Comments on: Good alternative to iSight?

Question: Good alternative to iSight?

kirkaracha — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 09:59:15 -0800

What's a good webcam for video chatting on OS X?

I'm looking for a good webcam for iChat AV on OS X.

I'd like to get an iSight, but it looks like Apple discontinued them and they're expensive on eBay.

By: Nathanial Hörnblowér

Nathanial Hörnblowér — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:05:37 -0800

Just went through this myself, and did a ton of research. Yes, Apple has discontinued the iSight, since all their new computers now have built-in web cams. A big mistake if you ask me. I ended up getting an Ecamm iMage and it works great. There really wasn't anything else out there for Mac, and nothing that was plug and play like iMage. Just make sure you have OS v 10.4.

By: revgeorge

revgeorge — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:23:24 -0800

I ran in to the same problem - Apple acting like Mac Mini and Mac Pro users don't have a use for video cameras !? - and wound up getting a Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX.

The video is crystal clear and it works alright in Skype with the help of the free and open source macam, but there's also some bugs with Skype (I get the spinning beach ball during video calls and have to force quit once the call is done). macam has a list of compatible cameras on their site.

For iChat, you would also need the $10 iChatUSBCam which seems to work for me (I tried the demo).

By: GregW

GregW — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 13:27:55 -0800

I can't help with your question, but I wanted to let any iSight owners know that I sold my iSight on eBay two weeks ago for over $250. If you have one you're not using, definitely consider putting it up for sale!

By: Mikey-San

Mikey-San — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:22:37 -0800

Yes, Apple has discontinued the iSight, since all their new computers now have built-in web cams.

It's just as likely that they discontinued a SKU that is going to being replaced.

By: Nathanial Hörnblowér

Nathanial Hörnblowér — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 19:28:55 -0800

It's just as likely that they discontinued a SKU that is going to being replaced.

The woman working at the Apple store seemed to think that Apple was not going to replace iSight with any other camera options, and suggested I try a third party vendor for a Mac-friendly web cam.

By: JLobster

JLobster — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 09:50:12 -0800

The rumored reason for the discontinuation of the iSight is a supposed upcoming release of Apple Cinema Displays with built-in iSights, thus alleviating the mini and Pro problems mentioned by revgeorge AND locking them in to more expensive Apple hardware. Thanks Apple!

By: drstein

drstein — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:49:16 -0800

I hate to tell you, but you get what you pay for.

The iSight beats out any other webcam I've ever used. For the price, it's great.

By: revgeorge

revgeorge — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 13:59:28 -0800

drstein - for what price? Apple isn't selling them anymore, and they even took down http://www.apple.com/isight/

I think the message is that only an ugly person would buy a Mac Mini or Mac Pro.

By: kirkaracha

kirkaracha — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 18:51:46 -0800

Well, I got a Mac Mini for my mom, and she is not ugly (I may be). I have an iSight, and I want to either get a webcam for her or get another iSight (but I'd rather not pay the ~$200 iSights are going for on eBay).

By: drstein

drstein — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:48:11 -0800

Holy cow. I didn't realize that eBay sellers were screwing people over like that.

I thought the iSight would be easier to find. I guess I'll hang on to mine!

Sorry for the lousy answer :(

By: Mikey-San

Mikey-San — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 15:47:26 -0800

The woman working at the Apple store seemed to think that Apple was not going to replace iSight with any other camera options, and suggested I try a third party vendor for a Mac-friendly web cam.

Retail store employees are rarely privvy to such information. She's talking out of her ass.

By: Mikey-San

Mikey-San — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 15:48:41 -0800

(Not to imply that Apple is or isn't going to do something, of course. Just that the woman to whom you spoke likely doesn't know what's going to happen.)