Best Buy Ratings and Reviews

Best Buy Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Model: Q2F-00001
SKU: 1244381
UPC: 885370139808
Learn more about this product. Enjoy video chats with friends and family with this webcam that features 1920 x 1080 video image resolution and up to 2304 x 1728 still image resolution. ClearFrame technology helps ensure clear and detailed images.
Average Customer Rating:
4.391 out of 5
4.4
 out of 
5
(23 Reviews) 23
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot 23 reviews
5 stars
15
4 stars
4
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 star
1
87% of customers would recommend this product to a friend 
(
20 out of 23
)
Customer Reviews for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver
Review 1 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Glad I bought this one

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: miso2
from Fort Collins, Co.
on 04/04/2012
What's great about it: price and that is "plug and play"
What's not so great: no faults as far as i can tell
Great little camera! Easy to set up and use. nice clear picture
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 2 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Good Product, but limited

Customer Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Posted by: Jerrybird12
from sycamore, IL
on 01/11/2012
What's great about it: great picture quality
What's not so great: compatibility issues
Very disappointed it does not work with SKYPE, you would think since MS bought them out last fall they would have built the driver to support SKYPE, but I get a disjointed picture with it. It works great with the MS software, just does not support SKYPE video. Guess I will hook up my 5 year old web cam until they come through with a fix.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+1point
5out of 9found this review helpful.
Review 3 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Powerful and Compact

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: NinjaPixel
from NJ
on 01/09/2012
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Compatibility
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
What's great about it: Great quality, resolution, and color for a webcam in this class.
What's not so great: Need other software to use the webcam's full potential. Included software not 64bit.
The Lifecam Studio Webcam is miles ahead of the standard webcam built into laptops these days and the high price point is justified by the quality this thing pumps out. As another reviewer noted, the marketing is a bit deceptive. It advertises that it is capable of 1080p but there is no mention as to what. That only applies to photos taken with it using the Lifecam Studio software that it comes with. Other software, such as Virtualdub (more for "advanced" users) tap into the power of this webcam to record video at 1080p. Do your own research to this caveat - the rest of this review will be my detailed experience using it.
For HD video chat, that requires a strong broadband connection and Microsoft Live Messenger. Everything else: Google+ Hangouts, Skype, ooVoo puts this camera in VGA mode but the normal functions of the webcam stay intact - it delivers crystal clear focusing and accurate color (thanks to the Lifecam software's Truecolor & Clearframe option). Auto focusing is a problem in low light - but that concept applies to any camera. All the Adjustments to the camera are found in the Lifecam software, so you can manually adjust focus, colors, brightness, etc using a slider. the Clearframe option does a great job adjusting for the lighting if you don't want to manually adjust it.
One thing I can't stress enough is that the higher the resolution you decide to use this camera, the more demanding on system resources (slows your computer down, etc) and unfortunately, the software isn't 64bit. My system has a GTX460 graphics card, Intel Core i7 and 12gb of RAM and the moment I start raising the resolution, the software begins to complain on resources. This is why it is unfortunate that it's NOT 64bit, because my system is MORE than capable of doing so.
The camera has a tripod mount which is convenient and the mount built into the webcam adjusts nicely to sit by itself or attached to monitors - just takes patience to set it just right. the USB cable is a good length.
The built in mic is sensitive - use whatever software to adjust it - Live Messenger, Skype, Windows, etc. Skype's auto adjust works pretty good.
I included a photo shot at max 1920x1280 resolution. Manually focused to show great detail. Great Bokeh (background blur) and this was in a room only lit by a desklamp. - so this was shot in a low light situation.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+17points
18out of 19found this review helpful.
Review 4 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam

Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: Paul60
from Tujunga, CA
on 12/02/2011
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Video quality
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Ease of Use
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Compatibility
4.0 out of 5
4.0
What's great about it: Clear Picture
The resolution of this small cam is really good.
The cam adjusts to different lighting.
Overall, pretty clear picture.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 5 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Small Camera, Big Performance

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: wholearmor
from Boulder, CO
on 10/20/2011
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Video quality.
What's not so great: Can't think of anything.
I use this camera for a live internet broadcast on Ustream every Saturday morning, and the video quality is very good. I'm pretty rough on webcams because I'm outdoors broadcasting and my last one broke, but I liked it so much, I bought another one. So if you're just going to use it to talk to grandma in another state, you'll be very pleased with it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+9points
11out of 13found this review helpful.
Review 6 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Very good product

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Serge14
from Columbia, SC
on 09/11/2011
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Picture quality, really HD
What's not so great: N/A
I am very happy with my purchase. I bought this webcam yesterday and it works perfectly. The sofware was easy to install on windows XP (about 2 min) and the pictures are great. At night, when I only have a lamp desk on, the pictures appear cristal clear like during the day. I also like the autofocus. The price is not an issue since I got the picture quality I was looking for.
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
 
+7points
7out of 7found this review helpful.
Review 7 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Camera not compatable as detailed

Customer Rating
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Posted by: AngelRider
from FRANKLINVILLE, NC
on 09/08/2011
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Ease of Use
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Compatibility
1.0 out of 5
1.0
What's great about it: N/A, never used it..........
What's not so great: Don't work on all systems as MS details it would.
Price for cam was discounted at Best Buy but was a total waste of money because it DON'T work on my system. Advertised that it would work on XP system w/ service pack 2 or higher but it DON'T. I called MS for assistance so they entered my PC, (w/ my permission), and they could not download the hardware to install it either. Was a total waste of money!!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-64points
2out of 68found this review helpful.
Review 8 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

One Great Video Cam!

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: JohnGHawk503
from Clarksville, IN
on 06/16/2011
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: 99%
What's not so great: The Auto Focus...it will drive you crazy till you see how in the advanced settings to turn it off!
I had read other reviews prior to buying the Life Cam Studio Webcam-Silver and was deciding between the $20.00 cheaper black model. I read in the reviews that the computers are not acepting the full 1280 HD input from the cam and was wondering if it was worth the additional money. Well,, that was one point to ponder but when I compared and saw the more expensive model had a screw hole in the base for use with a small desktop tripod....That was my tie breaker at the time. I knew the camera being mounted on a tripod gave it more options of use. I brought it home with the $17.00 metal desktop tripod and attached it. Now I can move it anywhere I want it and work on snap shots for internet site sales...OH, by the way....it does produce a HD video (not quite the 1280) and excellent HD snap shots.
As for video quality, I am only running MS Vista on this laptop and it does everything I could ask it to do. It is great. I have used it with only the screen light of the laptop and all the way to full room light...Byond belief is my observation. I have gone through several cams over the years and I found my No.1 pick.
There is one adjustment in the setup that I Highly recommend when you set the camera up, in the advanced settings, "Turn Off" the auto focus, it will drive you crazy anytime a subject moves in front of it. Also, go by the recommended set up hight and distance.
As for no-go opinions....I can't see any with the setup I'm running
I hope this review helps and sometimes the little extra money spent on an item does make it worth it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+37points
38out of 39found this review helpful.
Review 9 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Outsatanding quality, ease of use and download

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Elias1
from San Diego
on 03/01/2011
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Ease of download, ease of use, video quality. Everything!
What's not so great: 720p video and not 1080p, but still great quality.
I bought the Microsoft LifeCam Studio and was able to download the software and use it with my Windows 7 (64) in less than 5 minutes. The software was extremely easy to download, is compatible with Windows 7 (unlike the Logitech C910 that was not, which I exchanged for this webcam). As the product claims, you can only take 720P videos, which is outstanding quality. I use this LifeCam Studio with Skype for video calling and it works great. Overall: great video, and great audio.
I recommend this product to anybody who wants an overall outstanding webcam. Had this product for 3 months, and still think that it is the best webcam.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+25points
26out of 27found this review helpful.
Review 10 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Exceptional Value

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Arty2
from New England
on 02/09/2011
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Superior image quality, great color
What's not so great: loose fitting lens cap, front leg of monitor clip could be a bit longer
I purchased this camera when it was on sale for $20 off. However, the camera is still a terrific value. The image quality & color are superior and it is exceptionally easy to use. Two things to note however are the loose fitting lens-cap (it was manufactured a shade too narrow for the inside of the lens tube that it is intended for), thus it can fall off with the slightest bump of the camera, and the front leg of the monitor clip could be a hair longer so as to increase stability. For an "everyday" video-conf-cam, it can't be beat.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+16points
18out of 20found this review helpful.
Review 11 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Excellent webcam

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TXinNC
from Sanford NC
on 02/05/2011
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Simple setup
Install was very simple. Works well with my system. Mostly used for Skype and works great.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
11out of 22found this review helpful.
Review 12 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Awesome if anything but Microsoft used HD for chat

Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: McHamp90
from Owatonna, MN
on 02/04/2011
Value for Price
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Video quality
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
2.0 out of 5
2.0
What's great about it: Resolution of still images
What's not so great: Apps it can be used in on Mac
I bought this to replace my iSight on my MacBook, and so far, plug and play on Mac. Windows, the only app that will allow HD calling over the net is windows live messenger. Once skype supports HD calls, the it would be perfect.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+10points
10out of 10found this review helpful.
Review 13 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Great Camera with Flaws

Customer Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Posted by: BaadBoy
from San Antonio
on 02/02/2011
Value for Price
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Good video.
What's not so great: Not 1080p capable out of the box. Stupid lens cover that doesn't stay put. Lazy design for a camera base.
While this is a pretty good camera, there are some character flaws to be noted. First of all, Microsoft doesn't include software to make 1080p video capability usable. In fact, the system requirements to produce 1080p video are higher than what is stated on the packaging. The (rubber stopper) lens cover is ridiculous. It doesn't fit and falls out with the slightest tilt. The base could've easily been designed to fit in a sturdy position. This thing is like placing a drink on the dashboard of your car--not a matter of if it will fall, but when. Save yourself a few bucks and buy the 720p cam instead because this cam only functions in 720p anyway. Microsoft had better stop rushing half-cocked stuff to market or they'll start losing market shares.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+20points
24out of 28found this review helpful.
Review 14 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Nice camera for the money

Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: BiggestDog
from Coon Rapids, MN
on 01/31/2011
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Video quality
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Ease of Use
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: value for the money, nice cheap camera @ $49
What's not so great: Optics could be better, software is not feature filled.
Overall, it is a good camera. The optics are not as great as I would have hoped so, the high def is irrelevant at a point... also, the camera software is a bit cheesy. It does work with most any software though and it seems good. It does have a hard time securing to a thin laptop monitor though.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
2out of 5found this review helpful.
Review 15 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Buy this now ..lol

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Anonymous
from Washington DC
on 01/28/2011
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: everything
What's not so great: autofocus
Seriously, i'm very happy with the purchase the HD Quality is great, audio is good and i like the slick design. .only draw back is that auto focus is not that great..but i just turn the feature off.. wish they can come up with some green screen tricks instead of the hat feature.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 16 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Terrific camera for any type use

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Shari66
from Houston
on 01/17/2011
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Sound, picture, ease of use. What isn't great about it?
What's not so great: The cord could be longer.
My daughter and I both quilt but live 250 miles apart. We use the LifeCam Studio all the time to show each other things that we are working on and sometimes we just do a webcam instruction for an hour or so. No need to hold the phone so you have both hands free and she can see just about everything that I am doing. Of course, we do have the martini night chats! The LifeCam has been a "life saver" many times for both of us and nothing beats talking face to face!! Who would have thought you could span the miles this easy and have such a clear beautiful picture. I love my LifeCam and my daughter does too. I wish we could get the whole family to buy one!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+8points
8out of 8found this review helpful.
Review 17 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Great Camera!

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: guest2307
from wichita, KS
on 01/04/2011
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
What's great about it: 1080p
What's not so great: slow sometimes
Enjoy video chats with friends and family with this webcam that features 1920 x 1080 video image resolution and up to 2304 x 1728 still image resolution. ClearFrame technology helps ensure clear and detailed images. Great Camera, i have 1 at home.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-5points
3out of 11found this review helpful.
Review 18 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Everything I Expected

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: GlennD
from San Diego, CA
on 12/26/2010
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Ease of use, Sharp Look, Very Sturdy
What's not so great: 1080p Video , Clip
I Just recently got this camera from Best Buy for $69 on sale; originally $99 dollars, but still worth the money. The Life Cam was very easy to setup, and feels sturdy with one exception: The adjustable clip is a little loose, but it will still hold the camera in place (There is a screw hole on the clip, so you could screw it in place). The 1080p video doesn't work, maybe because I have a HP Slimline with no HDMI, but instead VGA. But on the flip side the 1080p pictures do work, and you can use the embedded microphone on the camera as just a microphone. Overall the Life Cam looks very sharp and has a brushed steel casing, giving a very important or expensive feel. The aperture of the camera has a very cool set of grooves, modeling what a real movie camera set HD camera would look like. From the moment I looked at it online to now it is everything that I expected and nothing more. Highly recommend it!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+13points
16out of 19found this review helpful.
Review 19 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

Very easy camera for a greatgrand mother.

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: olddusty
from Green Bay, WI
on 12/25/2010
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Everything.
What's not so great: The lens cap doesn't stay on.
This camera was the best thing I have purchased lately. Very easy to install, great value for the price, picture is excellent and is easy to use. As a greatgrand ma I was able to see my third greatgrand baby without having to travel. It also helped save my daughter's life. She lives in California and I was able to view the condition of her face. I advised her to go to the ER. She was immediately put in the hospital. Would she have gone on her own. Maybe but not that day. Because I was able to see her live she knew to take Mom's advice. A great invention. Definiately consider and then purchase this camera.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
11out of 17found this review helpful.
Review 20 for Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam - Silver

MS HD comes through after Logitech fails

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Willy2
from Long Beach, CA
on 12/22/2010
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Video quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Compatibility
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Easy intall, beautiful picture
What's not so great: nothing
Bought the Logitech C910 for a Gateway Intel i-7 16 gb Win 7 pro machine. Wouldn't install properly. Ran to BB and got this MS webcam on sale for $69, down from $99;
Load the MS driver included with the camera, connected to the internet and Skype was ready to go. Beautiful stunning color, sensitive microphone and it JUST WORKED right out of the box after a simple 10 minute install.
Logitech needs to update their Win 7 drivers. They want you to mess with the MSCONFIG file and disable some stuff and do a "clean install"; reboot and reactivate what you deactivated. TOO MUCH BS for what should be a simple USB camera install.
Great camera at a great sale price
I would recommend this to a friend!
+23points
25out of 27found this review helpful.
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