microsoft Windows Live Messenger, you can click "On-line Contact" and be talking and viewing in real time in a matter of seconds. However, if the intended viewer does not have Windows Live Messenger, the Microsoft LifeCam is compatible with Yahoo Messenger, Aol Instant Messenger, and others. I have used the LifeCam with Yahoo when video chatting with my friends, and it is equally easy to use; getting started requires pushing two or three more buttons, and the intended viewer must have the most update version of Yahoo Messenger.

Those are the reasons we love the Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000. I only have a few minor complaints about it:

I wish it came with a sliding lens cover for when the camera is not being used.

I think the microphone is very sensitive. It picks up noise from a room or two away, and that isn't always an asset.

There is a slight delay in moving and seeing the movement on screen; but no worse than those often seen on network TV.

It says it is compatible with AOL Instant Messenger, but when I downloaded AIM, the computer froze up and the Microsoft Windows Live Messenger wouldn't work until I deleted the AIM software.

For the money, and ease of use and installation, we think the Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 was a great value.