UVC Compliant USB Webcams

[thewhitehart]

I'm liking the Xbox 360 live cam as discussed in this forum, but it doesn't have a built in mic.

Can anyone confirm any other UVC compliant usb webcams with built in mics that work out of the box in 10.4.9, with no extra drivers needed? I need one for the last PPC G4 ibook, and one that preferably works with ichat, yahoo chat, and photo booth.

I'm guessing I need a built in mic for ichat? The ibook's own mic won't work over ichat while the camera is on?

 

[DocMacPS]

UVC Compliant USB webcams: The List

A short but useful list of UVC compliant USB 2.0 webcams is here: http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/

There's a half-dozen clear-cut choices there. Beware many, many Logitech cam models other than those listed that may or may NOT have UVC sensors in them. Perhaps in a years time; With OSX 10.4.9 and up - and Windows Vista native support for UVC cams as well - any manufacturer that isn't making UVC standard cams is going to be in a world of hurt. Mac owners are sick and tired of futzting with incompatible USB webcams - there's hope down the road.

 

[manchot]

http://webcam-osx.sourceforge.net/cameras/index.php

this is another list that is very extensive. just press cmd+f in safari or firefox and type in uvc and you can cycle through all the uvc cameras quickly that way.

 

[MaciPilot]

Alternatives

I'm liking the Xbox 360 live cam as discussed in this forum, but it doesn't have a built in mic.

Can anyone confirm any other UVC compliant usb webcams with built in mics that work out of the box in 10.4.9, with no extra drivers needed? I need one for the last PPC G4 ibook, and one that preferably works with ichat, yahoo chat, and photo booth.

I'm guessing I need a built in mic for ichat? The ibook's own mic won't work over ichat while the camera is on?

I'm kind of in the same boat and have been doing some research. Just two days ago I got iChat working. While away from home, I communicate with my wife using my MacBook (Leopard) with built-in iSight, and she uses our PPC iMac G5 (Tiger) with no camera. I tried hooking up our Sony MiniDV camcorder via FireWire, but iChat did not recognize the input. Also, the built-in mic on the iMac is rather weak.

I have researched the cameras on the Mac-compatible list, and although a good start, needs to be updated. Two cameras that are UVC that have a built-in mic and look great on paper, are the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/webcams/devices/3056&cl=us,en and the Creative Live! Cam Optia AF http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?product=16425&category=218&subcategory=219 . Both have software only for Windows. I have read that although these cameras work in a basic way with Mac, a lot of the features that make them great do not work with a Mac. I have read for example, that the Logitech will not reach 30 fps on a Mac, more like 5 fps. Another camera on the list, the Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision, is linked to Amazon for purchase. Be aware of the part number. If it ends in 16, it has Windows only software. If it ends in 172, then it has Mac software, but still does not work with PhotoBooth. Logitech does not show any Mac webcams on their website. You can however get it from the Apple Store http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...hop_mac/mac_accessories/extras&nplm=TQ594LL/A for $130. It says Mac on the box. Another camera that I found not on the list is the aGent V3, which has Mac software and works with PhotoBooth. The link is on MacRumors http://agent.liquiddigital.com.au/ . It's shipped from Australia and sells for $140. The aGent V3 looks like a Chrome version of the old external iSight. I sure would like to see at least a review on that one before ordering though. I'm leaning toward the Ultra Vision for that reason.

 

[titangears]

Another camera on the list, the Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision, is linked to Amazon for purchase. Be aware of the part number. If it ends in 16, it has Windows only software. If it ends in 172, then it has Mac software, but still does not work with PhotoBooth. Logitech does not show any Mac webcams on their website. You can however get it from the Apple Store http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...hop_mac/mac_accessories/extras&nplm=TQ594LL/A for $130. It says Mac on the box.

Are you sure the Windows version of the Logitech Quickcam Ultra won't work natively with Tiger or Leopard? The part number is different, but that may not mean anything as far as the hardware is concerned.

 

[titangears]

Are you sure the Windows version of the Logitech Quickcam Ultra won't work natively with Tiger or Leopard? The part number is different, but that may not mean anything as far as the hardware is concerned.

I took aa chance & ordered the Windows version. It is fully compatible with OSX. Works natively with iCHat & Yahoo without the need of third party drivers. I ordered it from here: Beach camera

$29.95 with $90 rebate. Same hardware as what Apple is selling for $100 more, minus the OSX webcam software.