Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000, which records 720p HD video at 30fps and HD stills if your PC runs Windows XP Service Pack 2 or higher, Intel Dual-core 1.6GHz or higher, and at least 1GB of RAM. If configured lower, the webcam only captures 4-megapixel still images.
The Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000, like the Microsoft LifeCam HD-6000, has a button on top to power on and boot Windows Live Messenger. The webcam’s grip is not tight enough on top of a slim laptop screen, but it fits snugly against the desktop screen. The device is neat, rectangular, with autofocus and microphone noise. You can rotate the HD-5000 webcam from left to right in small angles, but can not fold up or down. You must also install the Microsoft LifeCam and Windows Live Messenger software for the HD-5000 from the accompanying CD-ROM.
For HD video chatting with the HD-5000, in addition to the above system configuration, Microsoft requires a broadband Internet connection. The HD-5000 does not have an onboard video processor, so it does not support HD video chat over Skype, but works well with Skype in standard definition: You can use special effects of the program when chatting over Skype. Zoom in / zoom out and panning capabilities also work well.
The Microsoft LifeCam software’s TrueColor feature adjusts to ambient brightness for optimal color. As with the HD-6000, you can manually adjust the various modes after the TrueColor feature is disabled. If this feature is enabled, you can only manually adjust the brightness. The controls for zoom and panning in the LifeCam display window can be used for both the HD-6000 and the HD-5000.
Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000 720p HD Webcam – Black: Buy it now
Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000 720p HD Webcam: Buy it now
You can only adjust the HD-5000’s settings in Microsoft LifeCam, so set things up before you start a call. Video resolution ranges from 160×120 up to 1280×720 HD.
Motion looks smooth, but the picture is grainy, even when recording in 720p. At the default brightness the image has a slight green tint, which you can correct by recalibrating. If you push a manual setting too far in either direction, the camera pulls it back automatically.
The camera looks constantly sharp, even when not moving. When moving fast, the image blurts out, as if autofocus must be adjusted to capture both motion and brightness. You can use the button in the LifeCam software to minimize blurring, but it’s not really effective.
Micro noise reduction features, easy to catch from different angles and distances. Your video chat is always clear.
LifeCam software supports special effects such as wig, facial deformation, clown face, etc. (can be easily applied to other video chat software). If you use the Windows Life Photo Gallery software, you can tag photos and videos with the HD-5000 for upload to Facebook or other photo sharing sites.
Design and build quality
The LifeCam HD-5000 is a compact webcam in glossy black with thin silver accents. It looks tidy on a monitor and doesn’t take up much room.
The clip grips laptop lids and most monitors, and the camera can also stand on a desk by itself. If you switch between a laptop and a desktop, moving it over takes a few seconds.
The body is all plastic and light in the hand. Nobody will mistake it for a premium webcam, yet it handles daily use fine and the clip stays where you put it. There’s also a lens cover to keep the glass clean and block the camera when you’re done. For the money, I have no complaints about the build.
Specifications
The HD-5000 records at up to 720p (1280×720) and 30 frames per second. Compared with the old VGA webcams it replaces, that’s a real improvement, and it’s plenty for video calls, recording and the occasional stream. Anyone after 1080p or 4K will have to look at pricier models. I’ve never found 30 fps choppy on a call, and I’m not convinced most people could tell it apart from 60.
Focus is fixed, which means there’s nothing to fiddle with. The field of view is fairly narrow: fine for one person at a desk, cramped for two or three.
Performance
Give the HD-5000 decent light and it punches above its price, with a crisp image and true-to-life colors. In a dim room, though, grain shows up and detail fades. That’s typical for budget webcams, but worth knowing if your desk doesn’t get much light.
For everyday calls the mic does the job, although it catches a fair bit of background noise. If you work somewhere loud or plan to record videos, a separate mic is a noticeable upgrade.
There’s no real setup: plug it into USB and most computers find it without extra drivers. From there it works in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype and Google Meet.
Software and compatibility
The HD-5000 works on both Windows and macOS. Its bundled software lets you tweak brightness, contrast and saturation, snap photos and record video, all without installing anything else. The layout is straightforward.
Pros and cons
Pros:
A cheap upgrade from a basic webcam
Sharp picture in good light
Clip works on laptops and monitors, or stand it on the desk
Mic is fine for calls
Cons:
Only 720p
Fixed focus
Narrow field of view for group calls
Noisy in low light, and the mic picks up background sound
Related Posts
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.