720p and 1080p HD Web Cameras For Mac
With Apple using Dual and Quad-Core processors running well over 2Ghz+, Macintosh Pro, iMac and Mac mini desktops make ideal computers for HD video capture and videoconferencing at high frame-rates. HD webcams supporting 2MP and higher sensor resolutions perform well with the horsepower current models of the Apple Macintosh line. But be aware many Mac OSX video apps and web chat programs currently don't know how - or aren't programmed - to sense or support higher HD webcam resolutions and different 16:9 wide-screen aspect ratios. You also need a VERY FAST internet connection for smooth HD webcam chat.Good, Better, Best HD Webcams For Intel Macs
Because of Logitech's OSX Driver support and HD still image and video capture app for OSX, these three UVC web cameras from $25-$85 offer the MOST functionality for OSX Leopard and Lion users on Intel Mac models:| Best Mac Webcam For 720-1080 HD | Midrange Portable 720-1080 HD Web Cam | Affordable 720p Logitech HD Cam |
|---|---|---|
AutoFocus Zeiss Lens Stereo Microphones 
|
Glass Lens AutoFocus Webcam 8MP Portable Fold-Up Design 
|
$25 Value HD Webcam 5MP Plastic Lens 
|
Mac HD Webcams With Logitech Software Support
The above models are offically supported by Logitech's Mac webcam driver software. Although other recent Logitech cams are UVC compliant and provide basic funcitonality under OSX 10.4.11 or higher - these specific models are currently your best choice for more HD video capture and still image snapshot control.
Other Mac Compatible High-Def Web Cameras
Most webcam programs for Mac support traditional 3:4 aspect ratios at, say, 320x240 or 640x480 VGA resolution. At least that's what many Mac video and chat programs expect. Tthe most current Apple programs know how to take advantage of higher 720p and 1080p HD Mac web cam resoluion and wider aspect ratios can be harder to find. At this time, buy a HD webcam primarily for IMAGE CLARITY, LIGHT SENSITIVITY, AND DETAIL. The higher resultion sensor of a 2 megapixel or higher webcam makes it easy to see the superior detail, especially in webcams paired with top quality optical glass lenses.| Creative Mac HD Webcam | Affordable HD Web Cam | Premium Creative HD Cam |
|---|---|---|
1080p HD Webcam Creative Labs Best HD Camera 
|
Microsoft Hi-Def Good Color and Image Hardware AutoFocus 
|
720P Live Cam Connect H2.64 Hardware Compression 
|
Driverless USB 2.0 UVC Web Cameras For Mac Computers
Apple compatible webcams are easier to find these days, but still tricky to identify. Not all video webcam manufacturers clearly label thier web cams as UVC - USB Video Class compliant on their retail packaging. UVC compatibility is CRITICAL for driver-free Mac OSX operation. UVC webcams are USB 2.0 speed devices ONLY, and not suitible for obsolete USB 1.1 port Macs. Basic UVC support is built into OSX Tiger, Leopard and Lion's bundled webcam driver. These provide compatibility with FaceTime HD, Skype iChat AV, PhotoBooth, QuickTime video capture, ISPQ, Flash video chat and many other chat programs. They're ideal for Mac mini and Macintosh Pro desktop computers which lack a built-in iSight camera - or as a more versatile external webcam for MacBook or iMac.Hi-Def HD Webcam Video And Chat Programs For Mac OSX
Unfortunately, few Mac programs currently exist to really take advantage of HD webcam resolutions beyond 640x480 when video conferencing. You may have a Mac compatible HD webcam, enjoy the razor-sharp image, light sensitivity, and color-balance. But with many programs, you'll still only be video-chatting at 320x240 or 640x480 VGA resolution at best. These are manageable resolutions and video sizes that your average internet connection can handle.HD Webcam Capture With QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player in OSX Lion and Leopard DOES support capturing QuickTime video at higher resolutions. But don't be suprised if you find excruciatingly slow-frame rates when used at it's "Maximum" setting. You may also find QuickTime capture varies from cam to cam as to how it handles Wide-Screen 16:9 video aspect ratios when switching between QuickTime's "Medium-High-Maximum" modes.
True Mac HD Web Cam Video-Conferencing With Logitech VID and Skype HD
With version 5 Skype HD for Mac has finally added High-Def webcam support for those who have HD capable external webcams - or a more modern MacBook or iMac with with an iSightHD camera built in. That also includes the new ThunderBolt Cinema Display with updated cam HD abilities as well.Review the following Windows and Mac system requirements For Vid HD - then download VID for Mac: You’ll need a high-speed internet connection with at least 256 kbps UPLOAD / download for standard definition and at least 1 Mbps UPLOAD / download for HD 720p video calls. DSL won't cut it. Cable might - if your cable company can really deliver the pipe for high bandwidth HD upload speeds. Not all do, some may need a 'Premium' data package subscription for maximum bandwidth.
You need a webcam if you want to be seen, and for HD video you will need one of Logitech's new HD webcams to transmit HD video. For Mac mini or Mac Pro towers, you need a Logitech 2MP+ webcam with a built-in mic, a headset, or an external microphone connected.
