Webcam recommendations

Can anyone recommend a decent webcam in the $25-$50 dollar range to use with my Mac Pro?
Thanks.

I got a Logitech Pro late last November. My experience: It works. I have been unable to control "gain" on either video or mic: results are that video is often washed out - but the mic seems okay if Sound prefs panel is used to control input.
During Skype or stand alone video recording: both require a darkened room - and! - a darkened screen to avoid over saturation and wash-out effect. My solution: turn off lights, open a dark jpeg file which fills the screen (since the camera is mounted over the screen - light from screen IS a factor).
Note: the video window and controls both "float above" the jpeg, so seeing "output" isn't a problem.
Oh, I'm only supposing that "Pro" indicates there is an iris control or some way to turn down "gain" - Logitech has done a poor job of specifying on this topic.
Footnote: actually, thinking up the idea of using a jpeg to darken the screen was fun: I also experimented with putting a few light gray dots "on" the image as well as "Red-Green-Blue" dots to balance color a little bit.
And yes, I took advantage of their rebate as well as a distributor's "on sale" pricing: Net cost was about $50. I would not have paid the original list: $99.

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Wireless Webcam recommendations

I'd like to set up some sort of wireless webcam primarily as a security system
for when I am gone for extended times.
I currently have a wireless g system in the house. My computer is a Apple Cube with firewire and usb 1.1.
Any recommendations on a webcam that would work?
thanks
Cube Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Hi, Tom!
EvoCam is another one. Here's a Macworld review regarding the two. The review may be dated, having been published in 2004.
Gary

Webcam recommendations please?

I am trying to buy a webcam for my G5 tower (and also a microphone or headset.) I went into the new Apple Shop in PC World today and the guy with the Apple on his back foisted me off onto a regular PC World employee, who looked at all the webcams in the shop, before informing me that none of them said Mac compatible on the box! Like I couldn't read!
So, can someone please recommend a reasonably priced webcam and microphone that will work pretty much out of the box with a G5 tower? I already have MACAM installed.
Thanks,
Phil

Hi-
With Leopard, you can run most any USB webcam, without additional drivers, whether the camera is "Mac" compatible, or not. My Logitech Quickcam Ultra works great in Leopard!
To work with iChat, in Tiger, the ichatUSBcam driver helped out (Skype didn't need drivers):
http://www.ecamm.com/mac/ichatusbcam/
Check out the QuickCam line from Logitech. They have some very reasonably priced, good performing products.
MacAlly also makes a Mac compatible webcam.
The following is a list of cameras that are usable on a Mac, and compatible with Skype. note, that this list is pre-leopard:
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=69289

Webcam recommendation

Hi
Can anyone please recommend me a good webcam for my iBook?
Thanks..

isight, http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wo/1.RSLID?mco=D F662B49&nplm=M8817LL%2FC

Mac mini mid 2010 webcam recommendation

Hi
the thing is that I`m lookinf for a webcam for my mini and here in my country there is a few cameras to choose from so I found the GENIUS WEBCAM iSILM 1300 wich in the cam details it says it is a UVC cam and works with mac 10.4.9+ and the other one that i found is the Genius Webcam eFace 2050AF
I dont know if it really works with it, thinking on facetime and ichat, so please if there is a recomendation or something plz tell me cuz I wanna change the PS3 eye camera that I`m using.
in other things, I know what UVC cams and macam are.
De antemano gracias y saludos desde Chile

Mac Webcams

Firewire webcam recommendations?

Using a USB webcam on a G3 iBook with a slow USB 1.1 provides no good quality.
But firewire webcams on a Clamshell seem do be a little bit tricky.
I own a unibrain fire-i, a pyro webcam and a AME CF-2000 which show up on my G4 in iMovie, but refuse to work on the Clamshell iBook (both running OSX 10.4.11)
The alternative is to buy the ioexperts webcam driver for 19,95$
http://www.ioxperts.com/products/webcamx.html
But i have to buy a separate license for each camera because it is linked to the firewire ID.
First question: which Firewire webcam works on a Clamshell without expensive third-party drivers ? I havn't tried the iSight camera yet.
Second question: Do you know a freeware application that can be used with a firewire webcam for recording ?
Third question: A 466Mhz Clamshell seems to be underpowered if you want to use iChat. Perhaps an additional webcam driver for 9,95$ is required
http://www.ecamm.com/mac/iusbcam/
Please share your experience.

Complex questions, bund!
First question:
If you have a Firewire DV camcorder, it should work without any additional drivers (as long as your Mac meets the minimum system requirements for the software application that you want to use with your video camera.)
System requirements can be different between apps, so you must examine each app individually.
For instance, regardless of your driver, your iMovie must be at _least version 4_ (or later): http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3095 in order to use the Firewire camera as a video source for recording directly to your Mac.
Minimum system requirements of the app apply, too.
For instance, iMovie 4 has its own that your minimum system requirements http://support.apple.com/kb/TA27598 which your system must meet in order to allow this to work properly. Therefore, even if you have a fast enough processor, you cannot use a Firewire DV camcorder as your video recording source for iMovie unless you have a late enough version of the iMovie app. Conversely, even if you have a useable iMovie version, you cannot record video if your Mac does not meet all minimum requirements of http://support.apple.com/kb/TA27598
iChat has different requirements: According to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1772 , an iNdigo clamshell iBook has only a 366 MHz G3 processor. If that is true, although a Firewire camera may work with the iBook and some apps, this 366 MHz G3 processor does NOT meet the minimum system requirements (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1771) minimum (600 MHZ G3) for OS X 10.4.11's iChat video chat *regardless of which driver you might use*.
Failure to meet these minimum system requirements may be what is causing your problem. You need to check the system requirements for every app you want to use. They are not all the same.
Second question:
I use QuickTime Pro and iMovie, neither of which is free.
This search shows many video capture apps, some free. I have tested a couple of the freeware/shareware apps with varying results, but I prefer the Apple apps that I use.
Of course, which you use will depend on your needs and the system requirements of the individual apps.
Third question:
ecamm's "iUSBCam" http://www.ecamm.com/mac/iusbcam/ can let cameras work with processors below Apple's minimum system requirement thresholds for iChat. However, as stated in the iUSBCam faq page:
... it will be slow. Try the demo to see if performance is acceptable before purchasing.
iUSBCam has no effect on apps other than iChat, so it will not help you with video recording or other functions.
EZ Jim
G5 DP 1.8GHz w/Mac OS X (10.5.6) PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

HP Deluxe Webcam not working with Snow Leopard

All links to lists of webcams recommended for Mac OS X seem to be from the pre-Snow Leopard era, including the Mac Compatible Webcams site often recommended on these forums: http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/
The Mac Compatible Webcams site above recommends the HP Deluxe Webcam (KQ246AA#ABA), a UVC compliant model.
However, I can say from long and painful experience that the HP Deluxe Webcam does not work on my Mac Mini (2009 edition) running Mac OS X 10.6.1. I've tried many things to get it working, based on info in these forums and elsewhere, but with no success. Some apps detect and can use its built-in microphone, but none have been able to use the camera itself, including Skype, iChat, Photo Booth, macam, meebo.com, and probably others I can't remember.
If anyone has been able to get the HP Deluxe Webcam to work under Mac OS X 10.6, particularly on a Mac Mini, I'd love to hear about it.
For that matter, there is very little online generally about getting any external usb webcam to work under Mac OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard).
However, today in a Mac-oriented computer store, before my very eyes the salesperson plugged a Macally IceCam2 webcam fresh out of the box into a USB port on a Mac Mini running Snow Leopard, and the IceCam2 worked perfectly and instantly. It really did plug and play. So unless I get enlightenment from this or other online sources in the next day or 2, I'm going to exchange the HP Deluxe Webcam for a Macally IceCam2. If nothing else, seeing whether it works equally well on my Mac Mini will be a good diagnostic measure.

K T wrote:
the IceCam2 worked perfectly and instantly
Why wait....go for it.
Good question. Two reasons: the store where I bought the HP Deluxe Webcam charges a 15% restocking fee on opened returns.
But more significantly, the HP Deluxe Webcam has received very good reviews and user comments online, whereas the Macally IceCam2 has received very mixed reviews, with more bad than good. Several reviewers and users raise the same negatives about the IceCam2: poor light sensitivity, bad colour distortion, and bad audio quality on its built-in microphone. And both webcams cost about the same.
So I've posted this question to a few forums and will wait a couple days to see if anyone can help me get the HP Deluxe Webcam working on my Mac Mini under Snow Leopard. If not, it's IceCam2 for me!

What to expect to pay for a new/used iSight?

What were these iSight cameras selling for brand new when Apple sold them?
Why did they discontinue it?
I have the 30" ACD, should I invest in a new/used one from ebay or somewhere?
What price should I expect to pay?
Would it be better to get a different camera from Logitech or something, thats cheaper and better?

Chris McCord wrote:
What were these iSight cameras selling for brand new when Apple sold them?
I paid $129 (USD) plus tax when my Rev A external iSight was new (about 5 years ago.)
Why did they discontinue it?
The Terms of Use for Discussions prohibit speculation on decisions.
I have the 30" ACD, should I invest in a new/used one from ebay or somewhere?
Unless you can physically examine and test an external iSight, I would not buy one now.
External iSight is a great camera, but they are getting old as electronics go, and you have no idea how the one you buy now has been used or treated by its previous owner(s).
I suggest that you buy locally and test any external iSight you are considering on your Mac before you pay for it. That way you know whether it will work, and a local seller may be able to answer questions, if any, about connecting and using iSight before you buy.
If you find one locally, use the following suggestions to test the external iSight before you buy:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
Even if the external iSight you are considering is advertised as an NOS (new, old-stock) iSight, it is not likely covered by Apple Warranty. If the seller does not provide you written service guarantees or warranty, you may be want to check Apple's iSight Service: Frequently Asked Questions, especially if you cannot test the iSight before you buy to be sure it is working.
If you are interested, see this example regarding using a used external iSight:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9464955
What price should I expect to pay?
Searching eBay can show you what others have paid, but I know no way to predict what you should expect.
If you consider buying an untested external iSight via an on-line auction or other internet seller, I strongly suggest that you (try to) get a written guarantee that you can have the iSight examined by your Apple Authorized Service Provider and can have a refund or exchange if the iSight doesn't pass his checks. Such a warranty might effect your purchase price.
Would it be better to get a different camera from Logitech or something, thats cheaper and better?
Yes.
That would be my recommendation. To cheaper and better, you can add is covered by a current warranty.
Any of the UVC webcams recommended in the following link can work with your posted System Info without any additional software or drivers:
http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.2) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.2)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

Can anybody recommend a webcam for my G4 Powerbook..?

Hi all,
Can anybody recommend a webcam for my G4 Powerbook..? Can i buy an external iSight cam or stick to a logitech product for example.
I would really appreciate several replies/suggestions to compare compatability, quality and price issues.
Thx in advance,
shane
G4 powerbook 15inch Mac OS X (10.4.7) 1.67GHZ 1MG Ram 100GB hard drive

In addition to specific devices your options are:-
Any Firewire DV output (6 pin to 6pin) Camcorder
Any Firewire Web cam
Any USB cam that has Mac drivers and this Utility http://www.ecamm.com/mac/ichatusbcam/
The chances are that any USB cam is going to have Windows drivers (if you need them for a Intel)
8:55 PM Wednesday; January 31, 2007

Recommendations for webcam under $50?

Looking to purchase a webcam to go with my 2011 mac mini, any recommendations for under $50?

Any suggestions?Consider video monitoring equipment like that available from most home centers and electronics department stores.
Baby monitoring gear may be even lower cost if you can tolerate the pink and blue paint with teddy bear pictures. Perhaps you could build the equipment in, paint it, or cover it with something less obtrusive if the appearance is a problem?

Recommended webcam?

Hello guys.
I'm not much of a webcam fan but now I need to get one for a project of mine. Problem is, when I asked around the shops which webcam is compatible with Linux, they either never heard of Linux or blindly replied no. Reminded of my Canon iP1000 which won't work on Linux no matter how hard I tried, I dare not waste my money only to find it's not supported / buggy / poor performance.
So anyone can recommend me a medium-end webcam that works flawlessly on Arch?

I can only say that I got a4tech pk-5 and it works without any problems in Arch. Actually, it seems to work better under Linux than Windows - I tried it on my parents' XP and the OS started freezing, ihih.
I think most webcams (or at least lots) should work under Linux, but it is indeed quite hard to determine what chipset a given webcam uses.

Recommend Webcam

Can anyone recommend a webcam that produces a picutre as good as, or close to, the iSight, but does not carry the high price tag?
PowerBook G4 1.25Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.3)

... picutre as good as, or close to, the iSight, but does not carry the high price tag?With your criteria, I would suggest looking for a used DV camcorder. If you can find one whose tape mechanism does not work, you may find a real bargain. Unless the optics or electronics is damaged, you should get a good picture even if the tape transport or heads are damaged.
For more info on your choices, see iSight versus DV Camcorder or other web-cam.
Take your PowerBook along. When you find a camera, try any of the tests that apply from the list suggested in How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional before you buy. You will not likely get return privileges with a used camcorder.

Recommend a Webcam for Skype?

I have a Powerbook G4 running 10.4. Old, I know. I want to sue Skype. Can you recommend a cheap Webcam I can get to use with my system.

Apple Compatible Mac Web Cameras For Video Chat
http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/
Probably the best is an Apple iSight (no longer being made, used ones about $50)
 Cheers, Tom

Recommendation for Webcam

Can anyone recommend any good webcams to use.
Ive been looking at the iSight but i'm not 100% sure at the moment on buying this.
What webcams do other people use for talking with friends online?
Cheers.
John.

While there are many options available, I'd highly recommend the iSight. The quality and features outperform any camera that I've ever used on a PC. (I switched to the Mac in November of last year)
The quality and clarity, along with the built in Autofocus and microphone is a real advantage over some of the camera's available.
I've used a number of the logitech cameras on the PC end and none of them compare to the iSight.
If you do choose something other than the iSight, keep in mind you MAY need a 3rd party application to meet compatibility requirements on your mac. (They range from $10 to $30)
Don't forget, if you or your family members are in school, you may qualify for the education discount and save $20 off the cost of the iSight bringing it down to $129.
Good luck on your choice!

Recommendation for mid-price webcam for iChat

I believe I've got a USB2.0 Mac Mini running 10.4.11 and am looking for a reasonable webcam. I'm tempted by the Logitech Vision Pro, but at £64 or thereabouts, it's a little more than I'm hoping to pay. However, all the cheaper ones look to have very poor optics. Am I going to have to bite the bullet, or can anyone else recommend a cheaper UVC compliant alternative with autofocus and similarish quality?!
Cheers

I have one of these as back-up a Xbox 360 Live Vision http://www.play.com/Games/Xbox360/4-/1720594/Official-Xbox-360-Live-Vision-Camer a/Product.html works well, manual focus and manual tilt.

Webcam recommendations

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