720p and 1080p HD Webcams For Mac Computers


With Apple using Dual and Quad-Core processors at 2.4Ghz+, Macintosh Pro 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 Mac Pro, and Mac mini provide. But be aware, MOST Mac OSX video apps currently don't know how - and 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 HD chat! The hardware has gotten ahead of software and bandwidth.
     
Best Mac Webcam EverAffordable HD Web CamQuality Logitech HD Webcam
HD C910 1080p

Stereo Microphone
Hardware AutoFocus
Spectacular Image Clarity
Microsoft Hi-Def

Good Color and Image
Hardware AutoFocus
Discontinued But Still Available

Premium Microphone
Hardware AutoFocus
Low-Light Sensitivity
QuickCam Vision Pro Logitech 960-000254


Mac Compatible High-Def Web Cameras

Most webcam programs for Mac and support traditional 3:4 aspect ratios at 640x480 VGA resolution. That's what most current Mac video and chat programs expect. Few Apple programs know how to take advantage of higher 720p and 1080p HD resoluion or wider aspect ratios. At this time, buy a HD webcam primarily for IMAGE CLARITY AND DETAIL. The higher res sensor of a 2MP+ megapixel or higher webcam makes it easy to see the superior , especially in webcams paired with top quality optics and glass lenses.

Driverless USB 2.0 Web Cameras For Mac Computers

Apple compatible web cameras 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 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 now obsolete USB 1.1 port Macs. UVC is supported in 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.

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 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 modes when switching between QuickTime's "Medium-High-Maximum" modes.

Quicktime Video Capture Settings for HD webcams

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.

Logitech HD VID For Mac System Requirements

Macintosh: Vid works with Leopard 10.5.0 or higher, Safari 3.0 or newer. You will need a CPU that’s a 2.4 GHz Intel Core2-Duo or faster processor for HD calls and 2GB ram, a minimum 1GHz Intel based CPU with 512MB RAM for basic standard definition video calls. Display: A WIDE screen monitor like MacBooks have capable of displaying 1280 x 720p resolution or higher for HD video calls. To send you an HD video call, your friend’s Mac or PC setup needs to meet the same comparable requirements on the receiving end.