Microsoft this morning introduced its newest webcam, the LifeCam VX-5000. The camera rests on a bendable rubber base that can mold to clamp onto various-size monitors or allow the unit to stand upright on a flat surface.

The LifeCam VX-5000 features VGA optics with a VGA sensor, 1.3-megapixel still-image capture, and 640-by-480 video resolution. Located on top of the unit is a Windows Live Call Button, which gives easy access to users' Contact Picker. The LifeCam's new One-touch Photo Swap feature, meanwhile, lets users share photos from their PCs while participating in a video call.

Also on board are built-in video effects; a unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation; and pan, tilt, and 3X digital zoom.

The LifeCam VX-5000 will be available next month for $49.95. For more information, check out Microsoft's hardware site.