Webcams on Mac, which one to buy?

[BLAMECHUCKNORRIS]

Whats a good cam for a macmini (late 2009) running on snow leopard. I was thinking of getting the Logitech HD Webcam C270. Does this work for mac?

[BakuganHQ1998]

I still use ibookG4 that my mom purchased from you, My mom bought Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 for me, and now I can use photo booth. Is there any way to add more effect? I download one free one, and it did not work. Do you use photo booth to record your video?

[adric22]

@BakuganHQ1998 - No, I use Quicktime player to record the video. Photobooth limits the resolution and reverses the image, which irritates me.

[BakuganHQ1998]

@adric22 I did not know Quicktime player record videos. Does it have to be Pro?

[LucasSparksMusic]

which one work for the ibook g3? Also which one do you most recommend?

[adric22]

@LucasSparksMusic - Due to the G3's older USB ports none of the cameras I've ever tested will work. However, the firewire iSight camera will work just fine.

[sierboy]

@adric22 will the logitech c910 work on a ibook g4 tiger?

[nicdem25]

If your isight camera on your iMac is 1.3 megapixels. Why do the new iMacs with 0.9 megapixel cameras shoot in 720p HD and the old ones don't?

[Lachlant1984]

Does the iSight FireWire cameral use an analogue audio connection to the computer, or does it transmit the audio over the FireWire connection? What about the USB cameras with microphones? Do they have analogue audio cables? This could be a problem on a Mac because the audio inputs are line level and not Microphone level as I understand it, but of course I may be wrong.

[Udonnell]

I just got a logictec quickcam pro 5000 and I'm running on Mac osx and I'm getting no response whatsoever is there anything I can do outside getting a new camera?

[theinvaders100]

does the c250 work on some of the older mac minis?

[adric22]

@theinvaders100 - If it is running Leopard, most likely.

[TomiBonTomi]

great review!

[JamieBoydRatcliff]

I want the best HD 16:9 quality to record from my IMac. What do you recommend?

[adric22]

@JamieBoydRatcliff - The Logitech C910 is best and is even officially supported for Mac now.

[JoeyJoelBand]

@JamieBoydRatcliff The 910 Logitech software is supporting ONLY the Intell platform for MAC. I tested a number of cams and systems. On Windows the 910 is very good - as long as the software works. I spent about 30 hrs with Logitech on technical issues. What I found, is what I knew from my tests. The cams are good, the software tends to be very unstable, ,especially on cam sites. Also, true voice is a joke. High compression, so you can't record music. But, turn it off, and it 's good.

[cathode42]

Thanks , I just bought a VX-5000...works like a charm

[ndolan999]

i only watched up to 2:30 but i knew isight (facetime) was going to win because apple rock

[LVishere]

Excellent review. Thanks!

[MadmanModz640]

you need some pussy

[lucaslanddotcom]

@TheAmazingCreative puhhhlease

[xM4JoRx]

Built in Microphone or not built in microphone i use a classic micro phone that i just use a few cords and M audio mobilizer modem and a microphone

[Nadav34]

Whats a good webcam for the G4 Pismo? I just got a nice beefed up G3 Pismo with a G4 550 processor..

It has OS 9.2.2 natively and also 10.4.11

[Hethry]

I Have The Lifecam VX-5000 You Said It Works For Mac But How Do I Get It Going And All?

[adric22]

@Hethry - Step 1 - Plug it in, Step 2 - use it. Pretty simple.

[Hethry]

@adric22 i know that i didnt know whitch program to use to record but i found out!

[rdesai48]

which one works on snow leopard?

[WBMGFantasyFactory]

Yeah. Here is the problem about that. I have a iMac G5 and have, like no photo apps. (I am running Tiger) So I was wondering if you could tell me what the latest version of iLife I could use running Tiger version 10.4.11? Right now I only have 2004. Yea I know I am outdated. : ( Or could I get Photo Booth like on a free download online?

[WBMGFantasyFactory]

Ok, thanks. I want to buy a webcam and make sure I am totally safe. What program were you running your camera on? Because on my iMac G5, the only thing I have is a program called Image Capture. Would that work? Or is there another program I could buy?

[adric22]

@WBMGFantasyFactory - I was using quicktime pro, but you could also use photobooth if you have iLife installed.

[swiminterval]

@adric22....

I am having a weird phenomenon with the MS5000 cam. On Mac, QT shows the video vertically flipped (what is actually right shows up on the left side). However, with Mac Photobooth, things are correct. On Vista, the MS program has the same vertical flip. On Windows 7, thinks are right.

I see a dramatic improvement in looks on Windows...using MS's program.

[WBMGFantasyFactory]

I have a question. What would the best webcam be for running Tiger on a iMac G5? Have you ever heard of ooVoo? If so, would this camera work for it? Thanks.

[adric22]

@WBMGFantasyFactory - Never heard of ooVoo. USB camera support on Tiger is very limited, but as you saw in my video, some cameras do work.

[apology89]

your website doesn't work =(

[xXxDanityKanexXx]

Do these work on the ibook Clamshells?

[adric22]

@xXxDanityKanexXx - None of the USB models, as they all require 2.0

[xXxDanityKanexXx]

@adric22 so then the firewire isight would work right

[adric22]

@xXxDanityKanexXx - Yes, the original Apple iSight firewire model will work on a clamshell.... BUT... almost none of the software applications that you'd want to use with the webcam will work on a clamshell due to the slow CPU.

[berthosquire]

Excellent review, very useful thank you.

[roestipower]

Can i use the "Photo Booth" program to use the webcam? I've got Snow Leopard and i want to buy Logitech C-250.

[sw1digital]

Wich camera works with a G4 Quicksilver 867MHz DP?

[josechepe80]

@sw1digital iSight External camera , MacOSX

[iveysbananas]

Thanks so much! This was a great video, I'm buying a webcam for my old G4 PowerPC tower. I'm running tiger on it and OfficeMax has the C250 on sale for $10!

Thanks for doing such amazing research!

[infospill]

i got a c310 for my tiger power book and it does not work? what should I do

[adric22]

@infospill - Try it on Leopard. I found some webcams won't work on Tiger.

[infospill]

@adric22 yea I would but I am stuck with tiger for a while. why do people say that the logitec cams work with tiger then? or what models will work the best?

[fairren]

What software did you use to get the microsoft lifecam vx-5000 to work on the ibook g4?

[Emmyteddy]

4:01 to 4:13 LOL!

[Emmyteddy]

would you recomend the logitech web cam C250?

[magichristo]

@Emmyteddy I would, unless you're using a mac.

[griinlantern]

@Emmyteddy he did recommend it

[Emmyteddy]

@griinlantern uh yeah i know......

[griinlantern]

@Emmyteddy if u know why did u ask if he would recommend it?

[Emmyteddy]

@griinlantern i watched the video. then i asked which one he would recomend for me as in my computer. not recommed it cuz he likes it. recommend it for my computer. READ THE OTHER COMMENT. THE 1ST ONE I PUT. YOU COMMENTED THE 2ND ONE WHICH SAID WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE LOGITECH WEB CAM C250. FREAKIN READ!!!!!! HERES WAT THE 1ST ONE SAID: does mac accessories work on compaq cuz i have a compaq computer and i would like to buy a web cam. which webcam would u recomend that works for that and w/mic

[griinlantern]

@Emmyteddy awww, if you would listen to what he is saying you would have known that those cameras WORK on PC because he says that in the beginning of the video. Cameras that work for pc but he is trying them also on mac. SO LISTEN TO WHAT HE IS SAYING! hahahaha, see, i can shout too

[Emmyteddy]

@griinlantern umm I NEVER SAID YOU COULDN'T!!!!! ^_^

[Emmyteddy]

does mac accessories work on compaq because i have a compaq computer and i would like to buy a web cam. which web cam would u recomend that works for that AND has a microphone?

[alexeialves]

Very helpfull

Thanks

[hezzart]

Very helpful video!

[splitlenz]

wow dude. First time i heard someone say they bought every item off the store shelf and then show it. You my friend are ballin lol. I hope target had a great return policy. hehe.

[TheBlog999]

What mac did you use in this video

[brittani2250]

THANK YOU!!! :) lol OMG i was searching all over the net to try and find out which application to open the installation disc with for the logitech webcam C120 because i wanted to be able to capture pix too...ugh thanx u saved me A LOT of time lol

[SGTFUNKYFUZZ]

i saw how @mighty589 used his/her playstation eye, so i taught maybe my xboxlive cam would work fine with the iBook G4 but it didn't. So anyone wondering, that cam doesn't work with a iBook G4. But your advise on these cams has helped me very much. So thank you on that part.

[dirkmaat]

Thanks for this video. Very helpfull by choosing a webcam!

[Evelyn042755]

Help i have a mini mac osx and i use safari. It is my home computer not a laptop. So which camera should i buy.?

[MetroFunX]

the c250 seemes to be very good, i think ill take that.

[mighty589]

can u tell me if the c250 works on chatroulette w/ leopard? i tried my PlayStation eye and it recognises it on the drop down, but when i start the chat it tells me that there is no cam attached, so im considering a c250. thx

[TheDillaMonster]

thanks, i've been looking for a mac webcam for i while, i have a mac mini

[goodfellalee87]

bloody hell why would you buy so many webcams appreciate it! im guessign they're th same quality on windows too?

[adric22]

@goodfellalee87 - I'm sure the picture quality is exactly the same on windows.

[Emmyteddy]

@goodfellalee87 u use the term bloody hell... r u british?

[NationUPSB]

so none of them will have 30 FPS without the software?

[gamerkyle123]

does the logitech c120 work in panther?that's what I have.

[adric22]

@gamerkyle123 - Not likely. They didn't add UVC support for cameras until Tiger.

[aviadbarness]

@adric22 i have the c120 i plug it in and it dosent work.

help ? 

[okachoe]

i need to know why it wont connect to my skype account. i have a mac computer and a logitech camera witch 1 im unsure of tho. it has a ball head and atri-leg stand.

[takaloha517]

Thank you for clearing things up!!!!!

[cinemastupid]

thank you ibookguy, you assured me about my purchase of an iBook G3

[cowoverthemoon1]

do these webcams work on any other laptop/computer than a mac?

[exaurius]

wow what a great in depth review. I hope you got some of your money back on the bad cameras :)

[LEGOdude965]

I have the Logitech C200 or C250 so I must be good. I use the webcam for my brickfilms.

[smittymike13]

I like the external apple cam the best nut I agree with the Microsoft 5000 one. Do u know of any that work with panther

[JoeyHD2]

yah man thats a sick cam clearr as shittttt

[marcelosouza]

I am getting a PsEye Camera (Ps3). Looks the best.

[kangstafosho]

how did you get the logitech c250 install onto the mac?

i have an older Mac OS X 10.5.8

help. please ccomment back

[shan2dude]

which camera would be the best with a MAC MNI snow leopard?

[4runnerOfTheFuture]

Thanks. This was really helpful. I ended up going with the FireWire iSight due to the fact that I have a couple of older macs I wanted to use it with and my Mac Pro is out of USB ports so I use a firewire one instead. Older camera, but still works great.

[halavala321]

you re a fagg

[inridong]

Amazing! thanks

[0range23]

thanks for your review! I´ll buy the logitech c250 and guess what, will use it for windows. wish me luck ;-)

[haiti1800]

which webcam you go with,logitech c250?

[MrJonnyJones]

I'm guessing all the cameras worked with Snow Leopard apart from the one that didn't work with any Mac? Thanks :-)

[adric22]

@MrJonnyJones - correct, if it worked on Leopard, then it worked on Snow Leopard too.

[MrJonnyJones]

@adric22 Thanks!  I saw a previous comment which repeated me, apologies, and thanks again for the reply!

[Qbiak]

Great review! Thanks.

[waterlooman]

Thanks.  Very helpful.

[EMOSKATERDUDE222]

what would be the best for an G5 imac?

[DarkImage11]

xD you sound and look abit like bruce willis

[littlemissmusic2]

wich camera would be the best with an ibook clamshell?

[adric22]

None of them really. The only one that would even "work" would be the Apple iSight Firewire and that is only on the clamshell models that have firewire. But even then, iChat requires at least 600 Mhz so the clamshells are pretty useless with a camera.

[manicmoov]

Excellent review, this is just the information I needed. On the strength of this I bought the Microsoft VX-5000 for my new Mini running Snow Leopard, and it works perfectly. Skype has never looked so good.

[04busaman]

hey dude your the man.......

good job you showed me what cam to buy?

[FabioNacciLemon]

ty 4 your tests. I' wanna buy a webcam for snow....c250 si good?

[noloboy]

Great Review!! However, I need to know if the C200 or the C250 will work on SNOW Leopard? On the transition slide, it only said works on Tiger and Leopard. I know, it will probably work on Snow but I just want to make sure.

Thanks!

[adric22]

Yes, in my testing everything that worked on Leopard also worked on Snow Leopard.

[KantKidAKidder]

hey i got the logitech c250 but i was wondering what program or software you used to record this?

[aznscaby]

i just bought a logitech c250 and im running window 7 i installed the software that was provided and im trying to dl new effects but its not working after i installed them? could it be the cd?

[adric22]

Never tried the camera on a windows PC.

[conquestdrifter]

Awesome video. Thank you for showing this and your very informational also.

[Smoug1987]

Great job! Thanks man!

[treigle1]

Pretty much. The C250 kills the C200. On paper, the C500 is a lot better, but in practice, it doesn't deal with average home lighting very well, and actually gives much worse quality than the C250. I'd say don't waste your money on the C500. I'm sure the $100+ cams are WAY better than all of these though.....

[annabandanaa]

what camera are you using to film?

[adric22]

Any video that was not taken on a webcam was done using a Sanyo digital camera.

[annabandanaa]

@adric22 thanks! great review btw

[Qingston]

Thnx for this great review! Good Job;)

[jeremydiamond]

Thank you!! fantastic review

[meikkis]

In addition to iSight, there are several webcams with a true CCD. For example an excellent Philips ToUCam Pro-series.

[briannalovescouture]

I cannot find the fun filters on the c200. Pleaaaase help!!

[treigle1]

Thank you very much for the excellent review!

FWIW, I tried a Logitech C200,C250, and C500 on Linux (without benefit of Logitech's software of course), and the C250 comes out far ahead under average residential lighting. The C500, despite higher resolution, just looked horribly grainy, and averaged 7.5fps at 1280x1024, 15fps at 640x480. The C200 averages 7.5fps at 640x480, and the C250 averages 15fps at 640x480 with a much cleaner picture than the other two.

[wildreamcatcher]

I have the logitech c250 but i can not get it to work with my ibook g4 (Processor Name:PowerPC G4 (1.2), Processor Speed:1.33 GHz, L2 Cache (per CPU):512 KB, Memory; 512 MB, Bus Speed:133 MHz.) when I plug in my usp, the laptop does not recognize the camera. I will appreciate the help..

[adric22]

What operating system are you running? What application are you trying to use?

[wildreamcatcher]

apple OS X 10.5.8. I am trying to use it for skype or yahoo video messenger.

[alon114]

Thank you very much for a well-produced video and research! It is really frustrating to find a webcam for my mac mini. I assume that none of the webcams you've showed works on Snow Leopard? Do you know of any webcams out there that do work with Snow Leopard? Thanks :)

[adric22]

If you paid attention to the intro, I tested each and every camera on Snow Leopard. But I decided not to mention it further because I found that every camera that worked on leopard also worked on snow leopard.

[alon114]

Thanks again. I asked that because as you know, there were several webcams (HP is one of them) that worked with Leopard but not SL. I am considering buying the Logitech c600.

[adric22]

Actually, I didn't know that. And wouldn't have guessed either because all the ones I tried worked fine. (I didn't test any HP models) But that is good to know.

[dkmi]

Very well done. Can't believe you went through all the trouble to do this comparison, but I'm happy you did. Without research, I just bought a bunch of C250's at Staples for $20 as gifts. I wanted to see if they were worth it, and you just confirmed that I got a great deal. Thank you for the review.

[ngvgnDOTcom]

Great reviews 5 stars!

[unrealplatin]

allright, thanks for the fast answer!

via your video/help I found the right webcam (Micorsoft VX-700). Very special thanks to you!

[unrealplatin]

What do you mean with "excellent Lightning conditions". What you do for this condinitions? Just a lamp opposite of you? Thanks for this excellent video!

[adric22]

Yes, I have a fluorescent light behind the camera that shines into my face.

[dlobring]

thanks! great video, very resourceful for those looking to buy a webcam on the cheap!

[adriebm]

Great video man!

Im in Japan, today i find the c250 (very cheap) in the local computer store,but im afraid in buy due to quality.

Im impressed too!

gonna buy it right now.

Arigatou

[marquesbrownlee]

This is a very well-produced video. Thanks.

[Willie56567]

I must say, U put together the best video of all here on you tube on the web cam, thank you. I think I am going to buy the 250

[Galdasturis]

Thanks, i'm getting C250 now. :)

[Mycatisbigfoot]

there is a driver for most of the pc web cams, its called Mac cam,

its a driver just just runs, like jorgestube09 asked, as you mistook what porgram you use for video recording, so I thought i will tell you that

[xxaboldnewtaste]

how do i get my logitech webcam C120

[samanthabritton890]

I have a dual 2.5 Power Pc G5, will the logitec C 250 work? By the way im running leapord..

[adric22]

I'm pretty sure it would work fine.

[Rikon01]

looks like imma get the c25 thank you for this video you saved me from getting a crappy web camera i was gonna settle for the c120 but that model was really bad i didnt like how it looked at all

[Sponge1310]

Nice video :D I'm considering buying a (second hand) firewire isight for my macbook (2,1).. but i'm not sure if it'll work..

[jorgestube09]

Hey what program are you using to use the webcams? is it MACAM?

[adric22]

I'm not using any particular program. As for the actual recordings, I'm just using Quicktime Pro.

[MarioMan250]

im probally geting c200

[plasticpunch]

excellent presentation 

thanks!

[CamoMark]

nice video!

[psychoclown420]

Glad to see another video!!

It goes to show that even old macs with 1.2ghz processors run as smooth as brand new windows boxes.