Webcam

[Mick 1]

New to Apple after yrs of PC. Ordered new Mini but already had new, top of line HD monitor so I saved $600-700 by not getting the Apple monitor, too. (Really liked the built-in monitor cam Apple had but couldn't justify the cost.)

Question: Would like to find an add-on webcam but have been reading many product reviews that claim to be "Apple-compatible" only to read from Ap-mini users that they either don't work at all or perform poorly. Apparently, Logitech (for Mac) is one of the "worst" offenders, even though most of their PC products rock.

Anyone have any POSITIVE experiences with finding or using an add-on cam that actually works decently on the Mini?

Thanks,
Mick

 

[timamirzadeh]

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910

I don't have any personal experience, but I've been looking around for a web cam for my mini as well. "Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910" keeps coming up as a winner for me.

On the Apple store, it has some negative reviews but the good out weigh the bad, at least to me. I will update once I finally purchase it and use it. (Amazon has it cheaper, FYI)

 

[Mick 1]

Cam

I saw that one....very nice camera. But, take a look at the 30-some 1 star comments.....many warning against using with Macs. That many comments being that specific was enough to scare me off.

Look forward to hearing what you think of it.

Thanks,
Mick

 

[416049]

I saw that one....very nice camera. But, take a look at the 30-some 1 star comments.....many warning against using with Macs. That many comments being that specific was enough to scare me off.

Look forward to hearing what you think of it.

Thanks,
Mick

I have a logitech c525 and it works great, if i remember correctly it said mac compatible on the box as-well.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Portable-Calling-Autofocus/dp/B004WO8HQ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327680205&sr=8-1

Nearly 5 stars and the price is ok as-well

 

[eutexian]

I have a logitech c525 and it works great, if i remember correctly it said mac compatible on the box as-well.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Portable-Calling-Autofocus/dp/B004WO8HQ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327680205&sr=8-1

Nearly 5 stars and the price is ok as-well

Be aware. 'in the box' = logitech software, so you will probably need an optical drive. The support page for this device doesn't have downloadable drivers for OS-X. (which I find very odd)

http://www.logitech.com/en-hk/435/7794

 

[416049]

Be aware. 'in the box' = logitech software, so you will probably need an optical drive. The support page for this device doesn't have downloadable drivers for OS-X. (which I find very odd)

http://www.logitech.com/en-hk/435/7794

That is true, but on the other hand it works fine without any software as-well both skype and facetime.The xtra software does the same thing as photobooth but the logitech version of it.

 

[donw35]

I am using the Microsoft XBOX webcam, works with OOB, good enough for FaceTime and general webcam apps. not HD though

 

[Mick 1]

Cam

Yes, I ordered the optical drive so software shouldn't be an issue. I'll take a look at the C525 and see what the reviews say. I'm really looking for a HD camera......"go big or go home," I say.

 

[paulrbeers]

Be aware. 'in the box' = logitech software, so you will probably need an optical drive. The support page for this device doesn't have downloadable drivers for OS-X. (which I find very odd)

http://www.logitech.com/en-hk/435/7794

Yes it is......

http://logitech-en-ap.custhelp.com/.../435/lt_product_id/7794/tabs/1,3,2,5/cl/hk,en

 

[dolphin842]

Another option is to use an old FireWire camcorder if you have one lying around gathering dust. It's what I use and it works for what it is.

 

[mooblie]

I use a PS3 Eye camera (N.B. PS3, and NOT PS2) with the Macam driver - works really well, as both a webcam and microphone connected by a single USB cable. (I only use it on Skype though.)

Often available used on eBay, cheap.

 

[Mick 1]

Cam

Well that could be a soulution (PS3 cam), possibly. Just want a decent camera for webcamming, video conferencing, and photo booting....

 

[gage006]

I use a PS3 Eye camera (N.B. PS3, and NOT PS2) with the Macam driver - works really well, as both a webcam and microphone connected by a single USB cable. (I only use it on Skype though.)

Image
Often available used on eBay, cheap.

What's the resolution on that one? That's pretty awesome, never considered it.

 

[QuantumLo0p]

Logitech c910

I have used a Logitech c910 for a short time and so far it works well with ooVoo. It was recognized immediately and the mic works well. If you check Logitech's site for compatibility, really the only things supported is basic use; all the bells and whistles for color correction and such are not supported. However, this cam seems to be decent quality and it looks great from my end. Perhaps that is due to the Zeiss lens? The only thing I really don't care for is my little Mini doesn't quite have enough power to do HD well; it performs okay, not great though. There is a little bit of lag and I can't be running any other graphic intensive or cpu intensive apps at the same time I'm running ooVoo otherwise the lag is unacceptable.

I think the webcam standard is UVC and from what I can tell there are really only a few cams that have full functionality on Macs but most UVC compatible cams work fine as far as video and audio is concerned; you just won't have all the bells and whistles features that the average user won't use anyway.

 

[BigDukeSix]

http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/

 

[wrinkster22]

snip

thanks! could you just test/confirm that it will work on a
non powered usb hub
with facetime

TIA

 

[ericrwalker]

I have that camera, and it's amazing. The quality is crystal clear, a great built in mic and you can pan and zoom the cam as well.

My wife and daughter use it to skype to her family overseas. They are amazed how good to quality is, and my in-laws plan on getting the same model now.


EDIT: we use it on a windows machine. Looks like there may be some issues with OS-X from other post I see.

I don't have any personal experience, but I've been looking around for a web cam for my mini as well. "Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910" keeps coming up as a winner for me.

On the Apple store, it has some negative reviews but the good out weigh the bad, at least to me. I will update once I finally purchase it and use it. (Amazon has it cheaper, FYI)

 

[LucasLand]

Unless you have to have an HD webcam, hands down the best webcam for a mac mini is apple's old isight webcam. Not only does it have a great picture, but the sound quality is outstanding. I have one connected to my mac mini server. You can easily buy one on ebay

 

[Killerbob]

How did you all connect the iSight to the MacMin? My old iSight (bought originally for my Mac Pro), uses FW400, and my Mac Mini only as ISB and FW800. Can you covert that?

Bo

 

[TraceyS/FL]

How did you all connect the iSight to the MacMin? My old iSight (bought originally for my Mac Pro), uses FW400, and my Mac Mini only as ISB and FW800. Can you covert that?

Bo

Lots of conversion do-hickeys on amazon. I got an 800->400 cable for a drive, but that wouldn't work with the iSight i don't think.

I sold my iSight - it's the only thing i've ever sold on eBay!

 

[bwrairen]

I picked up the Rocketfish HD webcam at bestbuy.com for $8.55. Works with no software install and has a great picture and sound.

 

[k3roro]

I don't have any personal experience, but I've been looking around for a web cam for my mini as well. "Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910" keeps coming up as a winner for me.

On the Apple store, it has some negative reviews but the good out weigh the bad, at least to me. I will update once I finally purchase it and use it. (Amazon has it cheaper, FYI)

The c910 is the one I used when I had my Mac Mini. From what I recall, you just plug it in and it works, super simple and I was getting compliments on the quality of the video during FaceTime.