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macOS 13 Ventura Lets You Use Your iPhone's Camera as a Webcam

I have a MacStudio with a 4k monitor. This is great if I want to enable FaceTime. However, I'm not clear if this supports audio from the phone as well....as the MacStudio does not have a built-in microphone. A 'webcam' can often refer to a device that does both audio/video, yet no mention so far regarding use of the phone's mics.
 
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Yes, this definitely Sherlocks a few companies like Camo and EpocCam...c'est la vie, it will be great to have this built in to the OS. It was always a great idea.

Dan Fango is a riot, it's hard to imagine someone in a world with butterfly keyboards (!) could be concerned about, I guess, people "popping screens out" this way, but sure, you do you, Rick Sanchez!
 
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jav6454 said:
In hindsight, they are addressing several threads here about the poor quality of the cams in the 14" and 16" MBPs
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all webcams in laptops are horrible. ALL of them. I use my iPhone as a webcam using CAMO studio and the quality is excellent.
 
Danfango said:
You can add digital noise to sharpen the image if you don't shave for a couple of days.

Also moving the hentai posters from behind you helps.

Actually I'm not sure why I'm even whining about this. I don't need my face to be present at work. There's a big black square with my name in huge letters on it which saves people wondering who the hell I am.
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There are many professional settings that do require you to show you face. Ive used Camo Studio and it works very well.
 
mrmister said:
Yes, this definitely Sherlocks a few companies like Camo and EpocCam...c'est la vie, it will be great to have this built in to the OS. It was always a great idea.

Dan Fango is a riot, it's hard to imagine someone in a world with butterfly keyboards (!) could be concerned about, I guess, people "popping screens out" this way, but sure, you do you, Rick Sanchez!
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Would the Continuity Camera allow you to use your iPhone's camera for apps other than FaceTime? If not, I would think you Camo and EpoCam would still be needed for Slack, Zoom, and Teams.
 
mrmister said:
Yes, this definitely Sherlocks a few companies like Camo and EpocCam...c'est la vie, it will be great to have this built in to the OS. It was always a great idea.

Dan Fango is a riot, it's hard to imagine someone in a world with butterfly keyboards (!) could be concerned about, I guess, people "popping screens out" this way, but sure, you do you, Rick Sanchez!
Click to expand...
I've been using a spare iPhone 8 with Camo Studio during Zoom sessions, and the quality is superb on my M1 MBA.
 
I can understand why Apple made this as the Macbook lid is just too thin to add a very good camera. At least we have this now to make the webcam a bit better even if it's not ideal.
 
This is a great feature for me. I have a Mac Mini and my monitor lacks a camera. Now I don't need to buy a webcam.
 
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Cognizant. said:
No, it isn’t. There are no laptop cameras on earth that would even remotely compare to this. People hook up full on DSLRs to their computer to use as a streaming cam. Why this puzzles some of you is beyond me. This allows for extremely high quality webcam streaming.
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Exactly! I’m just as puzzled by some of the reactions here as you are. Inferior/ damaged thinking ability or a case of Kareninsitis?
 
Cognizant. said:
People hook up full on DSLRs to their computer to use as a streaming cam.
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What's the advantage of using DSLRs for streaming purposes? I think mirrorless cameras are more than sufficient for that purpose - equal or greater image quality without the pointless reflex prism / mirror since you're not using the viewfinder anyway?
 
rweiser said:
Also helpful if you're using an external display as your primary display plugged into your MacBook Pro. You can look at the external display and not have it look like you're avoiding eye contact!
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Oh, I didn’t think of that! Very good point and even more reason to appreciate this breakthrough (and free) feature! 👏👍
 
masotime said:
What's the advantage of using DSLRs for streaming purposes? I think mirrorless cameras are more than sufficient for that purpose - equal or greater image quality without the pointless reflex prism / mirror since you're not using the viewfinder anyway?
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That's in the same category of what I'm referring to. I'm just saying people hook up literal digital cameras to their computer for streaming.
 
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hagjohn said:
Exactly. Apple needs to hire better people.
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You guys are being plain silly. Adding a built-in 4K camera would unnecessarily bump the price of MacBooks by $100. Not everyone needs a 4K webcam. Until Apple can do this without increasing the price this is a fantastic FREE option for those who need the increased quality. And since the vast majority of MacBook owners have a iPhone as well, it’s really a non-brainer and wonderful idea. Stop being such Karens.
 
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Can I suggest...
MagCam.jpg
 
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One of the most unelegant things I've ever seen from Apple.

Basically admitting their webcams are crap!

What's the odds we get a "Hingegate" case with the weight / pressure of the phone later down the line :)
 
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On the brightside if you have an iPhone 12 or 13 you have a 4K webcam on your pocket. 1080P is so 2010.
 
Born2Run said:
What about people who have Mac minis or Mac Pro's and don't have monitors with built in webcams?
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I have a Mac Studio and an LG 4K 32 inches monitor. I've been using Reincubate Camo's free software for it and am impressed enough to upgrade to the pro package.
Just a happy user.
 
I don't really understand all the hate on this thread.....there are basically 0 laptops with great built in webcams. Apple has led the industry with including them in their laptops long before other manufactures got on board, and now since it's not financially/physically possible to add a 4K webcam to a thin entry level laptop, people are losing their minds. I think it's a very innovative idea and for the posts about breaking screens, I doubt Apple would be supporting this project without making sure it will safely. If you want a great webcam, buy one and plug it in. Or use this idea from Apple. Just my 2 cents.
 
Hmmm doesn't seem very Apple like. J. Ive might have punched a hole in the wall after seeing this but I think it's a nice option much better quality camera and you don't have to hold your phone.
 
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