LifeCam
Webcam for PCs
title: "LifeCam" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["microsoft-hardware", "webcams", "videotelephony", "computer-related-introductions-in-2006"] description: "Webcam for PCs" topic_path: "general/microsoft-hardware" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LifeCam" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary Webcam for PCs ::
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
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/Lifecam_vx-3000.jpg" caption="LifeCam VX-3000"] ::
History
The VX series of Microsoft LifeCam debuted on 13 June 2006, 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.[[File:Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000.jpg|thumb|195x195px|LifeCam VX-1000]]
Specifications
::data[format=table]
| Model | Released | Video Resolution | Image Sensor | Built in Microphone | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VX-500 | url=https://news.microsoft.com/2008/05/13/new-microsoft-lifecam-bends-over-backward-for-you/ | title=New Microsoft LifeCam Bends Over Backward for You | date=2008-05-13 | website=Microsoft | language=en-US |
| VX-700 | 2008 Aug | 640 x 480 | 0.3 MP | Seems to be available in selected markets only. | |
| VX-800 | Japan - 2009 Sept | 640 x 480 | 0.3 MP | Part Number JSD-00007, | |
| VX-1000 | 2006 Sept | 640 x 480 | 0.3 MP | Universal attachment base | |
| VX-2000 | 2009 May | 640 x 480 | 1.3 MP | ||
| VX-3000 | url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/jun06/06-13LifeCamPR.mspx | title=Microsoft Hardware Advances Digital Communications Experiences: First webcams from Microsoft make seeing, hearing and sharing a breeze. | date=2006-06-13 | website=Microsoft | url-status=dead |
| VX-5000 | 2008 May | 640 x 480 | 1.3 MP | Flexible Stand | |
| VX-5500 | 2008 Sept | 640 x 480 | 1.3 MP | Swappable plastic front covers | |
| VX-6000 | 2006 June | 1280 x 1024 | 1.3 MP | Wide-angle lens | |
| VX-7000 | url=https://news.microsoft.com/2007/09/13/microsoft-hardware-kicks-off-25th-year-with-pioneering-new-lifecams-and-notebook-mice/ | title=Microsoft Hardware Kicks Off 25th Year with Pioneering New LifeCams and Notebook Mice | date=2007-09-13 | website=Microsoft | language=en-US |
| :: |
NX Series
All webcams of the NX series are designed for notebooks and interfaces via USB 2.0.
Specifications
::data[format=table]
| Model | Released | Life Call Button Rated Actuations | Field of View | Video Resolution | Image Sensor | Built in Microphone | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX-3000 | 2007 Sept | 5,000 | 55° Diagonal | 640 x 480 (0.3MP) | 0.3MP | Face-tracking, digital pan, tilt, and 3x zoom | |
| NX-6000 | 2006 Sept | 10,000 | 71° Diagonal | 1600 x 1190 (2.0MP) | CMOS 2.0MP | 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
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/MS_LifeCam_Cinema.jpg" caption="LifeCam Cinema"] ::
- 720p 16:9 1/4" OmniVision OV9712 Sensor
- 5.0 megapixel still images (interpolated)
- Autofocus
- Built-in microphone
- 73,5-degree wide angle glass lens
- 4"-∞ depth of field (autofocus)
- Released: Aug 2009
LifeCam Studio
- 1080p 16:9 Sensor
- 8.0 megapixel still images (interpolated)
- Autofocus
- Built-in microphone
- 75-degree wide angle glass lens
- Tripod thread
- Released: Sep 2010
HD Series
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Microsoft_LifeCam_HD-5000.jpg" caption="LifeCam HD-5000"] ::
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.
Specifications
::data[format=table]
| Model | Released | Video Resolution | Image Sensor | Auto focus | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD-3000 | 2011 Feb | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | Lacks video effects. | |
| HD-5000 | 2010 Mar | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | ||
| HD-5001 | 2010 Mar | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | Best Buy exclusive | |
| HD-6000 | 2010 May | 1280 x 720 | 4 MP | Designed for notebook users. | |
| :: |
References
References
- (2008-05-13). "New Microsoft LifeCam Bends Over Backward for You".
- Dubey, Krati. (2008-08-28). "Microsoft LifeCam VX-700 Webcam Launched in India".
- "LifeCam VX-800 Technical Data Sheet".
- (2009-09-29). "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".
- Penalva, Javier. (2009-10-17). "LifeCam VX-800 de Microsoft, sencilla y asequible".
- 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.
- (2011-06-24). "Microsoft Webcam: LifeCam VX-800".
- "LifeCam VX-1000".
- (2006-09-13). "Microsoft Expands Digital Communications Line With Notebook LifeCam Featuring Industry's Highest Video and Still Resolution".
- (2009-05-19). "Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000: Share Life at a Price That's Right".
- (2006-06-13). "Microsoft Hardware Advances Digital Communications Experiences: First webcams from Microsoft make seeing, hearing and sharing a breeze.".
- (2010-02-03). "LifeCam VX-5000".
- (2008-09-09). "Microsoft's Latest LifeCams Bring Life to Video Calls With Versatile New Designs".
- "LifeCam VX-6000".
- (2007-09-13). "Microsoft Hardware Kicks Off 25th Year with Pioneering New LifeCams and Notebook Mice".
- "Microsoft Internet Communications – LifeCam NX-3000".
- "Microsoft Internet Communications – LifeCam NX-6000".
- (15 September 2006). "Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Has 2-megapixel Video Resolution".
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20120726143331/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/10/05/idUS93507+05-Oct-2009+PRN20091005 OmniVision Brings True 720p HD Video to Microsoft's New Flagship Webcam], Press Release from 5. October 2009
- [http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/d/c/2dc5a37c-bb49-4014-970f-08d99aa4d745/TDS_LifeCamCinema_0909A.pdf Technical Data Sheet for Microsoft LifeCam Cinema]
- (20 August 2009). "Action! LifeCam Cinema Introduces 720p HD Widescreen Video".
- [http://www.trendygadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/StudioFS_FINAL.pdf Presentation of the Microsoft LifeCam Studio]
- [http://download.microsoft.com/download/0/9/5/0952776D-7A26-40E1-80C4-76D73FC729DF/TDS_LifeCamStudio.pdf Technical Data Sheet for Microsoft LifeCam Studio]
- (16 March 2010). "Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000, HD-5001 and HD-6000 webcams get TrueColor auto-balance".
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