USB-Based Webcams for OSX Sought

August 13, 2007 5:13 PM

Recommend a USB webcam that you have actually used in Mac OS X, please.

Last year my wonderful wife bought me a USB webcam that was supposed to work with OS X according to this macam listing. It didn't, and I had to jump through hoops to return it. I hate hoops, and returns.

Now I am in the market for another USB webcam and I am hoping someone can recommend one that 1) definitely works with OS X and has pretty darned good image quality and 2) doesn't require USB 2 connection (works with 1.1)

I am looking to spend around $100, but will pay more IF the camera has a great image and/or additional features such as being able to be controlled via the web.

For those who may want/need even more information. I am looking for a USB camera because a power surge knocked out my Firewire ports on my eMac therefore making it impossible to use my existing iSight; and replacing the logic board will cost more than I am willing to spend simply to get my Firewire ports back. Nothing else seems to have been effected by the surge (and yes, I am now using a UPS system).

Thanks for hearing me out :)

posted by terrapin to computers & internet (13 comments total)

The thing is that if this is for iChat, you can only use a firewire camera, even if you find a USB driver for your camera. If it's for Skype, you're A-OK.

I experimented with a really old Intel webcam that is supported according to that webpage. Worked without any problems, but the color was off and it was just generally nasty.
posted by icebourg at 5:57 PM on August 13, 2007

I use the cam to display a view outside my window using EvoCam uploading an image every minute, and therefore I want the image to be as good as possible. My iSight is good, but not perfect in bright light. I want comparable or better image quality or I won't bother; and will start saving for either the logic board or a new machine.

I deliberately didn't link to my webcam's URL because I currently have a grovel and paypal link and I didn't want anyone to think I posted this in order to help fund this plan.
posted by terrapin at 6:17 PM on August 13, 2007

I went into bic and bought a Logicool camera which isn't supported in OsX directly, but worked fine with macam, and due to that, in Skype. That is all I have used it for, and not very often at that :)

Specifically, it is a (I dont remember, let me load USBProbe)

Logitech QuickCam IM, I think it is called "Connect" in Japan. It looks exactly like this one:

http://shopproducts.howstuffworks.com/Logitech-QuickCam-Pro-5000-Personal-Web-Camera/SF-1/PID-28297138
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000I8O8XY?tag=wintomacdedtp-22&camp=243&creative=1615&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B000I8O8XY&adid=0MJASTMJ7NSS3W6BV1PV&

Dunno if I can directly recommend it, but it does work with macam/Skype.
posted by lundman at 6:46 PM on August 13, 2007

http://www.powermax.com/catalog?i=PM_DV_WC

FWIW, I work for the same company that owns powermax.com, I can speak for the ecamm which I have used in person is not that bad of quality. Logitech is a logitech and isn't bad from what i've heard, and since 10.4.8 apple has included support for most 3rd party cameras in ichat that follow I believe the USB video spec.
posted by mrzarquon at 6:56 PM on August 13, 2007

(an addendum, that means you don't need too, and shouldn't, install the drivers that come with your camera, just make sure you have tiger). The macally one may be the only one that works for you, since you need usb 1.1. And I was wrong, you need to have 10.4.9 on your machine or higher.

The fancy new iMacs have one built in, and are glossy (glossssyyyyy) (my office is in the back of a retail store, so i get to hear these conversations a lot).
posted by mrzarquon at 7:00 PM on August 13, 2007

I went into bic and bought a Logicool camera which isn't supported in OsX directly, but worked fine with macam, and due to that, in Skype.

lundman, are you running 10.4 or 10.3? I'm still on Panther, and if this works on that version, I'll hop out to Bic and grab one ... if ...
posted by woodblock100 at 8:07 PM on August 13, 2007

I have one that I've used, I just don't have it handy now, email me the day after tomorrow and I'll be able to give you the details, it was a very cheap Logitech i bought last summer anyway
posted by matteo at 9:07 PM on August 13, 2007

(and I'm still on 10.3.9)
posted by matteo at 9:08 PM on August 13, 2007

I am using 10.4.10 and need an external camera. I adore the new iMacs, but even if I got one I'd still need an external camera because I am not the camera's subject... thankfully ;)

I'd be happy with an Ecamm iMage but it requires USB 2. As does the Logitech Quickcam Pro 5000.

I currently have an Macally ICECAM and the video is sub par. I use it as a chat camera with my Powerbook.
posted by terrapin at 3:57 AM on August 14, 2007

i have a logitech - but i dont remember the model exactly. i can look it up when i get home. it works with ichat, but not consistently. i bought to scan in isbn's for delicious library, but it doesnt really work for that, even though it was a pricey piece of equipment (~$90).

please shoot me an email if i forget to post the model. btw, im on 10.4.9.

also, let me know if the isight works and is for sale :)
posted by prophetsearcher at 2:05 PM on August 14, 2007

Thanks prophetsearcher. If you wouldn't mind emailing me sample images, that would be awesome. No pressure though :)

I thought briefly about selling the iSight, but I love it and we have other Macs in the house; so I am going to hold on to it for the immediate future.
posted by terrapin at 6:03 PM on August 14, 2007

i think this is the one i have:
on amazon

i thought i had heard that any cam that works on vista would be cool, but i dunno.

but yes, its usb, and yes, its working in ichat
posted by prophetsearcher at 9:00 PM on August 14, 2007

I'd be happy with an Ecamm iMage but it requires USB 2. As does the Logitech Quickcam Pro 5000.

According to Logitech's website the Quickcam Pro 5000 supports USB 1.1 and 2.0.
posted by terrapin at 4:11 AM on August 16, 2007