Generally, the need of best webcam recording software arises because the webcam preinstalled in your system is not capable of performing various tasks which are needed. Apart from just capturing images and videos, it is insufficient of carrying out some high-end features and hence you need an alternate of it.
Nov 06, 2014 Download and install the Screen cast-O-Matic application for your Mac (OS X 10.6.8 - or later). To install the Screen cast-O-Matic application, download and open our install dmg file: If you. Debut is a video capture and screen video recording software. Record videos from your screen webcam, or other video devices. Capture your entire desktop or a selected portion and save the recorded videos as avi, flv, wmv or other video file formats. Email video recordings automatically when recordings has stopped or send via FTP. Freemium Mac.
- Use the built-in camera on Mac. Many Mac computers and displays have a built-in iSight, FaceTime, or FaceTime HD camera located near the top edge of the screen. The camera automatically turns on when you open an app that can take pictures, record videos, or make video calls. You can decide which apps are allowed to use the camera on your Mac.
- Jul 26, 2011 Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update 10.6.8 v1.1 - Combo v1.1. Download the latest versions of the best Mac apps at safe and trusted MacUpdate.
10 Best Webcam Recording Software
So, for that purpose, I am going to talk about the best video capture software that we have right now. The idea is to serve various purposes like surveillance, fun or may be some personal use. Some of them are free and some of them offers a subscription. It depends upon your need that which one you want to opt. So, choose wisely.
1. Manycam
Website:https://manycam.com/
The first option in this list of best webcam recording software is Manycam. This software is way more than just recording but offers some really exciting features which are quite easy to use as well as fun too. It is simple and great to use along with multiple platform compatibility.
The basic version of this software comes for free but there are some subscription plans too which are provided for the high-end users.
These plans are Standard for $26, Studio for $69 and $299 for Enterprise which is billed annually. Now, there are a lot of features which comes handy with these subscriptions and trust me they are everything that you want in a webcam recording software.
Some of the features of Manycam that I want to highlight are recording from multiple video sources, desktop screencasting, YouTube integration, multiple channel broadcasting, green screen, mobile applications, 3D masks and effects, draw and text feature and many more.
Manycam is not just about recording the live streaming webcam but it is also about editing it and use it for other purposes too.
Compatible with:
2. Movavi Screen Capture
Website:https://www.movavi.com/
The next one in this list of best webcam recording software is Movavi Screen Capture. Movavi offers so many other software too which can be used for webcam recording but the one which is really liked was this one.
Movavi Screen Capture is not only about recording live webcam streaming or webinars but you can also capture video and movies from the web too along with video calls as well.
Isn’t it just amazing to use such software to record all those memories which were earlier so hard to keep up with? You can download this software for free but that remains free for a specific trial period only. Afterwards, you would have to buy it for $39.95 which is a one-time fee for 1 PC.
Now, talking about some of the features offered by this recording software then they are quite amazing. Few to name are video editing, audio removal from video, remove ads, demonstrate bugs and error, various formats support and many more.
However, you should know that you cannot capture copy protected videos and audios through Movavi Screen Capture.
Compatible with:
3. Apowersoft Free Screen Recorder
Website:https://www.apowersoft.com/
Amongst various software offered by Apowersoft, Free Screen Recorder is one of them. As they say, it is a one-click recorder which is simple to operate yet very significant as a webcam recorder. Being a smart app for Windows and other platforms, it serves as a recorder which allows you to record for an unlimited time.
This is a completely free to use screen recorder and works with online mode only. So, you need a launcher if you are using this software for the first time.
The user guide requires you to just tap on the recording button and it will be done. You can use further customization and sharing options once the recording is done. This software supports various video formats which makes the use universal too.
Being an excellent solution as one of the best webcam recording software, it helps you to record webcam streaming along with self-demonstration, video chat and many more. There are so many other features too which makes the software an excellent as well as free solution for recording the streaming videos.
Compatible with:
4. Filmora Scrn
Website:https://filmora.wondershare.com/
Filmora Scrn is not exclusively a webcam recording software.
Rather, it’s a full video editing suite, an extremely easy and all-in-one tool at that.
Anyway, its webcam-features are pretty advanced.
For starters, it lets you capture both the Webcam, as well as your screen at the same time! (Gamer? Making a tutorial maybe? Perfect).
You can also connect external microphones if you believe they’re of better quality.
Then, you get to select a specific frame-rate for the video. Gaming needs higher, while just informative videos may do with a lower FPS rate, right?
It supports frames as low as 15 to as high as 120.
How about turning your system into a hidden (or non-hidden) camera?
You can set an “end time”. Filmora keeps recording till that time is reached.
Have multiple webcams? Filmora would let you select any webcam you desire for the capture.
You can also select custom areas for the recording.
It’s also the perfect video editing tool for beginners.
You can add annotations, apply green screen effects, add transitions and do a lot more.
The best part? It’s 100% free! Although sure go for the paid plans if you need more features.
Compatible with:
5. Debut Video Capture Software
Website:http://www.nchsoftware.com/
There are a lot of webcam recording aids available to figure out the best free recording software is quite tricky. But, Debut video capture software keeps you away from that trouble. Thankfully it is a free to use software with every possible feature which can be used to make your recording better.
Talking about this incredibly amazing recording software, then thankfully it comes for free but that is only when you want to access some of the basic services.
The other purchasing options include the Home Edition of this software costing $40 and Pro Edition costing $50 as a one time fee. But trust me, I think you are going to cover most of the important features under the free version only.
Debut Video Capture software, being one of the best webcam recording software offers various features. These are multiple format support, computer screen recording, video settings adjustment, time lapse, highlighting, audio /video separate recording and various others.
A great aid for the people who want to utilizes these recorded videos from different sources for something great and creative.
Compatible with:
6. SplitCam
Website:http://splitcamera.com/
An excellent and one of the best webcam recording software specially made for Windows console is Splitcam. For someone who not only wants to record the videos but also wants to improvise it with the help of effects and editing then it can proved to be just the perfect option for you.
Well, the main feature of this software is to split your cam while video streaming on various platforms at the same time.
What I really liked about this software is the fact that it supports clearest quality of chats in HD and hence preferred by a large audience. Other features of this software are 3D masks, popular services support, various resolution support, recording and sharing simultaneously, zooming and many more.
The great thing is that it incorporates new updates and features in very quick span of time. Apart from recording, audio mixing and various audio effects are the other prime features of this software which makes it a great pro at the business. And of course, the best part remains to be its free of cost functioning.
Compatible with:
7. IP Camera Viewer
Website:http://www.deskshare.com/
IP Camera Viewer is the best webcam software which is suitable for those people who wants to install video surveillance at their home or office. It works like the camera installed at any place through which you can keep an eye on the people visiting you along with recording the entire footage too.
You can connect it to your PC instantly and then watch live footage in real time. You can control four cameras as the same time view their recording simultaneously.
You would be glad to know that it is absolutely free to use along with some wonderful features offered too. Some of the features of IP Camera Viewer that you should know are multiple camera support including IP camera and webcams, digitally zooming, orientation adjustment, footage capturing, live audio recording and many more.
Being an exceptional and free tool makes IP Camera Viewer one of the best webcam recording software and also quite an advanced tool offered by Deskshare. You can check out more such products by Deskshare on their site.
Compatible with:
8. GoPlayEditor
Website:http://www.goplayeditor.com/
GpPlayEditor is one of the most advanced and best webcam recording software in this list. It is mainly used for the professional purposes only and apart from getting a recorder you also get video editor with it too.
Mainly a free to use software, it allows you to go Pro too where there are no limits on the recording and editing features, unlike the free version where you can record for 10 minutes maximum at a time.
So, the Pro version has three subscription policies. For one year it is $15.90, for 5 years it is $40.90 and for unlimited usage it is $63.90 for 1 PC. Now, talking about that how you can use GoPlayEditor for various screen recordings then the list is actually quite long.
To be brief about it, I can list out some of the coolest features of it. Some of the ultimate features of this software are recording of screen, webcam and games, support HD video quality, multi-track video editing, split and merge tools, real-time dubbing and many more.
Compatible with:
9. Free Screencast
Website:http://www.free-screencast.com/
Running since 2005, Free Screencast is an extremely innovative and creative platform which can surely help you to fulfill your objective related to recording as well as editing. As the name of this software says it all, it is an absolutely free to use software with no hidden charges or subscriptions at all.
Being a match made in heaven for the best free webcam software, Free Screencast is much more than just a screen recorder.
Although not as popular as the rest of the options I listed here but surely suitable for the people looking for a free to use webcam recorder. Some of the features associated with Free Screencast are multiple video format support, screen recording with sound, webcam and IP camera recording, tutorial making and video editing, customization of recording, task scheduling and many more.
Apart from recording and like most of the best webcam recording software here, Free Screencast allows you to share your media as well from its platform itself.
Compatible with:
10. SMRecorder
Website:http://www.video2down.com/
Amongst various products offered by Video2Down, SMRecorder is one of the best webcam recording software. Keeping in mind the requirements of the users, I have listed this amazing software here which is absolutely free to use without any upgradation or subscription charges.
A simple tool that it is, SMRecorder can be operated by even beginners in this technology. You can use SMRecorder for multiple purposes like making demos, tutorials, presentations and many more.
Despite being an absolutely free to use software, it has a lot of things to offer to its users. Some of them are synchronization of audio and video, easy to use, multiple language users interface, desktop motion recording along with webcam recording, customization, simple interface and many more.
Being extremely simple yet significant option for webcam recording tools, SMRecorder can be a wise choice to pick but only for basic uses.
Compatible with:
11. Camersoft: Webcam Capture
Website:http://www.camersoft.com/
Amongst the best recording software, the Webcam Capture by Camersoft is my last pick. This is one of the various products offered by Camersoft and surely a popular and important one too. However, it only supports Windows platform and no other ones.
Well, there is a free version available of this software but it comes with some limitation and eventually you would have to pick the pro/paid version for sure which is going to cost you $25 as a one-time fee.
Now, talking about the features of Webcam Capture then there are plenty of them. First and foremost is that it is quite simple to use. From taking snapshots to full recording, Webcam capture does it all. Other functions of this software are home and webcam surveillance, webcam monitor, full Windows support, automatic webcam connection detection and many more.
I personally think that you should definitely give a try to this last mention in the list of best webcam recording software for sure.
Compatible with:
12. Cyberlink YouCam 8
Website:https://www.cyberlink.com/products/youcam/features_en_US.html?r=1
Cyberlink is a a company which has a number of tools to capture moments and mix the real with the reel. Its Youcam 8 Webcam software is one such tool designed specifically to capture a user’s Webcam and fine-tune it to the next level.
For starters the Webcam is equipped with a ton of skin-enhancements which can be used to enhance your look in real-time, even while live. YouCam8 is also compatible with Facebook Messenger, Skype, and even Youtube Live. It also offers effects and presets which cab be used by Streamers on Twitch, OBS, and other similar gaming platforms.
It boasts of the registered TrueTheater™ technology, which enhances the sharpness, noise, contrast, lightning etc. in real-time. Like those photo filters on Instagram? Youcam offers similar filters for your webcam. Video effects can be added live and it boasts an arsenal of 200+ of them, with the ability to download more.
The images can be framed using in-built frames, interesting particles (flowing hearts, blur/distortion etc). Even includes a photo editor which features brushes, touch-detection (for lines and shapes), and presets. Videos can be trimmed as well.
It adds “Face-detection” as well which can also be used to lock the devices, also can be used in the Surveillance mode which additionally feature time-lapse videos and timed snapshots. Obviously being one of the best Webcam Recording software for Windows and Mac, it’s not free and starts at USD $49.00.
Compatible with:
13. OBS BroadCaster
Website: https://obsproject.com/
OBS is an extremely feature-rich webcam recording and video streaming software. Although note that the features may be a tad bit overwhelming for absolute first-timers. It’s free as well as Open-Source but at the same time one of the most popular recording choices out there.
It also comes in-built with an editor which allows users to customize their videos, add transition effects, add video stingers etc. The software captures not just the Webcam, but also the windows, screen, browsers etc. and hence can be used to create professional scenes for various scenarios.
A good webcam should take care of the audio, shouldn’t it? Well OBS Broadcaster is packed with noise suppression, gain, noise gate and other advanced filters to make your audio studio quality. Wish to supercharge the webcam recording software? Well it supports third-party VST plugins as well.
It’s extremely customizable and hence users can set their own hotkeys for almost everything on the software. It also supports upto 8 scenes to be viewed and switched to and fro simultaneously. Its superpower however is its ability to let users live-stream directly and professionally.
In a nutshell, it’s not the easiest or “fun” webcam recording software, but if it’s features you’re looking for it totally is one of the best picks. It’s compatible with Mac, Windows and even Linux.
Compatible with:
14. Camtasia
Website: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html
Camtasia is not just a Webcam recorder, but also a full fledged screen recorder. It’s packed with professional as well as fun-features. Everything being displayed on the screen can be recorded. However it’s prime attraction for me is the easy to use video editor.
If you’re into making Tutorials, Explainer videos and other similar content, Camtasia may just be a life-saver to you. The video editor features a Drag & Drop interface, annotations, shapes, text can be added and positioned easily. Not just that, there even is an “audio editor” which lets users record as well as edit audio.
Not sure of your voice? You can select and add from tons of Royalty free music and audio effects as well. It can record both system audio, as well as audio from Microphones and/or Webcams. A number of pre-made animations and visual-effects are included as well.
Other basic effects required for Explainers and Tutorials such as Zoom in, Zoom out etc. aren’t missing either. It can easily be integrated with Powerpoint, and slides be made into Videos. One-click uploads make sharing easier.
A free trial is available. Or, you can purchase it starting from USD $290.00 (approx) for 1 license. Prices decrease as you purchase more licenses in bulk.
Compatible with:
15. ScreenFlow
Website: https://www.telestream.net/screenflow/overview.htm
We’ve included a number of best Webcam recording software which are “Windows Only“. But why should they have all the fun? So well, we brought you ScreenFlow, a Mac-only webcam recording software.
It’s an all-in-one solution for webcam recording, screen recording and even video sharing. It allows recording multiple screens at once. Its video-editor is capable of letting you edit the videos and add annotations, transitions, text animations and much more.
Making videos for speakers of a different language? You can burn your subtitles into the videos as well. No additional tools required for creating those subtitles just in case you were wondering. Why be limited to videos? ScreenFlow also allows creation of animated GIFs and PNGs.
It also offers access to over half a million clips which can be added to the videos. Though my favorite part is its ‘iOS support. It’s not just limited to a MAC, you can also record your mobile devices! A free trial is available, the purchase-price is USD $129.00.
Compatible with:
16. Bandicam
Website:https://www.bandicam.com/webcam-recorder/
I’m not sure why or how Bandicam wasn’t included in this list earlier. It’s one of the most popular webcam recording software out there hands down.
It allows recording the camera from not just webcams, but also Playstation/Xbox, phones, SmartTVs etc. It also features Hardware acceleration which improves the overall video quality and recording speed considerably.
4K ultra HD videos with resolutions as high as 3840×2160 can be recorded. Although it offers a number of other features, for e.g. overlaying your facecam or webcam (useful for streaming/ recording games) and even advanced screen recording.
Users can manually select a recording area on the screen. You can also draw on your screen at the same time as it’s being recorded. To personalize or customize a video, you can even add your own logos to it. Furthermore, effects on mouse-clicks and microphone are supported as well. The videos can also be directly uploaded to video-sharing sites such as Youtube.
1-PC license costs USD $39.00, while for 2PCs you’d have to pay USD $59.00.
Compatible with:
17. Free 2x Webcam Recorder
Website:http://www.free2x.com/webcam-recorder/
Free 2x is a non-profit, 100% free webcam software for personal use. For starters, it can record any webcam and/or digital camera. Also, what’s video without audio, isn’t that right? Well it’s capable of recording audio as well.
Infact, it not only records system audio but also from your microphone. There may be moments when you need a snapshot instead of a video. Well, Free 2x allows you to take a snapshot while you’re already recording your webcam.
Its key-mapping makes it easy to use as well. Most webcam actions can be controlled from the keyboard, no mouse-movement is required. The watermark too can be edited. Moreover, scheduling too is available for automatic recording as well as auto-stopping.
If you wish to use the application for commercial or educational purposes, it needs to be purchased. A one-time, unlimited-use license is priced at USD $99.00. It records the video in AVI, WMV and MP4 formats, while saves the screenshots as JPG or BMP. The overall user-interface is modern and pretty easy to understand.
Compatible with:
18. ClipChamp
Website:https://clipchamp.com/en/webcam-recorder/
Not exactly a software, rather an online webcam recording tool. All the more easier and simpler for you, isn’t it?
No downloads required. It’s completely browser-based.
This makes it one of the best webcam recording software for Wndows AND Mac.
And well, it’s free. Sure, paid plans exist, but they’re optional.
Clipchamp is capable of detecting multiple webcams, and allows the choice of selecting one of those.
External cameras as well as Mics can be selected with just one-click as well.
The videos are 100% private. Neither the company, nor anyone else has access to them.
The videos are processed client-side.
When it comes to quality, I’d say it performs better than some other “software” on this list.
Resolutions as low as 360P, and as high as 1080P available. The choice is yours as well.
It can even be used as a screen recording tool.
Additional features such as stock photos and videos available. These can be purchased using Clipchamp’s one-off payment model.
It even allows uploading and using our own media files with the recording.
And finally, a basic video editor is available just to smooth the edges.
Compatible with:
19. Free webcam recorder
Website:http://www.freewebcamrecorder.com/
If for some weird reason the 17 options above couldn’t solve your problem, this is one last desperate attempt to do so.
As the name suggests, it’s a 100% free webcam recorder.
Supports multiple webcams, you get to manually choose the cam you wish to record from.
Also supports “Loop mode” in addition to the normal/manual recording.
The “loop mode” is basically 24X7 automated recording. Lets the webcam be used as a security feed.
The loop mode can be set to record for up to 10 hours.
Also has a “schedule” option.
This lets you specify a start and end time, based on which the recording automatically starts and stops.
Supports outputs in MP4, WMV, MOV, FLV, and AVI formats.
Granular control over the video is provided, including the frame rate, size, minimum/maximum values etc.
Audio input can either be the mic, or any other source which can be manually specified. No-audio recording (and vice-versa) too are supported.
It seems to be coded by a single developer, offers one of the simplest and easiest interfaces out there.
Compatible with:
You May Like:
Conclusion
For everyone who wants to stay updated with new technology, I think this section of best webcam recording software serves well for them. There are a lot of other software available too and make sure that you are not paying too much for what you are using by comparing them to the ones l enlisted here.
From preparing video tutorials to conducting live sessions for your audience, there are a lot of things which can be made possible through these software easily. Each software follows different steps to activate it so go through the description before directly using them.
Mac Webcams That Just Work
Looking to buy a driver-free, fully Macintosh compatible webcam? Have USB 2.0, 3.0 or 3.1 ports? The external webcam models listed here are UVC - USB Video Class compliant. They're simply Plug and Play on modern Macs running MacOS Sur, Catalina, Mojave and Sierra, as well as OSX El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Lion, and Leopard. Some older cameras made for Windows PC's may not work on Apple Macintosh computers, or Mac web camera drivers may not exist.Save yourself wasted money and frustration. Make certain you have USB 2.0 speed or faster ports, OSX 10.5+, and a Mac faster than 1Ghz.
You can then confidently choose one of these Apple friendly driverless UVC webcam models listed below and elsewhere on the site. We're devoted to tracking the Mac friendly web camera and video conferencing peripheral scene.Plug-N-Play Mac Webcam Picks
Recommended UVC compliant external cams for OSXLast Updated: June 10th, 2020
(Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
Best Logitech Cameras For Mac
C922 Stream Pro w/Tripod Mount
Improved Frame Rates Up To 60FPS
#1 CHOICE : Mac Compatible HD Webcam With Standard Tripod Mount
Like: Revised C920-series optimized for high frame-rate live streaming: 1080p @ 30FPS and 720p @ 60FPS with H.264 video compression. Optical quality glass lens. Stereo Dual microphones.
For 90% of Mac users, this is your BEST CHOICE for high-quality video capture, conferencing and live streams. Besides Amazon, you can find competitive pricing for the C922 webcam on eBay as well.
Dislike: Logitech packages two different confusing SKU's: The C922 model comes bundled with a mini-tripod, the C922X (x=without) model doesn't.
Wide-Angle HD Camera
90 Degree Field Of View
#2 CHOICE : Premium Logitech C930e HD Webcam
Incredible State-Of-The-Art Image Detail, Smooth Autofocus, H.264 Compression.
Like: Tripod Mount. 1080p HD Webcam. Zeiss Optical Lens. Dual Microphones.
Dislike: You Might Not Prefer A 90 Degree Wide-Angle View.
Logitech C920S Cam
High Quality : Great Value
#3 CHOICE : Mac Compatible Logitech HD Webcam
Excellent detail and clarity, Hardware Autofocus, H.264 Compression
Like: Tripod Mounting Hole. Zeiss Glass Lens. Stereo Microphone. Privacy Shutter. Though superceded by the newer 922, this remains an excellent camera - especially at it's lower street price.
Dislike: None. Excellent All-Around Choice - Razor Sharp.
Portable HD Webcam
Tripod Camera Mount
Like: Lower-priced 1080p HD webcam. Glass lens. Standard camera tripod mount for flexibility in camera angles and placement. Folds flat for travel.
Dislike: Considered a 'Portable' cam - Has a rather short 3' cable.
Best Microsoft Webcams For Mac
Microsoft HD Pro Webcam For Mac
Optical Lens w/AutoFocus
Like: Premium 1080p Resolution. Excellent Audio, Color Balance and Light Sensitivity.
Dislike: Flexi-Bend Clip May Not Be Ideal - But Has Standard Tripod Mounting Hole.
MS LifeCam HD For Mac
720p HD With AutoFocus
Like: Autofocus. Sharp Optical Glass Lens. Excellent Color Fidelity.
Dislike: No Tripod Mount. 720p Max Resolution HD Camera.
Best Creative Web Cameras For Mac
Creative Live Cam Chat
720p HD Resolution
Like: 720p HD Resolution, Fixed Focus, Echo Cancelling Microphone.
Dislike: Image not as sharp as Logitech C310 at this price point.
3rd-Party Apple Compatible Cameras
Although Logitech, Creative Labs, and Microsoft have dominated the OSX friendly videoconferencing cam market, several other brand-name cameras are worthy of consideration, espcially if you're on a budget.Hue Flexible Neck Webcam
Excellent For Adult Video Play
Like: Ultimate Positioning Freedom. Clear HD Image. Internal Mic.
Dislike: Manual Focus. LED Lights Can Be Annoying Head-On.
Hewlett-Packard UVC Webcam
HP's Premium HD Camera
Like: 1080p Resolution. Autofocus. High-Quality Microphone.
Dislike: Snapshot Buttons Non-Functional on OSX. Excellent HD Cam.
RocketFish Mac HD Webcam
Autofocus + Stereo Microphones
Like: 720-1080P Resolution. Good Light Sensitivity and Color Balance.
Dislike: Discontinued. Snapshot Button Non-Functional.
Best Cheap Webcam
RocketFish 720p HD Camera
Like: Great Image! Responsive AutoFocus and Excellent Microphone Quality.
Dislike: Discontinued - But Still Available. Flimsy Mounting Clip.
1080p HD GearHead Webcam
Cheap 1080p Mac Webcam
Like: High HD Resolution. Auto-Focus. Stereo Mics.
Dislike: Lacks Precision Optics, Not As Sharp An Image.
About Driver-Free UVC Webcams
UVC is a compatibility standard for USB video chat cameras. Apple's UVC Kernel Extensions are built into MacOS Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave and Sierra, as well as OSX ElCapitan, Yosemitie, Mavericks, Lion and Leopard. That means any UVC compliant external USB camera should just work when plugged into a USB 2.0 speed or faster port. No additional webcam drivers are required. Windows, Linux, Andrioid, and Chrome OS also now natively support UVC class video cameras.The cams listed here are ideal as an add-on webcam for an Apple Mac mini or Pro tower. They can also provide iMac and MacBook users more flexibiity in camera placement and quality over their built-in iSight. They're also good cross-platform PC and Linux webcams for those who use VMWare Fusion, Parallels or Apple's BootCamp on their Macs to run other operating systems.
The majority of recent Logitech's webcam models are now UVC compliant and officially supported on a Mac. However, many older discontinued mid-to-low end Logitech cameras were not UVC compliant: Depends on model number, different internal sensors, and part numbers.
Dirt Cheap Generic UVC Mac Webcams
'You get what you pay for...' seems to apply to many dirt-cheap no-name import USB video class web cameras. Feeling lucky? Don't care about warranty or returning it? Then explore cheap webcams on eBay or Amazon for ought-to, should, might probably work on an Apple web camera options from China. In our testing, many of the cheap import cameras available for $10-$15 had high dead-on-arrival failure rates. Image quality varied widely. Some claimed to be High-Def 'HD' but were only low-resolution camera sensors. Microphones sounded poor or were non-functional. Even some of the cams with a decent image simply stopped working soon after purchase. Overall they were poorly-constructed, cheap junk with a few rare exceptions.Free Webcam Software For Mac
Apple Compatible Web Cameras For Old Macs
For long obsolete Macs from the G4 and G5 era, remember UVC compliant webcams require USB 2.0 or faster ports. With their slow CPUs, 640x480 won't overwelm them. The Mac MUST also be running OSX 10.4.x at a minimum - the point where Apple began including UVC device support into the OS.VGA QuickCam Ultra - 640x480 Fixed Focus
Microsoft Live! Web Cam - Value Priced
Like: Suprising Image Quality, Adjustable Focus Ring, Low-Cost
Dislike: Stand Designed For Desktop Not Laptop. No Microphone
Webcams For Obsolete Macs?
Trying to keep an antique Macintosh in use? Think FireWire instead. Modern high-resolution UVC cams simply WILL NOT WORK on old 800mhz or less Macs, who's slow and incompatible USB 1.x speed ports are FOURTY TIMES slower than USB 2.0. Those that claim to be USB 1.1 compatible in their specification listings may have utterly abysmal frame-rates on USB 1.x or show NO image at all, even though Apple's System Profiler may show that the camera exists on the USB 1.1 bus. Otherwise you're left dinking around with any of hundreds of old, discontinued webcams made for Windows and fiddling with Macam open-source drivers hoping for a combination that will work.You can still find decent, used Apple iSight cams at Amazon or find a deal on an iSight on eBay. Sadly, Apple stopped manufacturing their very high-quality 1394 FireWire auto-focus web camera rather quickly. 1394 is better than USB for video conferencing and chat in many technical aspects: External FireWire webcam compatibility with iMovie, less CPU overhead, high frame-rates and avoids USB device contention when slugging it out on a USB hub. USB cameras aren't the only options to provide Macintosh users with high quality choices to chat and videoconference using popular Mac OSX applications like FaceTime, Zoom, Apple Messages, Skype, and ISPQ VideoChat, or for capturing and uploading clips to YouTube, Vimeo, Daily Motion or other video sites.
Choosing An External Mac Compatible Web Cam
What are key features to look for when shopping for an Apple compatible webcam? Even though the vast majority of Apple computer systems incorporate an iSight camera into the display, there's still tremendous interest in buying an external Mac camera that offers improved image quality, higher frame rates, a better internal microphone, increased HD resolution, or additional flexibility in camera angles, mounting options, and positioning. Please see the Mac Webcam Shopper Guide on this site for a more in-depth review of camera features to look for when pondering the optimal hardware for your business or personal video capture, streaming and conferencing needs.Video Conferencing Microphones & Headsets
Most, but not all Macs have a built-in microphone for 'good enough' sound capture. But another option is a good quality Mac compatible USB webcam with a mic which most (but not all) webcams incorporate. A separate USB desktop microphone might be desired to provide the best sound quality to dramatically improve your online streaming, voice and video capture and recording sessions.Headsets or earbuds can help you have a far better videoconferencing, FaceTime, Zoom or Mac Skype call experience and help minimize background noise, or echo and feedback. USB headsets may have more advantages than 4-Pole 1/8' TRRS Analog mini-jack types that often compete with your external speaker system. A high-quality Mac headset comes in handy for not only Mac VOIP, video conferences and Apple speech recognition, but top notch iTunes audio playback and Podcast recording and listening as well.
Specialty Webcams For MacOS
Beyond conventional chat, streaming and capture cams, this website also features more specialized Apple compatible web camera solutions. These include: Document Cameras for educators and presentations. Mac compatible USB Digital MicroscopesMac Os Webcam Software
for labwork and inspections. There are also both wired and wireless Security and Surveillance Cameras. Lastly, for group video chat we cover Mac friendly webcams that offer fully-featured voice and video conferencing with mic and speakerphone hardware for business meeting and huddle room environments.