Photos: Webcams shoot the Messenger

Microsoft has announced two Webcams for use with its Windows Live Messenger, the instant-messaging and calling software currently available via free beta download. The LifeCam, scheduled to become available in August, is designed to allow people to engage in video conversations.

The LifeCam VX-6000 offers 5-megapixel interpolated photography, 1.3-megapixel HD video (with 3x digital zoom) and a 71-degree wide-angle lens designed to allow more than one person to be included in the shot. It is tentatively priced at $99.95.

The LifeCam VX-3000, priced at about $49.95, can take HD still photography (1.3-megapixels interpolated) and video with 640-by-480-pixel resolution.