Microsoft LifeCam Show Review

Shaped like a pendant, or perhaps a military dog tag, Microsoft’s LifeCam Show delivers everything you could want in a webcam -- a crystal picture and clear sound. In fact, the webcam has only one weak drawback -- the clip isn’t attached -- and this still has a possible workaround. While the $79.99 price tag is on the higher end of webcams, the picture you receive means you most definitely are getting what you paid for.

The Good: Clear picture, not much lighting needed, accurate color display, strong sound

The Bad: Clip isn't attached, price a bit high

Let’s face it -- a clear picture is what you want from a webcam, and the LifeCam Show, which has a 2.0-megapixel sensor, delivers this in spades. The picture it transmits is crystal-clear -- no muddy colors or distracting shadows included. I found I didn’t even need very much lighting. The daylight streaming from the windows was perfectly adequate, and at night I had a single desk lamp for illumination. Both worked great.

Microsoft makes no bones about the fact it wants you to use the webcam with its Windows Live platform. Included are such related bonuses as a one-click call button for Windows Live, placed on the device’s side, to see who’s online; the ability to upload a photo to the Windows Live Photo Gallery; and the Windows Live Movie Maker, which lets you record widescreen video and then upload it to social-networking sites. But even if you have no interest in using Windows Live, the camera and its wide-angle lens will certainly fulfill your other webcamming needs.

Video resolution is listed at 800 x 600 and 30 frames per second, and it takes 8-megapixel still photos -- all solid figures. It also comes with a 5x zoom, and pan and tilt functions.

The Show has great sound. Many webcams are now boasting of noise-canceling microphones, but this built-in mic actually does its job. Of course, it will depend on where and what you’re using it for (video chatting in your living room with the TV on vs. filming a Web documentary about jackhammers).

The only real downside to the LifeCam Show is that there’s no clip attached. Its backing has a magnetic indentation that connects itself to the provided stand or a laptop clip. This could prove to be a headache if you break or lose the stand or clip. And although the Show’s small profile makes it a smart option for travelers, you’re going to have to bring the stand or clip along with you -- not always practical.

Likewise, the price tag is admittedly a bit high (although it has dropped $20 since it was first introduced). But its features and performance are still in line with other similarly priced webcams.

If you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars for a performance you’ll be happy with, the LifeCam Show webcam won’t disappoint. Just be sure that you don’t misplace your stand or clip or you’ll be shelling out even more dough for replacements -- this is not a webcam that can be propped against something on your desk.