Hello...

I require a webcam and have identified a potential candidate. It is the Microsoft Lifecam Cinema.

The problem is that I do not feel confident about its compatibility with Linux as I can not confirm if it is UVC device.

According to http://linux-uvc.berlios.de/ this device is supported and should simply be plug and play. However when I look online I find there are apparantly different version numbers (e.g. H5D-00001 and H5D-00003) as such this throws a spanner in the works for me as the berlios site does not expand in relation to versions. I can not establish what the difference is between these versions. It is the H5D-00003 version that I am looking to buy (simply because Amazon has them at a decent cost).

I also know that if a device is classed as "Compatible with Windows Vista" that it should therefore also be UVC compliant. This device is listed as "Windows 7 Compatible" but I am struggling to confirm if this means the device is UVC compliant also for it to be branded as "Windows 7 Compatible".

So, to the question, does anyone have any experience of this particular model and version, namely Microsoft Lifecam Cinema H5D-00003 being used under Linux?

It shouldn't matter, as I will be using the kernel UVC support, but I am running Gentoo with kernel 2.3.31-gentoo-r6.

Thanks for any information.

Don't know about that webcam, but for a simple webcam - I use the Logitech e1000
http://www.humans-enabled.com/2009/0...orks-with.html

As a GNU/Linux user, you'd probably be better off using a Logitech webcam, checkout their list of compatible devices here:
http://www.quickcamteam.net/devices

Regards,

Shannon VanWagner
--
FREE YOURSELF, Use GNU/LINUX! gnu.org | fsf.org | linux.com | getgnulinux.org | ubuntuguide.org | whylinuxisbetter.net | openoffice.org | humans-enabled.com | ubuntu.com | distrowatch.com | makethemove.net | livecdlist.com

I agree that a Logitech camera has higher chances of working, but it looks like this M$ camera seems to also be supported (regardless of version).

Thanks to Shannon_VanWagner and H_TeXMeX_H for replying to my question - I was looking at the Logitech Pro 9000 but it has a bug in its firmware (updated versions of this camera haven't filtered through to the shops where I am yet) when running under linux.

Anyway, I can confirm that the Microsoft Lifecam Cinema webcam mentioned above is a UVC camera and therefore works when connected to a linux box.

I took the plunge, bought it, and tested it. Currently experimenting with different software such as Cheese, VLC, Linphone, Skype, Ekiga, and Pidgin to see what I can and can't do and what I like and don't like.

Anyway, when I was researching this camera I found it incredibly difficult to purchase with confidence as I could find next to no information online advising that this camera would work with linux. So to anyone unsure... it works.

Cheers.

Hi jsstevenson,

Sorry for contacting you on an old thread but can you still confirm that the webcam you bought is still a valid choice? Any pros and cons?

I am thinking of purchasing this and would like to know if you had any problems we all should know about.


Many thanks

Hi Fusion....

I am perfectly happy with this webcam. It works with everything I have tested it with, e.g. vlc, mplayer, skype, cheese, etc....

Video and microphone work fine in my opinion.

Pros... it works and is decent quality.
Cons... nothing comes to mind.

Of course, as is always the case, dyor (do your own research!) to satisfy yourself that it will meet your needs. My needs are simple and with that as my backdrop I am happy with the webcam.

I hope this helps.
Cheers.

Thank you very much.. I shall have a nose around at a view more reviews but I think I am very happy with your comments.

Time to buy!! )

Take care.