If you're looking to buy a new webcam and you work with Apple, you�ll see that a lot of cams are only optimized for Windows computers. Most of them also work on a Mac, but you will be missing options, or you get a lower frame rate. You don�t want to buy an expensive webcam that only works at 80%!
To help you out I�ve made a list of four different webcams that are fully functional, driver free, Universal USB 2.0 Video Class Webcams. All of these are top notch. The camera itself will work the same as on a Windows machine. Using the software that comes with it, is a different story...
The best option is the Logitech C910, but it�s also the most expensive one.
[b]Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910[/b]
[img]https://wecamgirls.com/images/articles/logitechc910.jpg[/img]� Full HD 1080p video recording
� Fluid HD 720p video calls in 16:9 widescreen
� Precision Carl Zeiss optics and autofocus for razor-sharp video and
brilliant 10MP photos
� Noise-cancelling dual mics for HD-quality stereo audio
� Convenient cable management system reduces clutter
� 1-click video upload to Facebook and YouTube
� Easy HD calling on included Logitech Vid HD and most major IM
services
This is a great cam, and probably the best you can get for Mac. His bigger brother, the C920, is slightly better, but sadly only fully optimized for Windows machines. Skype video calls work at 720p. Most of the software will work on a Mac.
You can pick this one up at [url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003M2YT96?ie=UTF8&tag=video-cams-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003M2YT96]Amazon[/url] for around $70.
[b]Logitech HD Webcam C615[/b]
[img]https://wecamgirls.com/images/articles/logitechc615.jpg[/img]� Full HD 1080p video recording with 1-click upload to Facebook,
Twitter and YouTube
� Fluid HD 720p video calls on Logitech Vid HD and most major IM
apps
� Ultra-smooth autofocus
� 8 MP photos
� 360 camera rotation lets you shoot at any angle
� Portable fold-and-go design
� Tripod-ready base
The C615 is still a great cam. It�s cheaper than the C910, you can get it under $50 at [url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YW7WCY/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=video-cams-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B004YW7WCY] Amazon[/url]. But it has not the Carl Zeiss lens like the C910 and the photo resolution is � only� 8 MP. The C910 also has dual mics for stereo audio. Most of the software will work on a Mac.
[b]Creative Live Cam Socialize HD AF 720[/b]
[img]https://wecamgirls.com/images/articles/creative720.jpg[/img]� Full 720p high-definition video capture at 30 frames per second.
� Auto-focus, wide-angle lens.
� One-touch video and photo upload to YouTube and Facebook.
� Integrated noise-cancelling microphone.
� Shoots 10 megapixel photos.
� Multi-attach base
The Creative Live Cam Socialize 720P is great, but the Carl Zeiss lenses from Logitech are a bit better. You can get this cam for around $40 from [url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00442ZRIU]Amazon[/url]. The software that comes with the cam only works with Windows though.
[b]Creative Live! Cam Socialize HD 1080[/b]
[img]https://wecamgirls.com/images/articles/creative1080.jpg[/img]� Full 1080p high-definition video capture at 30 frames per second.
� Auto-focus feature for sharp images and videos.
� Shoot photos at 12 MP.
� Wide-angle lens captures more in the frame.
� Video chats with nearly any major instant messaging service at
720p.
� Noise cancellation microphones for clear voice transmission.
The Creative Live! Cam Socialize HD 1080 is a bit better than the 720P version because of its full HD capabilities to record. If you use Skype you can only go up to 720P. Like with the 720p version the software that comes with the cam only works with Windows. This cam will costs you around $65 at [url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00442XOPS]Amazon[/url].
Author
Tristan
Tristan, co-founder of WeCamgirls, has spent the last decade immersed in the cam industry. He’s attended over 50 shows and conferences, met countless interesting people, and loves sharing his insider knowledge through articles and guides.
I usually use a Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910, really great quality for the price. It's just plug and go on my mac!
The Logitech C525 also works well
I use HD Pro Webcam C910
Great article - I was just complaining about the iSight on my Macbook last night.
We recently swapped over to all Apple products so this was SO helpful! I'm happy I stumbled across this article when I did.
Thanks Tristan, good article!
The one "gotcha" about the Logitechs (and a few others) is that the strain relief on the USB-side of the cable is basically non-existent. If you bend the cable too much/move the cam/laptop around a lot, the signaling wires inside can break or fracture, which leads to a dead cam (but can also explain things like weird drops/fuzzy audio/etc).
The other night I even watched another Camgirl fixing her cam (on cam!) by soldering on a new USB end...
(and she got huge tips at the end when she plugged it in and it worked again)