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.
ellie_jan,
It sounds as if you read guides for Skype for Windows. See http://www.skype.com/help/guides/stepbystep/skypeformac/skypefeatures/video.html for a Mac guide (or just go to “Skype” > “Preferences” and click the “Video” button).
Re: Logitech QuickCam Connect:
I’ve been looking around for a half decent camera that won’t cost too much for me and my mum (she’s on PC, Me on a Mac- PB 1Ghz,10.4) and wondered if anyone had any luck getting the above camera to work successfully. Argos are selling 2 for £25!
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10651&productId=683246
Any help would be greatly appreciated, I’m a newbie on this Skype thing!
Hi
I’m new to Skype and Mac.
Can anyone tell me if it’s possible to view someone you are talking to, who has a webcam, without having a webcam myself?
Thanks marjacque
don’t discourage people with G3
I have one, I made a logictech quickcam work with macam..it was tricky but it worked.
I use Skype also on my Powerbook Titanium (G4, 550 MHz) with iSight via Airport or via Ethernet, and it works fine. Only the resolution of the video seems to me a bit less than by using a G5.
I just bought a Creative Live! Cam Optia today, plugged it in and in seconds found myself videoing on Skype. That’s because the Optia uses “USB Video Class” (UVC) and hence needs no drivers. Still I haven’t found a way to acces the enclosed software for the webcam since it’s Windows based. So if anyone out there knows of a nice plugin or shareware (or Creative software for Mac) that enables adjustment of advanced camera settings on USB cameras, let me know!
After some reconfiguration of the config.xml file – as noted in the Garage blog in this forum – I am now also satisfied with the video quality. Near-dvd indeed, and I thank you for that neat trick!
ellie_jan asked about “Tools” on Saturday, Mar 24
Tools on the PC version and Preferences on the Mac See on the Menuu bar under Skype:Preferences.
I had the same problem.
Does anyone have experience running an iBook G3 800 MHz with Videochat? I have a Genius notebook cam which seems to be working OK but Skype crashes if I try to connect the Video. Another identical iBook with a different webcam also crashes. Audio chat is no prob. I suspect the problem may be lack of RAM (I have 384 MB) but I would like to verify this before I rush out and buy more. Thanks
ola! i have a macbook pro. the isight built-in camera does not seem to work with my skype. the camera works well with yahoo messenger tho. i tried the skype>preferences>video option and enabled my skype video but it shows a black screen with “No video camera connected” message. pls help!
Hi, I too have a MBPro 15″ that was working before the last update to 2.6.0.151 Can anyone help me?
I get “video camera no connected”… if I get on ichat it works! Any ideas?
Thanks,
kymaldivya and jemo07. Did you try closing any other applications that use video?
Read my post above:
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.
I am looking for a camera that will work on a G3 800mHz iBook for Skype, right out of the box (no tweaking of settings). From everyone’s comments, it looks like the ECamm iMage Webcam and Logitech QP4000 might work.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hi everyone. Thanks for your posts, it gave me confidence to buy the confidence to buy the Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 for my brand new MacMini. Video worked immediately but I need some help on the sound. I have the Mini hooked up to my home cinema and the sound currently comes out of the QuickCam instead of the speakers, although Itunes, QuickTime, etc all come through the speakers. Any suggestions? Audio settings in System Preferences only include Digital Out and Line In for Sound Out/In, so I am unable to change anything
I currently have an eMac that is 3-4 yrs. old. I just purchased the iMage webcam. After I plugged it into the USB port, it says that my usb ports are not high speed 2.0!! Does anyone know how to fix this so I can use this webcam?
Well, I received my new iMage webcam today. It wouldn’t work on my PowerMac G4 because it did not support USB2.0. However, It worked perfectly on my Powerbook which does have USB2.0. Thanks to this forum thread for the guidance.
“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….”
That is because you don’t save the settings. I know it is not obvious, I had the same issue. Once your settings are done with maccam, click on CONTROL menu and then on BURN CURRENT SETTING. Close Maccam and run Skype.
Nice video, isn’t it?
I had no trouble with Skype video, until suddenly it stopped transmitting an image. I have an inbuilt camera on my iMac. Enabled for video has been ticked in the preferences an the isight camera selected but I only see a white box. I can see the people I am talking to but they cannot see me. I don’t know how to resolve this, can any one help?
I have the same Look 320S webcam as djsonica and also use iBook G4, running Tiger. The webcam monitor works and can record but Skype does not recognise that the camera is attached. It is as if the iBook does not recognise the camera. Can anyone tell what I need to adjust or set to get Skype to recognise the Look 320S?
Note that the iMage Webcam is designed specifically for Macs that don’t have webcams…it is not a hit or miss thing with it…It always works.
I finally got it after trying to use standard PC webcams with the drivers available at http://webcam-osx.sourceforge.net. (I did have some partial successes)
I just recieved the logitech quickcam deluxe for my ibook g4. When I go to video preferences in Skype it works fine. But as soon as I try to connect with anyone, the video locks up after about 10 seconds causing Skype to freeze. Audio remains fine, but I can’t click on anything, or close skype and am forced to restart my computer? Any ideas how to fix this? Any ideas of other compatible webcams that are in the same price range? Unfortunately isight is too expensive.
I’ve had consistently good luck with the iMage eCamm with both Skype and the Yahoo Messenger (and to a slightly less smoother extent with iChat) on both my PowerBook G4 laptop and the G5 in my office. But I’d like better sound quality on my Skype calls. Should I be looking at a different webcam or is there a microphone/headset that I can use with the iMage to give me better sound? I was looking at the Live! Cam models, but the ones that seem to have the best sound creds don’t appear to be Mac compatible. Suggestions?
Hi, after reading comments on this page. I went out and bought the Fire-i from unibrain. I’m based in Ireland and I ordered it exactly 5 days ago. Well to my shock it arrived today (I’m based in Ireland), so it was delivered very very quickly. I just plugged it in and iChat just came up and the camera is working without me having to even look at the cd or packaging. The easiest thing I’ve ever installed on any machine. I have looked at the resolution and it’s quite good. I used to have an intel webcam, the best resolution i have ever seen on webcams, unfortunately it wouldn’t work with my mac and also I’ve lost it! I’ve had it for years hence the need to buy a new one and this time for my mac instead of windows. Hope this helps someone looking for a webcam for their mac. Monica.
Plugged a Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 into my G4 tower – video worked immediately – but as in ajilux, Sep 18 – problems with audio in. Chose ‘Unknown USB Audio Device’ for audio input (no joy with line in) and I can see the bars of input level moving – but still the skype audio check fails?! – any ideas? Thanks, Andrew
Hi
i have used so many webcam for Mac OS X and so for i-lovemac is the best webcam. it has 1300k hardware pixel that makes your video image perfect. it has built in microphone but you will need to purchase audio converter for mac. which is plug and play. the web address for webcam for mac is: http://www.bluescale.co.uk/Shop/webcam_for_mac/index.asp
webcam for mac
and for the audio converter is: http://www.bluescale.co.uk/Shop/webcam_for_mac/usb_2_0_audio_adapter_converter_for_apple_mac_usb_2_0_audio_adapter_for_mac.asp
audio converter for mac
Hope this helps
Hi there, I have a built in isight with my 15″ macbook pro… damn. I can’t seem to get skype to find it. I have no other apps open that would hog the camera and it’s driving me nuts to hear how perfectly isight runs on other’s identical machines. Any clues? I also have video enabled on skype. Oh and I’m running Leopard 10.5.1
Cheers to anyone that can help
Mark
Londonturko – thanks for the advice … Have bought both a i-lovemac webcam and the audio converter… Troubles persist!
The webcam seems to work on the ‘webcam monitor’ software (sonix usb2) but not on the Maccam software that it came with?! I can see myself on the webcam monitor – but when on skype others can’t see my video.
As far as the audio converter goes – no luck either – even when connected directly to usb (no hub) on my G4 tower, I can select the usb audio input and output – and see the mic bars moving – but when I do the Skype audio check it doesn’t work. Strangely, I hear all the dialing sound effects in my headphones but when the voice says I was unsuccessful – it comes out of the mac speaker – not the headset?!
Does mac have a video control panel that I can’t find – by reading comments/instructions PC seems to have this …
How do you check if you are ‘broadcasting video’ on skype?
PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP!! (I’m going nuts here)
Thanks
Woodhalllane
After looking at several webcams and reading the comments on this blog, I ordered the Image for my Mac G5. It is truly fantastic! Just plug in and use – according to the people viewing the video on the other end, the image was “the clearest they had seen.” The camera is tiny and attaches to the top of the Mac magnetically so there are no clamps to mess with, etc. Order this one and look no further!
I am having problems finding a webcam for my mac. I want a webcam that is enxepensive and i don’t really care about the quality. I want to work though. I see webcams that are compatable with Mac G5, Macbook Pro, and Mac OS X. Will that be compatable with iBook G5? (that is what i have). I want an easy webcam. Can anyone help me??
Dear Woodhalllane
You don’t need to use the macam software. Just fallow the instruction here.
1) Install the sonix driver.
2) Restart your computer and connect the webcam to any free usb port
3) Log in to skype without opening the “webcam monitor”
Note: You are not going to able use skype with the webcam if you open webcam monitor, its because you can only use one application at a time. if you open the webcam monitor you will need to restart your computer to use skype.
for audio adapter.
it is plug and play. once you connect the audio adapter to your computer go to your system preferences and then click Audio or Sound. it will display all your input and output devices and you will see USB audio adapter. select that and done.
Thats it
Hope this will help
if you need further help there is a phone line for technical support that you can call. 02070998929
yoiu can get any information regarding webcams or any other mac devices that they have on their website
Londonturko
A short list of hassle-free, no-drivers required Apple compatible webcams (like the ecamm iMage) can be found at
http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/
All the listed cams work great with Skype – presuming you have USB 2.0 ports (a Macintosh running 867mhz or faster is the cutoff) and are running OS X 10.4x or 10.5. If you have an older, slower Mac – really a FIREWIRE webcam is the way to avoid alot of frustration and hassle.
Question:
I have the “no video camera is selected” after enabling video chat.
I have a mac cam driver for a genius web cam.
How do I know if I have a 2.0 USB Port??? I can’t think of anything else that won’t allow my camera to connect……
Hi minglessis
You left this comment back in April (see below) could you lets us G3 users know how you did it?
don’t discourage people with G3
I have one, I made a logictech quickcam work with macam..it was tricky but it worked.
Hi minglessis,
You left this comment below back in April, can you let us fellow G3 users know how you did it? Thanks.
don’t discourage people with G3
I have one, I made a logictech quickcam work with macam..it was tricky but it worked.
i have a usb 1 apple powerbook g4 laptop version 10.4.11. what is the best skype web cam to work on it? please reply to bgirl.colours@yahoo.com or bgirl.colours@hotmail.com
i have a usb 1 apple powerbook g4 laptop version 10.4.11. what is the best skype web cam to work on it? please reply to bgirl.colours@yahoo.com or bgirl.colours@hotmail.com
i have a usb 1 apple powerbook g4 laptop version 10.4.11. what is the best skype web cam to work on it? please reply to bgirl.colours@yahoo.com or bgirl.colours@hotmail.com
i have a usb 1 apple powerbook g4 laptop version 10.4.11. what is the best skype web cam to work on it? please reply to bgirl.colours@yahoo.com or bgirl.colours@hotmail.com
whats the best skype web cam for a usb 1 apple powerbook g4 laptop version 10.4.11
I have a Mac in my office at home and want to set up a wireless webcam to put in my living room to watch my puppy while I am gone. Anyone know where to buy such a camera and how to set it up so I can see him on via a website while I am at work?
i hav a webcam on mi mac pro but….. idk how to use it. Funny story. I want to talk to mi cousin in germany but idk how to. so sad
i hav a webcam on mi mac pro but….. idk how to use it. Funny story. I want to talk to mi cousin in germany but idk how to. so sad
Hi I bought a new webcam (Dynex) and tried to do videocall but everytime, after a few seconds, my skype crashes… can anyone help me to fix this?!! need help what can I do?
Has anyone tryed the Play Station camera that come with some games? I tryed and it works OK with Macam !!
I have a Canon MV1 dv camera with firewire, can it be used with a Mac running 10.3.9 ‘Panther’ for Skype video ?
Hi I’ve just bought the Logitech Quickcam Messenger, it works fine through the macam software but Skype won’t recognise the camera. I’ve checked that the components are saved in the hardrive library and have no other programs running when in Skype but still no joy. I’m running on a G4, 10.3.9 is this a problem? Anyone got any tips
Thanks.
What happened after May? Any updates since then? It’s November! Thanks. susan.g3
I got the Logitech QuickCam and set up was easy with skype (using old G4 powerbook Titanium). The picture is pretty crappy though. I swear that my phone has a better camera, and my phone camera is a piece of garbage. I’m gonna take it back and try again.
I have a macmini 10.4.11 (Tiger Edition) and I can’t seem to find any webcam that has a built-in microphone and is easy to set up anywhere! I’ve looked on eBay and Amazon, but a lot of the webcams on those sites are for newer versions of Mac computers of mac laptops. Does anyone have any suggestions??
I read on one of the posts here that the Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision webcam works great with the MacMini, but does it work with my generation MacMini? I would really appreciate any help!
Thanks,
Dj
I am trying to video chat with my parents in FL. I have a Mac Pro and they are using a PC. When I open Skype I have no tools option in my menu bar to get to video settings. I can open Video options under the preferences menu but can’t get my webcam to be sent out. Any suggestions
First, let me say I’m not a MAC expert. For those that are interested I connected a Logitech QuickCam Communicate Deluxe to my daughter’s older MAC (non-Intel) that is running OS X 10.5. I first installed Skype then plugged the camera into a CPU USB port. The USB port on the keyboard did not provide sufficient power. That’s all there was to it.
There is no obvious way to control camera video settings. Skype does not provide access to these settings. On my PC, that is done through a Logitech program that provides extensive control over focus, white balance, lighting, face following, zoom, etc. I could not find a way to control these settings using the OS or a native program. Never-the-less, the webcam audio and video work fine as is for Skype video calls. It appears that autofocus and RightLight are working, but I did not check it out thoroughly.
Bottom line is that it works with OS X 10.5.