what is a good webcam to stream live video?

The Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 (blue) got 4 stars at Cnet for excellent image quality, especially in low light; flexible rubber stand provides a stable and versatile base.

The Logitech and Creative Webcams I have looked at lately all give adequate low-light performance and display accurate colors and smooth images, which make for quality video IM conversations.

My choice would be the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000. Carl Zeiss lens and Logitech's RightLight technology combine to deliver superior image quality, especially in low light; 2-megapixel sensor lets you shoot video up to 1,600x1,200 resolution; included QuickCam software is polished and easy to use; flexible stand works equally well on top of a monitor or a laptop or resting on a desk.

The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 offers a winning combination of stellar image quality, easy-to-use software, and a sturdy, stable stand. It's Cnets Webcam pick for desktop and laptop users alike.

What a customer had to say about this one: This is by far the best consumer web cam I've ever seen. Optics are fantastic, its ability to adjust to different lighting situations is surprising, autofocus works quite well, the built-in mic works great, and pretty much all the other pros you may have read elsewhere.

If you looking for good here is what I recommend. You can send live video through the Internet to a web browser from anywhere in the world with the "Linksys" video camera. High-quality, high frame rate MPEG-4 video compression produces up to 640x480 resolution video stream. You can also set MJPEG video compression for good video quality at higher bandwidth rates. Other features include an IR filter cut for low or no light environments (when an IR lamp is used), and JPEG snapshots that can be taken and saved. Snapshots can also be scheduled and sent to an FTP server. Remotely control the pan/tilt and digital zoom function, with up to 10 simultaneous users that can have access to the camera at any point in time. My second choice would be unlike standard "web cams" that require an attached PC, the Internet Home Monitoring Camera contains its own web server, so it can connect directly to a network, either over Wireless-G (802.11g) networking, or over 10/100 Ethernet cable. Choose either MPEG-4 or Motion JPEG video compression for a high-quality, high-frame rate, up to 640x480 video stream. Now it all comes down to, what you be using it for! Enjoy!

Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000, featuring Windows Live compatibility, World Class VGA Optics, superior low-light performance and a fun flexible design.