Microsoft LifeCam Cinema Reviews

• Excellent Hardware, Lackluster Software

  
  By AD2ETOWFTAL5N on 2009-10-07
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1EN44PBAXWTNV Summary: It's a great product, but the software is lacking. It does require a lot of processing power to produce decent videos, so do everything you can to let the capture software have all of the processing power.
  
  For reference, I was using an AMD Athlon 64 XP Dual Core 6400+ CPU with 4GB of RAM when recording this video. I am running the software on a Windows XP 32-bit machine.
  
  This video was recorded with minimal software interference, but I'm also happy with the quality of the processing for low-light conditions. In this case, I was looking to get the best motion performance, so I turned off all of the auto features in order to get the best picture with the light I was using.
  
  As you will hear in the video, the built-in microphone isn't terrible, but it does have a pretty high noise floor. That is fine if you're using Skype, but lousy if you are trying to record higher quality videos. In this video, I used the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Condenser USB Microphone (except for the built-in mic demo).
  
  All in all, it's a great webcam for producing online videos. If you don't have external software, or don't have a top of the line computer, there may be a webcam that does what you need without so much hassle. For high quality stuff, this may well be the best hardware on the market.
  
  

• A great alternative to Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000

  
  By ARBKYIVNYWK3C on 2009-09-25
  I'm a big Skype user and have used the QuickCam Pro 9000 for quite some time. While Skype doesn't recognize this Microsoft cam as an "HQ" cam (or at least not yet, if ever), I have found that this cam excels as compared to the QuickCam Pro 9000 in three ways:
  
  1. This cam produces much richer colors. Some may say it borderlines oversaturated or "technicolor" but I really enjoy the brilliance of the colors
  2. Low light conditions keep rich and bright color. I find with the QuickCam it loses contrast to brighten up the picture.
  3. Launch time. I find with the Quickcam Pro 9000 the "ramp up/turn on" time is undesirably long when receiving an auto answer Skype call. This cam is ready to go immediately.
  
  As far as focusing goes, both the QickCam Pro 9000 and this cam aren't great at it in dark lighting conditions.
  
  The widescreen view is a really nice change from the normal 4:3 perspective. It really helps show your surroundings more and give a better feel to where you are.
  
  Installation was easy, and the cam itself seems far smaller than I was expecting.
  
  Under some conditions Skype callers on the receiving end prefer this video over the HQ Skype capable Quickcam Pro 9000. In some cases they prefer the Quickcam.
  
  I saw that some people mentioned the high hardware requirements so I wanted to let you know what I'm using it on:
  
  Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit
  Core i7 2.66
  3 GB memory
  
  I'm not going to outright say that this is a better webcam than the QuickCam Pro 9000 but it definitely gives it a run for it's money, and offers a few unique features that the QuickCam Pro 9000 does not, all in a smaller more attractive cam size & style.
  
  ---update--
  
  After several months of use, I have found that I'm using this cam more than the Logitech Quick Cam 9000. They're both equal in stature in my mind, but this one is better at low light use. I often Skype at night when the room is comfortably dim, so this has become my preferred camera. Even though it's not listed as an HQ cam for Skype, it still provides better overall performance for the way I use it.
  
  

• Good in very low light

  
  By A2MCHUE3Q7WTGQ on 2009-09-30
  I like the Lifecam Cinema webcam because it is the best webcam in very low light. With only the computer and TV on at night, the Lifecam Cinema webcam produces a viewable video for chat. In this same light settings, the Quickcam Pro9000s video is all black.
  
  In better light conditions, the Lifecam cinema will produce a good video with good color.
  
  This camera will focus as close as 1 inch. Good to play around with as a microscope, but a hassle everytime it does an autofocus. I turn off autofocus most of the time.
  
  People mentioned that this camera takes a powerful CPU. It only uses a lot of CPU power when you turn on the video effects, such as modifing the eyes, nose, face, and others.
  
  

• HD quality comes at a cost

  
  By A2FC720C4WCYYD on 2010-03-10
  I just want to start out and say that this is a REALLY great webcam. Of all the webcams I have used in the past, this one blows them out of the water. The standard quality is more than anyone can ask for, and Skype calls are crystal clear. Movement is captures very well. There is a small delay, but only noticeable during fast movements. The typical users would never notice.
  
  Why did I give it 4 stars? The HD quality is fantastic, but it does come at a cost. I own a quad-core processor with 4GB's or ram. My computer is VERY fast and can handle nearly any program you throw at it (I'm a web programmer and designer). This camera WILL take up the majority of your resources when capturing the HD video. My quad-core is hovering at about 40% cpu usage when the HD camera is running. Standard definition works without this additional load.
  
  I recommend this camera to ANYONE that has a Pentium 4 and above. I only recommend using the HD capabilities if you are running a high-end dual core or any quad-core processor.
  
  This was my first review of any product. Please be gentle ;)
  
  

• Linux Compatible!

  
  By A2DD27JIG94A1Z on 2009-10-21
  Yes that's right! Linux Compatible!!!
  
  I plugged this camera into my Fedora Core 11 machine (praying all the while) and was amazed that it was not only recognized immediately, but that it provided a stunning picture in Camorama, Cheese, and Skype. Not configuration needed. It was true plug and play!
  
  
  
  
• Hot to Get HD on Skype With This Cam
  By A3UO7LGQAQXPYE on 2010-03-12
  I found this on another website: For HD on Skype using this webcam,you must use Skype version 4.10.166 or later and install the free utility "Force Skype HQ", and then manually change the resolution using this program to 1280 x720.
  
  [...].
  
  
• Hey, for [...]... C'mon
  By A1HPDAH8QVRT6Y on 2010-04-17
  A web cam is a web cam is a web cam, right? Well, not exactly. I've messed around with a few web cams in the past, all of which had less than stellar picture quality. Life Cam is easily the best web-cam I've used. It's actually affordable and it's in 720P-hd no less. Well, let's not jump the gun. It does do 720P but it doesn't do it to the full capabilities some would expect or want. It's a feature you'd probably find yourself not using since the resources it takes to actually run it and calibrate it are a little daunting. I'm actually willing to bet that many who bought this cam just got it as a web cam and nothing more. And it is "just a web cam" but it's a damn good one.
  
  As I said, many probably don't even know how to get the thing calibrated right to even take advantage of the higher end options the device has. And that's fine. Because at the end of the day, this is the best web cam you can buy for the price. Sub-HD. Buy it and don't regret it. If you use a webcam for shows. Talking on skype. Animating. Whatever you use it for... This will do the trick.
  
  (side note) Make sure you TURN OFF THE AUTO FOCUS... IF YOU DON'T YOU WILL PROBABLY HAVE A FIT TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY IT'S BROKEN. Many people assume it's broken cause it keeps zooming in and out. It's not broken it's just got a little too high setting for the auto focus out of the box.
  
  
• Great webcam
  By AS0K6Z7BKA5WY on 2010-01-27
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RDK0QO29JROK5 Microsoft LifeCam Cinema
  
  
• Spend a little more for a better cam
  By A3HIEK23YAKLCX on 2010-05-26
  I compared this head to head with the Logitech C905 and the 9000 and both of them were vastly better. Specifically, they offered much better focus ability and true color rendering. The Microsoft camera kept focusing on the wall behind me, and even when I used manual focus it was never really sharp. The Logitech cameras were much sharper and focused on me, not things behind me. I was surprised since the ratings on the LifeCam Cinema are really high, but it's simply not a great HD camera unless you haven't used anything else.
  
  
• Satisfied!!!
  By A2Q7Q73SJ5F8BQ on 2010-04-19
  My girl friend forced me to buy a good webcam and after postponing it for a few months I had to give in and upgrade my 5$ webcam with this. Got a very good deal on amazon.
  
  Ive been using it for the last 1 month and what Ive found out so far...
  
  Pro's-
  
  Excellent Video quality.
  Low light exposure is good.
  The stand is pretty easy to mount on a lappy and is stable too.
  Looks cool.
  
  Cons
  
  Sometimes I see a smudge on the image,it clears itself in a second.
  Should have given a carrying case along.
  
  Overall, Id recommend it.My girlfriend just loves the image quality!! Maybe I shud start listening to my girl ;)
  
  
• Chatroulette, Not Yet!
  By A1TPW86OHXTXFC on 2010-04-14
  What I needed was a webcam I could use to talk with and see my grandson in Seattle. I have a webcam on my computer but this is so much nicer. My grandson loves to talk to his Gramma with this device and I would recommend this webcam to all grandparents, everywhere.
  
  First of all, the webcam arrive nicely packaged. The directions were clear and it was easy to set up.
  I discussed timing of our first webcam visit with my daughter, and I practiced at home. The evening arrived,
  my grandson came in loud and clear. He looked so cute. I found for our use that the microphone was perfect.
  My grandson has a low soft voice, but I could understand him clearly, and he me.
  
  We webcam weekly and have become old pros. I can watch my grandson as he grows. I can read him a bedtime story. We keep in touch, and we love it.
  
  Now on to chatroulette. I think not:-)
  
  Recommended. prisrob 04-13-10
  
  Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 Webcam
  
  
• An outstanding and high quality product
  By A3QNQQKJTL76H0 on 2010-02-15
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R113FODM0BLLOQ Microsoft is a company some people love to hate, but with the LifeCam, we have a real winner. It is a stylish and exceedingly well-made camera that not only delivers on its advertising claims, it is also very affordably-priced. Whereas most webcams are plastic and orb shaped, the LifeCam is made of metal and looks like a little mini-bazooka. The cylindrical matte black aluminum housing and glass lens give the LifeCam a touch of elegance, probably taking a cue from the design of the Apple iSight Video Conferencing Webcam with Autofocus -M8817LL/B.
  
  A number of thoughtful design decisions went into this product. The rubberized foot prevents slippage and it's bendable, allowing you to perch the camera on just about any monitor out there. The head has complete 360 degree swivel freedom. It can only pivot about 45 degrees up and down, but that should be enough for anybody.
  
  Although it is listed for Windows computers only, the LifeCam will also work on a Mac. Of course, none of the software will. It works in Skype and you can use Quicktime to make audio and video recordings with it. For video, you can record at 320x240, 640x480, or camera native (1280x720). The LifeCam is much better than the Mac's built-in iSight, both in terms of resolution and performance. It picks up sharp details and functions very well in low-light (see my photo in the product gallery). With the lights out and only the monitor's glow as lighting, the LifeCam still performs wonderfully. Most folk'll probably never sit in the dark and cam up, but then again, some folk'll!
  
  Secondly, the camera renders scenes very well in artificial lighting. My room is lit by CFL bulbs. On my digital SLR and the iSight, everything has an unnatural yellow tinge. With the LifeCam, colors are more natural and pleasant looking. Objects in the distance (more than 6 ft away) sometimes appear a bit overexposed, but this is not really an issue unless you're filming things far away. Everything is always in focus and the camera has no problems with objects moving in and away rapidly. The LifeCam does not work in Photo Booth or Image Capture.
  
  I recorded a short little demo of it using QuickTime to give you an idea of how well the camera works. The microphone is adequate, but not stellar. It is top-mounted, and when perched on top of my monitor, the microphone didn't have a good line of sight (or line of hearing?) with my voice because it was level with the top of my head. For the purposes of recording the video, I sat off to the right, far enough to be out of frame, so I had to speak up. In normal use, you would probably never do this, since the whole point of using a webcam is to be onscreen.
  
  My only other criticism is the overly elaborate box that it comes in. It doesn't need all that packaging. Overall, an impressive product at a very good price, the LifeCam is an exceptional device. I have no reservations about recommending this excellent camera. The fact that it works for PC's and Macs is an added value.
  
  
• Simply the best out there!!!
  By AC4WRCK6YC78G on 2009-10-08
  This is my first review ever for any gadgets that I've got in the pass 15 years. I don't usually write reviews and especially I am no Microsoft fan. But I am telling you this product does make me want to spread out the good side of it.
  
  I was skeptical when I first saw the camera in the local Frys store. I want to pick up a camera that will work on both Windows & OSX platform. I have the PC version of Logitech 9000 setup on my Mac mini, basic functions are support but of course the fancy part is in the Windows side since software support was there. My requirement on the Mac side is low, as long as it's a UVC camera which is support by Skype and iChat and I am good. Logitech is good but I just want to try something different.
  
  When I saw the Lifecam Cinema, it caught my eyes because of the look. It has resemblance of the Apple iSight but of course the color is different. The build is definitely no cheap quality plastic. It was made out of aluminum! Look is great but I wasn't sure if it's a UVC camera. But what the heck, in case it didn't work, I will just return it!
  
  Plug it into my OSX86 snow leopard (hackintosh), camera works right out of the box with no extra kext installed, so I can confirm it's a UVC camera. Quality under OSX is definitely acceptable, both Skype & iChat can detect and use the camera. The microphone works with no issue as well.
  
  On the Windows side, definitely no issue whatsoever, Windows 7 doesn't even require me putting the CD into the drive for the Lifecam software. It pulled from MS server automatically. Quality is great for this price and there is no way the logitech can beat this under normal light condition. But Lifecam does suffer smear under low light condition compare to Logitech 9000. For me, my webcam requirement is low compare to others but under the condition of my usage, it already provided me better than expected performance. I highly recommend this for causal user like me. Of course heavy user might still point out weakness of the camera. IMHO, $60 can't buy a whole lot these days but Lifecam definitely worth every single penny out of it.
  
  
• noah's review
  By A12Z7UUT1ZA8GN on 2010-03-18
  This is an excellent webcam, with a built in mic, and a flexible base for easy ajustment, it is very convinient, and very easy. However, I feel that the 720p hd selling point is moot, as at least for me, it did not make a large difference. Maybe with faster internet speeds, but insofar, a good webcam, it should be recommended, but dont expect the picture quality to improve drastically.
  
  
• Great cam
  By AMD7UVHX0KC8S on 2010-03-07
  Straight from the box, jacked into USB with no software installed, it works in Windows 7 and Ubuntu 9.10 perfectly, in 720p. I'm using it under Ubuntu - there it's simple plug-n-play, after plugging it in I just point capture software (Cheese, VLC, motion, etc) at /dev/video0 and it's working, 720p. With Win7 I just plugged it in and double-clicked on 'Lifecam Cinema' in 'Devices and Printers' or 'Computer'. (didn't try any video chat in Win7) Autofocus and auto-exposure are both handled entirely by the webcam, so far in a variety of test situations both have performed admirably.
  
  The included software I found annoying - it insists the dual-core atom system isn't sufficient for the three highest resolutions (up to 720p) but they work just fine outside that software. Granted the "add a silly hat|nose|mask" feature takes significant CPU, but I don't see myself wanting that - ever. Anyway as said I use it under Ubuntu, where everything I've tried so far has been quite happy and capable at 720p.
  
  Autofocus is a little irritating, if the cam thinks it needs to refocus it sometimes adjusts the focus all the way out (total blur) then snaps in to clear focus. And the webcam plays hell with the BIOS on my Intel D510MO motherboard - with this cam plugged in it takes 35 seconds from power-on for the bios splashscreen to appear, without the cam it's 4-5 seconds. That could be the fault of the BIOS, I've not booted any other system with it already plugged in, so I've not deducted any stars from my rating for this.
  
  Autofocus works as close as a few inches away - I was able to get a clear snapshot of my thumbprint. (I actually used it as an on-screen magnifier one night trying to read a fine-printed map)
  
  
• Very impressive web cam
  By A2KVVQ6RZMKO1S on 2009-12-03
  Hello All,
  
  I have purchased and tried an number of web cameras, so I was skeptical this was going to be any better than the rest but I decided to try it. Mostly because I just upgraded to Windows 7 and I wanted a camera that could take advantage of the new OS.
  
  After one week I have to tell this camera blows everything away! It is so clear and crisp that I still can not believe it. The LIVE CAM tools that come with it are great too. You can add funny effects to the images that others can see during a web session. Also with this camera you are getting a very wide frame versus other web cams that I have tried. This is great when you want to get 3 or four people in the picture with you.
  
  To date I have had about 20 web cam sessions with this camera and everyone is raving about the improvement on the sound quality. So I would also say big improvements in that too.
  
  Lastly I love the flexible mounting stand. This is a huge improvement over the other web cams that have a plastic clip. Because it is rubber coated and flexible you can easily place the camera anywhere you need.
  
  I highly recommend this web camera for anyone. You might pay a little bit more but it well worth the investment.
  
  
• Nice addition
  By A1QQ3KBW9YYP17 on 2010-04-25
  This camera works very well, as advertised. It looks nice and produces outstanding video and still captures. Just one caveat: DO NOT try to run it through an external USB 2.0 hub, even a powered one. I experienced sluggish operation and regular crashes when trying to do this. When I plugged it directly into a motherboard USB 2.0 port, however, everything cleared up and it worked great. I can't say that it will fail to operate in ALL USB hubs under ALL circumstances, of course, but I had trouble with my setup, so beware of this.
  
  
• Great Camera for Windows
  By AMS2CPERWN7JV on 2010-03-18
  If you've used a webcam in the last 5-10 years you basically know the drill. You plug in the camera and you see a junky image show up in the screen that's slightly blurry and when you move creates some nasty blur.
  
  Well you can forget most of that with this camera. It's 720p, which means the resolution is 1280x720, nothing staggering, but a lot crisper than the standard 320x240 or 640x480 cameras (it actually has about 4x the pixel count as a normal webcam). While it is truly 720p hd in resolution, don't expect something like you'd see on your 720p television. Because the camera has glass optics and a good camera, it resolves most of the other issues with webcams. Low light can still be somewhat of an issue.
  
  As far as aesthetics, it looks quite good, although included webcams in cameras sit flush and probably look better, if you don't have one built in you really don't have a choice. There is a blue light that will turn on when the camera is on, which is handy for people who get freaked out having a camera always pointed at them. It has a rubber mount, which worked on the lcd I tried it on, and looks like it would work on almost any of them.
  
  The software was easy to install, took longer than I thought (maybe 10 minutes), and after that it updated itself (firmware) and was ready to use with anything that could use a camera. Some will enjoy the 'add-ons' that you can put on the screen. You can do all kinds of fun house mirror style effects on the software (and the image that's transmitted on skype), and add objects like hats/mustaches/etc that automatically sit on your head and track with it, pretty amazing. I've seen older versions of this from microsoft that weren't as good, but let you download additional hats/glasses/etc, so maybe that'll come. I do wish it had mac support, but it's clearly stated it doesn't, so it's not a ding against it per se, just would have been nice.
  
  Overall it's probably not worth replacing your built in camera if you have one for this, but if you don't have one already, this is a good one to get.
  
  
• Works great but a lens cover would be nice
  By A2507ZYWGMY9BK on 2010-02-23
  Much cheaper than the top end Logitech model and works great with Skype. It is MUCH smaller than I thought it was going to be which was a pleasant surprise.
  
  The only negative is there is no physical cover to block the lens to prevent accidental video transmission. My previous Logitech Quickcam had a cover which is nice because sometimes the camera is automatically turned on by a program or maybe you mistakenly click the "video call" button instead of the "call" button. It is also possible that someone else can turn on your camera if they have access to your computer for technical support or through LogMeIn type programs. Next thing you know, you are on Youtube picking your nose or something like that.
  
  
• Great video and audio, fun features, easy to use for Windows PCs (5- stars)
  By A23GFTVIETX7DS on 2010-02-08
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R14PULN6VC479U This tiny, well-made webcam has great video and audio, as I hope you can tell from this review. Drawbacks include a single save format (.wmv) that may not be recognized by programs that use .avi or other types; no Mac compatibility; and a prominent window that seems to indicate that you must use Windows Live Messenger with it, even though it works flawlessly with Skype, AOL, Yahoo. etc. Pros: size, metal housing construction, bendable base, fun features (some of which I demonstrate in the video), and yes, clarity.
  
  -- Debbie Lee Wesselmann
  
  
• Great HD Camera with Excellent Software Support!
  By A3NK28P0BSBJY4 on 2010-01-03
  Well, first off I purchased this product because I needed a "live" video camera which was compatible with a wide range of video editing and stop-motion animation programs. It also had to be Windows 7 compatible, offer HD resolutions, and be relatively inexpensive. So, for the requirements I had for a camera, the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema pretty much fits my needs perfectly! By the way, I don't intend to use this camera with Skype, Windows Messenger, or any other type of video chat program. Please keep this in mind when you are reading my comments.
  
  Now, for some of my observations about the camera. The build quality of the camera is top-notch and the 16x9 wide-angle lens is fantastic. Constructed of aluminum, the camera body appears rugged and features a long USB cord to accomodate any computer configuration. Image quality, both video and still picture, are extremely sharp and the auto-focus feature is very responsive. The included software will install a camera control panel which allows for zoom, tilt, and pan functionality. I really welcomed that feature, because it eliminates the need to rig the camera on a tripod. The software will also offer to install Windows Live Essentials (Messenger, MovieMaker, Mail, Writer, and Photo Gallery), but I believe you can decline it. By the way, don't be fooled by the Mac fanboys who are bashing software by Microsoft, because the included software is pretty good. As far as hardware requirements are concerned, you need a fairly beefy system if you want to record video in 720P high definition. My laptop is an HP Pavilion DV4-1225DX with an AMD Turion X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor (2.10 GHz), 4GB RAM, Windows 7 Home Premium Edition (64-bit), and ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics system. Even with those specs, my computer recommended switching from 720P to a lower resolution. So, if you are running with a single-core processor like an Intel Celeron, Pentium IV, or Atom (netbook)... you might try a different camera like the Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 or the Logitech C500 webcam.
  
  Software compatibility seems to be pretty good with this unit. I had no problem running Pinnacle Studio HD 14, Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 12, Honestech Claymation Studio 1.0, Tech4learning's Frames 4, Sony Vegas Pro 8.1, Corel VideoStudio 12, or Magix Movie Edit Pro 15 Plus with this unit as a "live" camera. However, I did run into some problems with Adobe Premiere Elements 7.0. The video was displayed in the capture window, but there seemed to be a conflict with the native HP webcam software installed on my system and Adobe Premiere Elements 7.0. That particular program seems buggy anyway and always struck me as a resource hog.
  
  In conclusion, I would like to say I am extremely pleased with my purchase and look forward to using it for my stop-motion projects. So, if you are looking for a high-quality HD webcam for your beefy Windows equipped computer, the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema camera will not disappoint!
  
  *** UPDATE (6/6/10) ****
  
  My 13" MacBook Pro (Unibody) scoffed at this camera. Too bad, I was hoping it would "just work". :^(
  
  
• LifeCam Cinema
  By A1BDX6RYPVZE3S on 2009-10-11
  Hello, before I begin, here are the 5 systems I tested this MS product on:
  1)(PC) Intel DUO 3.6GHz Extreme,3GB Ram, 500GB HD, Radeon HD2600, Snow Leopard.
  2)(LAPTOP) Intel Duo T2250, 2.5GB Ram, 320GB HD, Intel 945Grap, Windows7.
  3)(PC) Intel Dual core 2.6GHz, 2GB Ram, 320GB HD, NVIDIA 9400GT, Windows Vista.
  4)(PC)Intel Celeron 2.8 GHz, 3GB Ram, 80GB HD, NVIDIA 512MB, Windows XP PRO.
  5)(PC)AMD Turion X2 64, 8GB Ram, 1TB HD, Radeon 4890 HD 1080p, Windows7.
  
  In systems 1,2,3 and 5 the LifeCam Cinema performed well when sharing resources with Logitech Orbit HD, in both systems I ran 2 heavy data apps as well as 2 communication apps at the same time and they performed very well, the only thing I noticed is that, lifecam will take more than 50% of CPU resources unlike Logitech Orbit, that at the Highest video compression will only take no more than 30 to 33%, in low light Orbit is still the champion but cinema is more define even while darker, the highes HD is only 720p in LifeCam Cinema while Orbit can go as high as your Video card can support it, on a celeron system, is not a good idea to install the lifecam Cinema or even try to run it on any higher resolution than the one it allows you to run in, no more than two apps should be run and never try running two camera apps or the system will fail and crach, on windows Ultimate and Snow Leopard(apple), you will see warning signs on highest to the HD resolutions, only if you are sure your that your display hardware and drivers can handle the compression load use them, now, on high end system with lots of memory and HD display, make sure you setup your display resolution to the highes HD before you install the LifeCam, otherwise you will see the warning signs as well, on HD laptops you take full advantage of the Lifecam Cinema.
  On Windows XP PRO, you have to install and download the proper drivers, also, the HD resolution can only work if your display drivers can compress and hold high resolutions, in other words, don't espect to get HD video if your video card is standard and your memory is less than 3 GB of Ram, overall, the LifeCam is the 2nd true HD only this time made by Microsoft( I am NOT a microsoft hardware fan), the camera is only 720p HD and I am a 1080P HD guy, so, for now is a good product, I bet logitech will comeback with something better this one, lol, and I think you should not pay more than $80.00 for this product.
  
  
  
• Good for the price
  By ABE0W2LIS5X1M on 2010-08-15
  I had a problem installing the software. I don't like to install software if I don't have to and I often use a spare computer for testing purposes. This camera came with a notice telling me to install the software BEFORE I first plug in the camera. I did this on my spare computer and it worked fine. Then on my main computer I plugged in the camera first. The camera works fine without any software but the included software is nice so I then tried to install it. It wouldn't let me, telling me "Setup cannot continue because the downloaded file was not digitally signed by Microsoft. Please try again later." So I downloaded a version of the LifeCam software from Microsoft's web site and was able to install that. Later I had problems with the sound synchronizing with the picture. To fix it I had to uninstall the software and go into the device manager and remove the camera drivers (that get installed when you just plug in the camera). Then I installed the software first, then the camera. Now the sound synchronization problem is fixed. I can't say for certain that any of these problems were due to plugging in the camera before the software. Maybe they tell you that you have to install the software first because they are afraid you will never install the software when you figure out you don't need it.
  
  The LifeCam software allows you to make a video and save it as a .wmv file. This is easier than using a video camcorder because you can instantly play back your recording, there is no need to first transfer the file to your computer. It was with this feature that I had the sound synchronizing problem. My computer is a 3 GHz quad core so computer speed is not an issue. When I was searching for a solution to the sound synchronizing problem I found that you cannot record in the higher resolution modes if your computer is not fast.
  
  Overall I am very happy with the camera. I use it mostly for Skype. The first thing that happened is that the person I was Skyping complained that the image "jumped." What is happening is that the auto focus keeps trying to stay in focus and when it moves the focus the field of view changes slightly. I disable the auto focus for this reason, and also because it basically sucks. It spends most of the time being out of focus. You can even see that it sucks in the Microsoft demo video they made (on YouTube). One problem is that it won't remember that I don't want auto focus. I have to disable it every time I reboot my computer.
  
  The picture quality can be very good with good lighting. The camera works well in low lighting (it is bright enough but the picture quality is not as nice). With good lighting you can tell that the lens quality is the limiting factor. A more expensive lens would improve the picture somewhat. Most people won't notice.
  
  There is a button on the camera. When you push the button it automatically brings up Microsoft's version of Skype (Windows Live Messenger). I don't have that installed. Once while using Skype I took the camera off of my monitor so I could point the camera around the room and I accidentally pushed the button and it caused me to be disconnected from Skype.
  
  The built in microphone works pretty good too.
  
  I have not been able to get more than 640x480 when using Skype. My Internet upload speed is around 1.2 Mbps which is the lower limit for 1280x720 on Skype. I have not Skyped with anyone with near this upload speed and it may be that both people need fast Internet. In the near future everyone will be Skyping with 1280x720 and this camera is up to the task - if you have enough cpu power.
  
  I am happy I picked this camera and do not have any regrets. Don't get it at BestBuy unless you are willing to pay 70% more.
  
  I would like to say "shame on you" to the marketing people who decided to make a "5x HD photo capture" mode. With this mode you can capture your 1280x720 picture and have it converted to 2880x1620. This accomplishes two things. It wastes space on your hard disk by making your files much bigger (without any benefit) and it makes it so the marketing people can advertise 5 Megapixel. You guys suck.
  
  
  
  
• **AN AWESOME WEBCAM!!**
  By A16Y1AOGY25PG8 on 2010-08-03
  I wanted to do a video review, as seeing is truly believing but didn't have a video fine saved...I bought this webcam along with the Logitech 9000 HD and this one by far is the BEST video cam I have ever used!! My boyfriend & I have a long distance relationship & practically live on Skype when we aren't together...well this cam definitely gets the job done!! We are having a blast with it just about every night & I STRONGLY recommend it to all seeking a great webcam for a decent price. The video & sound quality are both EXCELLENT & we are very happy we selected this one after checking out many others that just didn't cut it. The mount / attachment is extremely versatile & easy to clip. The Carl Zeiss lens is a major plus & the fact that it's made of glass. It ought to be ranked the BEST little webcam of all!! A SUPER AWESOME PRODUCT AT A GREAT BUY ~ THANK YOU!!Microsoft LifeCam Cinema!!
  
  
• Excellent Pairing with Skype
  By AILCWT1IIP7ZT on 2010-07-16
  I bought this primarily as a webcam, but I've found that it produces excellent (and by that I mean super-freaking-phenomenal) audio quality with Skype. Nowadays, I primarily use it as a Skype mic. Maybe overkill, but it's excellent -- my voice is crystal clear even sitting about 24-30 inches from the mic.
  
  The mic also does an excellent job of filtering out ambient noise. On one call, I could hear my neighbor mowing his lawn and I was concerned as the noise was bothering me. But when asked about it, my conversation partner on the other end of the line heard nothing of the like.
  
  
• Microsoft Lifecam Cinema
  By A2QUC06K4NKM85 on 2010-06-03
  Great Product, I love the quality of it. One thing that I was not particularly fond of is the Auto-Focus, However, That can be disabled within the settings, so its no big deal. Great product overall!
  
  
• is this good?
  By A16M833RUOIFY7 on 2010-05-13
  ok well what can i say about this web cam, I can tell you this web cam rocks the first time you plug it and maybe a week after that.
  
  I have had this for about a month now and am alway getting comments on how clear i come in on skype and chats, so it is clear and really good for a person with a fast internet connection and a fast computer. I recommend at least a duel core proser 2ghz at least so it will record in it's full pixel function but if you have a slow internet such as 1 mbs not for you. I am running a 3 mbs with 3 or 4 computers online so 2 mbs is recommended if you are the only one online.
  
  I can not forget to tell you that you need to have good light in the room to use this cam, the cam will show you as dark randomly for some reason even when in light it will show me dark then light.
  
  Was I satisfied yes vary even though I have run into some bumps down the road, Would I recommend this cam Yes defiantly to others but remember that you need fast internet for chat and live stream and a fast computer to run at hd quality.
  
  
• One of the best.
  By A3RPDKD7SN7EZY on 2010-04-18
  Very pleased with this product. I also have Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000. The image with Cinema seem brighter and sharper.
  
  
• Fantastic low light performance but the autofocus....
  By A2PX3TRU212IDJ on 2010-03-25
  Overall the video quality of this cam is great. Easy to install and the Microsoft software is less annoying than other MS products. The only complaint I have is the auto focus. If you move even slightly the cam will agressively start autofocusing by going to full blur then snapping back to crystal clear. It does it far more than is necessary. Most recent update claimed to improve autofocus oerformance but things pretty much seem the same.
  
  
• AWESOME
  By A3KCKECEO3E2AN on 2010-03-25
  Ok, this is a really tiny camera. I think it was the barrel-shape of the glass lens mounted on the base but I pictured this thing as huge. It's not. It's petite. It feels nice as well. It feels well engineered, not cheap. It also has a nice little feat of engineering on the USB cable - OMG! a cable tie that actually works! I immediately noticed the construction quality of the webcam was top-notch. The top of the webcam contains the microphone as well as a small button that opens Windows Live Messenger.
  
  It seems like Microsoft put some thought into the design of the LifeCam Cinema. The rubberized, flexible base that attaches the LifeCam to displays and notebooks works extremely well, and the adjustable angles that the lens can accommodate make the camera very easy to position.
  
  features and audio/video quality
  
  I started testing the webcam by simply taking still shots, videos, and audio-only samples. We were consistently impressed with the audio and video quality of the LifeCam Cinema. Audio was consistently crisp during a variety of recording tests ranging from music, TV, to spoken voice. To test image quality we took a still shot of some our audio and video collection in the office. In an unusual twist, still image quality paled in comparison to the full-motion video quality, which of course occurs at 30 frames per second in 720p resolution; there were noticeable compression artifacts in individual captured frames where full video hid most of the flaws.
  
  software and user experience
  
  Installation and setup of the LifeCam Cinema was simple. After installing the CD and plugging the webcam in, we were ready to go. The software is very minimalist and extremely easy to use. In a rare move from Microsoft, users are greeted with a pleasant user interface that is surprisingly bloat-free. We found that the special effects and features worked well, too. Whether users want to add a hat to someone's head or make them look like they're in front of a fun-house mirror, the software has the support for it.
  
  There are only three main functions to the software and they simply let users record still shots, audio, and video. Once a clip is saved it appears in a timeline below where it can be deleted or exported to an editing program or to e-mail. The settings menu allows users to change resolutions and color and focus settings, but we found setting adjustments to be unneeded. The autofocus works as promised on the LifeCam Cinema, and the lag time between refocuses is very small.
  
  A word on operating system support: officially, the LifeCam Cinema is meant for Windows and will only see its full feature set there. However, as a generic USB video device it should also work on Macs.
  
  It's clear that the contrast of the Cinema HD is far superior and oddly, it's just clearer. This camera is fantastic in low light. You really need a fast machine at the higher resolutions, like true 720p HD. This is to be expected, but if you're doing to record 1280x720p you're going to need a multi-core machine (basically a machine that's newer than 3 years old). That doesn't make the camera useless for regular video calls, but it is something to think about if you're getting this primarily for its HD abilities. That said, it's still fantastic at 480p and my laptop handles it fine. I suspect that this camera will just get better as software comes out to really utilize its abilities.
  
  It's hard to dispute the LifeCam Cinema as a great webcam offering from Microsoft, at least in its intended video role, the company has combined excellent moving image quality with a well-designed hardware concept; the only caveat is photo quality, which thankfully isn't the focus of these products. At its price, we would consider this webcam to be a bargain.
  
  
  
  

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• AmazonBasics Ultra-High-Speed HDMI Braided Cable (6.5 Feet/2.0 Meters)
• AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable (6.5 Feet/2.0 Meters) [Supports 3D + Audio Return Channel]
• AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable (9.8 Feet/3.0 Meters) [Supports 3D + Audio Return Channel]
• AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (3.3 Feet / 1.0 Meter)

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• Claymation Studio V2.0
• 10 Meters (32 Feet) USB 2.0 Active Extension / Repeater Cable A Male to A Female
• Microsoft LifeCam Cinema
• AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (3.3 Feet / 1.0 Meter)