Webcams for Skype for Mac
Update: if you’re using a recent Mac with a built-in webcam – it’ll look a bit like the one above – it’s ideal for making Skype video calls. Make sure you’re using the most recent version of Skype for Mac, too 
We get asked quite a lot what webcams and drivers work on Mac. Apple iSight, Philips SPC900NC and Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 are pretty safe bets. Loads of other cameras work as well as long as you’ve downloaded a driver from http://webcam-osx.sourceforge.net. See the list of cameras that work (and those that don’t) with Macs.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind for using video. First, you need a 800 MHz or higher processor to run video – all G5 and Intel and most recent G4 models will do. Second, make sure that only one video application is open at a time. A camera can send video to only one application at the same time. So for example if you open Skype and iChat simultaneously, the first one gets the cam and the second will show No camera connected message.
If you can’t get Skype to recognize your camera, check out our knowledgebase or look at the forums.
Hi everyone,
Ive been using Skype for almost a year now, buts it’s only this week that i decided to search for a webcam….Nightmare!!!
I found it incredibly difficult to find a Webcam that was Mac compatable.
But, ive now found one….Logitech Quckcam Pro 5000.
For some reason the adverts etc only ever say that they are Windows compatable, i dont understand why!!?
I didnt have to use any extra drivers as the ones built into my G4 iBook OS X 10.4.8 were perfect for it, i had the MACAM Driver ready just in case but didnt need it. So, it was basically straight out of the box, plug in the USB connector, load up SKYPE and i was a Happy Guy!!!!
Hope this might help other Mac Users. =0)
There are lots of great cameras that will work with the Mac. However, there is definitely an advantage to getting a webcam that officially supports Mac OS X, such as Ecamm’s iMage Webcam. (Good luck calling Logitech with a question about connecting the QuickCam to your Mac.) Hopefully Logitech and other camera companies will follow suit and officially support OS X.
I just recently purchased the iMage Webcam. No mess, no fuss. It just worked.
It’s a shame that Apple stopped making the iSight but that camera has been overpriced for years now.
I second the positive reviews of the iMage webcam. Arrived yesterday, plugged it in while Skype was still running. It was instantly recognized and video calling became available. It just works. Quality is good and certainly acceptable but understandably not up to iSight standards (but at less than half the price…)
I agree it best to try and avoid the Maccam route and go for a camera that’s supported officially. The main issue I have with my ‘Logitech Quckcam for noteboks deluxe’ is the inability to adjust video properties such as brightnes, contrast etc when using it with Skype. The maccam application allows you to set these, but the settings aren’t stored systemwide leading to the video in Skype always being extremely dark or extemely overexposed….
I agree with many of the comments made here. For my part I have not gone the USB way but have always opted for Firewire webcams. I use a Unibrain (http://www.unibrain.com/Products/VisionImg/Fire_i_DC.htm)
This cam works on Mac, Windows & Linux out of the box and needs no drivers. I never experienced any problem using it on iChat, Yahoo, aMSN, Skype and any number of video chat applications.
It’s not cheap and its design is clunky but it’s certainly less expensive than iSight and the image quality is very high.
I have been searching for a good webcam for Mac, too. Now I finally found one that’s okay and also quite cheap: Genius Look 320S, Usb 2.0 high-speed webcam
It also says that it supports Mac, it works fine, also with Skype. The camera cost about 40€. There’s an installation disk with drivers included. You get a “webcam monitor” program that lets you ajust the camera and these adjustments are also valid when using Skype.
For more information about the camera, take a look at its homepage: http://www.geniusnet.com
I also tried some of the cameras that were claimed to work with the macam driver. Well, they did, however, not all of them worked with Skype. (btw.: I have an iBook G4, OS X 10.4.8)
Good luck everybody with searching for a suitable webcamera! I’m glad, that I finally found one!
I bought an ISight off ebay specifically for using on SKPYE but since it is a firewire device & firewire devices are not supported the statement that iSight will work is not strictly true ! Maybe the OP is referring to the built in iSight that comes on laptops etc
heathhog73 please note that I have a Unibrain FireWire webcam (model Fire-i) that I bought even before the first version of Skype came out. I used it originally with iChat and iVisit but have since used it with Skype and it works flawlessly. It also works without a hitch with aMSN, Speed Sight and Yahoo Messenger. I repeat: NO DRIVER required. It works out of the box. So I wonder what the problem could be on your side.
I went through the troubleshooting bit & did everything that it said then noticed that it said firwire devices not currently enabled – so I figured that was what the prob was !
I could see a pic when I turned the cam on – but when I called my friends all they got was a black or white box ?
This was the bit I was looking at ?
To set up your webcam, please follow these steps:
* Download and install the most recent drivers for your video device (you can get those at the webcam device’s manufacturer’s site).
* Select your video device in Skype under Tools > Options > Video and make sure it is functioning by clicking on the “Test Webcam” button (note: firewire devices are not supported at this time)
* Make sure the option “Enable Skype video” is ticked. Also you can set video privacy settings to desired options in the same window.
* The recommended system requirements for Skype video calls are a 1Ghz CPU, 512MB RAM, a video card with at least 16MB of memory (also the latest version of DirectX installed) and a 512/256kbit (down/up) connection. Video and call quality may vary greatly in enviroments with conditions below those recommendations.
* Please be sure, that your webcam is connected and not in use of another program
I got an incredible deal on a Microsoft Life Cam NX-6000 so I took a chance it would work on my eMac 800Mhz OS 10.4.8. I had Macam loaded and fully expected to use it. I was pleasantly suprised, to say the least, when I plugged in the USB, opened Skype and instantly had a video link with a friend. The NX-6000 has relatively good specs from what I can tell: 2mp video with USB 2.0 and 7mp stills! Thanks Skype.
Ah I have found out what I was doing wrong (with help from the Skype forum) – I had the video preferences window open at the same time as trying to make a call ! It doesn’t like that apparently
So although it says firewire devices don’t work – they do
heathhog73 glad you got it to work at last. I never got the message telling that FireWire devices don’t work on Skype. Been using my FW cam for close to 4 years now without a hitch on any videochat programme you care to name. What I like most is that my USB ports remain free and I don’t have to fiddle around with devices already plugged into them such as printer, mouse etc.
Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000
software for mac…in progress… when ?
rytweediecullen and others–
Actually, you can save the macam driver settings (brightness, contrast, saturation, gamma, and a whole lot more) for systemwide use, including Skype. Yesterday, I was playing around with my fiancee’s Logitech QuickCam Chat and discovered this. Here’s how-to: open the macam application, get the webcam going, open the camera settings, set it to what you like, then under the Control menu, select “Save current Setting.”
That’s it. When you open Skype, it will have retained those settings!
Now, having said all that, I HIGHLY recommend the Philips SPC900NC (paid US$70 at CompUSA) for image quality–good resolution thru USB (much better than the much-cheaper Logitech QuickCam Chat), and it automatically adjusts image settings for any environmental lighting…looks great even with just a laptop display as your lightsource.
The con for me is the physical support on the display…I find it too easy to knock off and awkward to stand on a surface, but it does have a threaded socket to attach it to a (mini) tripod.
Good video to all!
Well, I bought a Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 and no joy with the mac. Best guess is that I have the “old” model per the sourceforge list. How would I actually find out which one I have? There is nothing in the included materials that would tell me.
Didn’t try the macam utilities as they indicated no success yet. Anyone got any tips. If not, guess I’ll have to set it up on my aging pc, which I had hoped to retire. This webcam fiasco is a serious shortcoming of the mac.
Hi,
I also have a QuickCam Pro 5000 that doesnt work out-of-the-box on Mac. Also it doesnt work with macam, but I have found one way to use it: there’s a company called IOXperts that creates commercial drivers for Mac and they have a beta driver in development:
ftp://ftp.ioxperts.com/IOXperts/Video/Beta/
Current release to download is 1.1.2a27.
Good thing is that with this beta driver it’s actually possible get QuickCam Pro 5000 working with Skype even for free (it’s shareware with 30 minutes time limit per connection). Bad thing is that these beta releases expire in 2 weeks after release date, then you have to download and install a newer beta. Sometimes it takes them longer than 2 weeks to upload a newer beta, so there are periods during what you are unable to use your camera.
So, although it’s a little painful to install and use these drivers, atleast they work. I’m looking forward the macam project to support my camera correctly. At the moment it recognizes it correctly but errors occur during usage.
I have an external iSight. Skype has finally gotten to a version that doesn’t crash randomly every 5-10 minutes, but it still doesn’t work with the iSight properly. Sometimes it will stop picking up the audio (normally at the 10 or 20 minute mark in a conversation), and sometimes it will not recognise the camera at all. In each case I have no other programs running, and I have to quit and restart Skype to get it to work again. I have the latest version (2.5.0.85) but it’s still not there.
I find this really bizarre because I am running an iSight with an intel mac mini, and I would have thought this was ‘normal’ skype for mac hardware?
I just joined Skype, am a Mac user looking for a webcam, e.g., iSight. I may upgrade from my G4 MacPowerbook 15 to a new model with built in iSight, or continue and buy an external cam. At the moment my OS is 3.9.1. This forum has been useful already.
I also purchased a QuickCam Pro 500 after seeing the positive comments on this site, and because the shop no longer stocked the 4000 model (which was listed as working on the list of cameras).
I am on a G5, OS 10.4.8…. and it doesn’t work for me. I might try the ioxperts suggestion as I have tried UVC and don’t know what I am doing on there….
But it’s not just the camera, the microphone/headset doesn’t work either – I have done the voice test and I get the computer lady….
Anybody got any ideas, or will the macam download be ready by mid March!!
HI…
just one question..
i have a G3 800Mhz Ibook and a logitech quickcam connect…
on the testwindow everything is fine…. but as soon as i want to connect skype shuts down… can anyone tell me what i am doing wrong….. i have downloaded macam also… it works fine… help…
thanks a lot for answers
I am using ecamm’s iMage as well and it is easy to use and you don’t need any software to run it with your mac, just plug in and use it.
You do have to buy a program to use it with iChat that is $9.99 US, but otherwise it is great.
clemens.kehrer, I’m afraid it’s the G3 that stops your video. I recommend later G4′s or the new Intels for that.
I would like to change my sign-in from algoldberg,md to algoldberg.md
That is, from a comma, to a period
How do I do this?
if you have a video camera with a firewire port, it should work if you connect it to your mac. I have what is now a six year old MiniDV camera and it has worked with every single video conferencing application i’ve tried. You should try your own digital video camera should you have one before going out to buy a dedicated webcam. I’ve been told repeatedly that the quality of my video exceeds those of many others with dedicated webcams.
I have to fully agree with kekoajs84 about using a Video Camera for Skype and video conferencing. I have a G5 and was one of the procastinators who never bought an iSight, till it was discontinued. After cursing Apple and other manufacturers for not supportng us MACsters with a web cam, I tried my old Mini DV Camcorder via a digital/analog convertor (these old cameras don’t have the digital out put and I had bought the unit before to transfer old home movies) and Firewire.
It works without a hitch and my friends are amazed by it’s quality (Surprisingly though it works off the convertor as an analog feed and not on the digital mode…. go figure!). The only draw back is that it’s bulky and I cannot be set on top of a monitor… But for the amount of use and no extra money spent, I just prop it up on a box and it works fine…. No drivers to install either….
I tried using a MacAlly IceCam with a First generation PowerBook 15 inch 1.5 GHz and did not have success with this setup, Skype would crash when I tried to initiate the IceCam. Now I have a MacBook Pro with the iSight camera and man does this setup work great, much better than iChat I have to say. Just did a Video call with a frend in New York, me in Vancouver Canada and it was like he was in the other room…
http://www.switchingtomac.com
Hi all – question. I have a mac mini, just signed into skype, bought a Quickcam Communicate STX and the video works fine with maccam drivers but I can’t get the sound to work. Any tips? Thanks
I too have the same problem with my mac mini. Just bought a webcam and the video works fine with maccam drivers but I can’t get the sound to work. Would love some tips?
This may seem really basic, but have you checked the input sound on the control panel? The default is line in, not inbuilt mic. rrotsaruck ww
It is certainly difficult to get Webcams for Mac although I’m hearing a lot more are working now with the 10.4.9 update.
I’ve actually decided to abandon finding one in favour of simply using my digital camera. I’m using a Sanyo Xacti which when you plug into the USB port if you select ‘PC Camera’ immediately turns it into a webcam and skype notifies you a cam is ready to be used and the quality is awesome. And since its Mac, no drivers required.
If you have a relatively newish camera this is likely to work but may not on older models.
I have bought a Philips SD900 camera and it works fine with the maccam driver and my G4.
Just a couple of questions if anyone can help -
1. Can anyone get the microphone on the camera working?
2. The camera doesn’t seem to track my face as described in the blurb – any ideas how to make that work?
Many thanks and happy skyping!
Debbie
Hi and help, I’ve also got the Logitech Communicate STX but my mini doesn’t recognize the camera. Skype works fine and I’ve downloaded the latest version of Macam. Running OX 10.4.9. The STX is not identified in system profiles as anything but USB device.
Hi, I have a Mac ibook G4 (version 10.39). Which webcams will work with my mac and skype???
I have juste bought the Logitech QuickCam Messenger (32,95 € at the FNAC), and it is OK on my PowerMac G4 1.25 Ghz.
After downloading Maccam 9.0 it works.
You should not expect a high quality. The video with Skype is poor; it is impossible to adjust contrast & brightness of the webcam (this is a good idea for the next version of Skype !)
With a natural light during the day it is OK but at night the colours are really weird … !
Thanks for the info on the Logitech Quickcam Messenger. My G4 is only 933Mhz but I’ll give it a try. Guess I’ll need to download Maccam 9.0. Will let you know how I get on.
It is easy to find; search for “macam version 0.9.0 download” in google and the first answer should be :
http://webcam-osx.sourceforge.net/downloads.html
(You have to start again the Mac after the installation. Skype video only works if Macam is off, the same for iChat)
By the way, My OS is 10.4.9.
And if you want to use it with iChat, you need to download “ichatUSBCam”
I just got a Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision webcam, plugged it into my MacMini with OS X 10.4.9 on Intel dual core 1.66 GHz and it worked immediately with Skype. Great video quality too. No need for any drivers or special software to be installed. Just plug in and it works. This is doubtless due to the new “USB Video Class” (UVC) interface, which also does not need drivers to be installed for Windows XP either. I am pleased
I have just brought a webcam Philips spc900nc based on the comments here, so the question is – How do you get it to work. Please help someone.
I have tried to get it working with my limited knowledge. does not recognise disc (not surprised) plug it in and nothing happens!!!!! So what do you do.
I have a Mac Panther.
Help
col
I found the Logitech Communicate STX webcam works fine for my Mac OSX without any drivers – just make sure you plug the webcam into the USB slot on your Mac BEFORE you open Skype. If you open skype then plug in the USB plug it won’t work. You can check it’s working by looking in the video segment in skype preferences. Also many Mac webcam problems can often be solved with free drivers from the soundforge site
Oh and that is despite the Logitech blurb saying it is Windows only!!
The Macally Icecam works a treat with Skype, and unlike many cams on the market, it’s actually made for the Mac so no need to hunt for drivers: they are supplied with the cam. Find it at skinnywolf.com
I have been experimenting with two regular video cameras for my office setup. I have used a Sony 8mm Digicam (DCR-TRV280 NTSC) and the Sony Minidv camcorder (DCR-VX2100). In both cases I have had to connect the camera using firewire (iLink) to the computer, turn it on, then open Skype. In the preferences, I then tweak it some of the audio and video settings. I was able to get a better quality resolution using Yahoo Messenger then with Skype. However on Skype the image quality is tolerable.
I bought a Logitech “QuickCam® for Notebooks Pro”, the new one that looks somehow like a small leica camera. It worked with Skype on my 12″ PB G4 and OS 10.4.8 without any additional drivers. Very good Micro. Under OS 10.4.8 it did not work with iChat or Quicktime Pro. But this all changed with the update to OS 10.4.9. Now my webcam is supported right out of the box by Skype, iChat aund Quicktime Pro. Of course they do not tell you this on the Logitech website.
i had an isight in the cupboard. plugged it in (firewire on mac mini/ppc) works a dream. no probs at all. Buddy has built in isight on new intel /macbook. we had a perfectly acceptable video conference.
dunno what you’re all complaingin about– seems ever so straight forward to me!
A simple question…..
I have downloaded the latest MAC versiion of skype, in all the notes i read on getting a web cam to work it say choose Tools from the menu, i do not have that showing, can anyone help?
Does anyone know if CreativeLive! Cam Video IM work after the new 10.4.9 update?
A cheap and basic camera which works fine with iBook G4 is the Macally Icecam.
Logitech Quickcam for Notebook Pro does not work on my Powerbook G4 & OS 10.4.9 with Skype, iChat, Quicktime Pro or any other software I have.