iSight or iDon't?

July 1, 2009 5:54 AM

Best webcam for Mac OS X, is iSight still the one camera to rule them all?

We're going to be purchasing a new computer very soon and while the iMacs look nice, I hate the inability to upgrade and the expense for what you get in terms of speed/processing power. So I'm ALMOST settled on going with Psystar and getting their Core i7 machine with OS X (I assume that could also have an effect on this question so anyone with experiences from that company please weigh in!).

We'd really like to have a webcam for the iChat video stuff with friends and family and while I know a few years ago iSight was the way to go and the prices on them have been dropping steadily on eBay, I'm wondering if the specs aren't a little dated at this point? I don't need to do amazing video productions but I don't want that low framerate, fuzzy, "amateur webcam" look either. Where is the sweet spot in terms of price/performance in that market with resolution and framerate in mind and what are the leading products?

posted by genial to technology (6 comments total)

FYI: Apple is suing Psystar and as a part of its lawsuit it has requested that Psystar recall every clone it's made.

Webcam: I'd go with the iSight since it's a nice little camera. If not, I'd find a high-spec Logitech and make sure it has OS X drivers or is supported by the Macam USB webcam support project.
posted by sharkfu at 6:42 AM on July 1

Check my AskMe history and you'll see I am often working with webcams. I tried a few USB cams for my macs and I am still happiest with the iSight, especially the external ones which are discontinued. Currently I am running a bird feeder cam from my external iSight. I use an old analogue VHS-C camcorder to power my main webcam. (Links can be found in my profile)

As for the iMac, I LOVE my 24" 3.06GHz Core Duo!

HTH
posted by terrapin at 6:45 AM on July 1

Unless you're a gamer (and really then, why buy a mac), an iMac is a pretty great deal for what you're getting. What are you going to upgrade, really? Looking at your last computer, what did you replace?

Also, seconding the wariness about psystar, they're not long for this world. You'd be much, much better off getting a dell (or something similar) with a hardware-only support contract and load OSx86 yourself.
posted by Oktober at 7:52 AM on July 1

After searching high and low for a good (new) camera for an aging G5, Logitech finally came out with the QuickCam Vision Pro for Mac. After trying a number of different cameras, including other QuickCams, this one was the best for Grandpa to see the runt. The original iSight will also just work if you can find one cheap, but if not, the Logitech linked above just works as well.

If I understand correctly, the difference between the "for Mac" and other Logitech models is things that are done "in hardware" vs. "in software" -- similar to the problem some Linux users used to have in the day with laptop modems specifically designed to do stuff with Windows in software.

In summary, if you can find one (and have a firewire port), get the iSight, otherwise get the QuickCam Vision Pro for Mac
posted by hobu at 9:07 AM on July 1

If you've got the cash, an iSight is a great camera. It does need a fair amount of light in order to work well, so if you're planning to use it in a less-than-well-lit application, consider something else.

The only other camera that I've seen for the Mac that works as well is the iMage USB camera. It's considerably cheaper ($50, vs. whatever an iSight is going for on eBay) and makes use of the USB port rather than a FireWire port.

If you want a Mac, but don't want to pay full price, there's no shame in checking out the refurbished section of the Apple Store website, or buying a used unit. IMO, the recent intel-based iMacs are some of the best Apple has made in a while.
posted by Wild_Eep at 10:03 AM on July 1

Logitech Quickcam Pro Vision 9000 (for Mac)
posted by Roach at 10:15 AM on July 1