Be sure to also read Common issues with Microsoft cameras.

A very nice camera if you have good lighting. Extremely large images are attainable without software interpolating due to the 2 mega pixel image sensor.

This camera has mixed blessings though. I was able to adjust its color balance considerably better than the Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro. However, during the night lighting tests, larger image resolutions are very grainy with some splotchiness. It would appear that a considerable amount of signal amplification is being applied. This graininess isn't very noticeable at sizes below 640x480.

One interesting difference from most other cameras, rather than having a colored dot or circle of light to indicate the camera is on, the word Microsoft lights up in white. Not a functional feature, but I kind of like it. Not too bright and a bit obscure if you arn't looking closely. I had to look at it on and then off while I had my daylight test lights on before I could see the difference.

The tone range between full saturation and black is slightly better than the Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro, but not enough to warrant swaying to Microsoft over Logetech.

There are more software controls available with the Microsoft Livecam NX-6000 over the Logitech.

As I mention in my why I do this site page, each camera has good and bad features. And as in so many other cases, we have good features (color balance and resolution) and a bad features (graininess, poor low light sensitivity). It's a tough decision, but for now I think I will leave the best portable pic with the Logitech (poorer color balance, but good low light sensitivity).

Sample images showing how this camera performs under different lighting conditions

Large image
640x480   1280x1024   1600x1200

Pluses
• 2m pixels
• Good color balance
• ~30 inch cord, good for portable cameras
• Good quality images with plenty of light

Minuses
• Grainy in room lighting
• Requires Windows XP or Vista