Microsoft

LifeCam VX-7000 boasts a 2 megapixel image sensor.

We all know Microsoft as the company behind Windows.

But there's more to Microsoft than software, as anybody who owns an Xbox or one of Microsoft's popular mice or keyboards can attest.

Last year, the company introduced its first Webcams, and this month, a second generation is being introduced.

We had a chance to check out the LifeCam VX-7000 ($100), the new flagship product in Microsoft's Webcam lineup.

The VX-7000, about the size of a jumbo pack of gum, is designed to balance on top of your desktop monitor or notebook screen using a foldout support. It connects to your computer (Windows XP or Vista only) using a permanently-attached cable. For the record, I've always preferred detachable cables at each end of a component—dog chews the cable, you just replace the cable.

I found the software installation to be the trickiest and most frustrating part of using the VX-7000. For some unexplained reason, both the LifeCam software included on the installation CD-ROM and the associated Windows Live Messenger software downloaded from the Web failed to finish loading on a recently-purchased PC running Windows Vista.

The software finally "took" after several frustrating attempts and a reboot or two.

Whatever happened to "plug & play"?

The installation consternation hardly seemed called for given the outward simplicity of the LifeCam software. The simple interface gives you three basic options: snap a photo, record audio (using the VX-7000's built-in noise-canceling microphone), or make a movie.

This Web camera tops most similar products in at least one category—resolution. Its 2-megapixel image sensor can make movies that are appreciably sharper than garden variety Webcams. I found, however, that any rapid movement in the frame tended to blur, as if the sensor couldn't keep up with the action.

I tested LifeCam's still photo capability by snapping a photo of a magazine cover at high resolution. While the picture was acceptable, the result was no match for even the most basic consumer still camera. The printed text looked soft.

That could be due to the fixed focus lens on the VX-7000. I've used other Web cams that have a simple focus adjustment, but this unit offers no adjustment options.

Microsoft has set up LifeCam to integrate with its Windows Live instant messenger application to make video phone calls over the Internet, and the VX-7000 software features a "dashboard" full of visual options to spice up your next chat.

These come in the form of fixed borders (guitars, drums, kitty cats) and animated overlays (clouds, flying saucers—even scrolling slices of pizza). It's fun.

I've seen Web cams priced as low as $10 recently, so it's difficult to justify the purchase of the VX-7000, which costs ten times as much.

The primary attraction is its high resolution image sensor, but I was unimpressed with the ghosting that accompanied any movement.

It turns out that you may already have something as good as (or maybe even better than) the VX-7000 that could be pressed into service as a Web camera.

Take a look at your digital still camera or camcorder. If it comes with a USB or FireWire cable to download photos and video clips to your computer, it may also be possible to tether it for use as a Webcam. Check the camera's documentation or the manufacturer's Web site for details.

Finally, a couple of Web camera usage tips:

• Shed some light on the subject.

You've probably seen the Web videos where the subject appears to be illuminated only by the glow of a computer screen. The image sensor in most Webcams works best with a lot of light. You don't have to go Hollywood; even putting a desk lamp behind the camera will help.

I like to use two small clip-on lamps (about $7 each)—one on either side of the camera, each at a 45 degree angle to the subject. I put small flourescent bulbs in the fixtures; they run cool, and you can simply use a piece of white paper over the bulb to diffuse the light for a very flattering effect.

• While the VX-7000 and most Web cams have built-in microphones, I strongly suggest that you use a headset for communication. It avoids any potential echo problem with your computer speakers interacting with the microphone. You'll sound better, too.

Trust me: People watching your video will hear you a lot more clearly when the mike is close to your mouth.

Watch Computer Corner every week on News 8 Midday at noon, or online any time.

E-mail askwalt@wfaa.com