michellew_

Q: Question about webcams with Macbook Pro 13 inch mid 2010

Bear with me as I am the most basic of basic Mac users. I am currently using a MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) with OS X Yosemite 10.10.5 I don't use Skype or FaceTime or anything like that. I recently registered for an online course in which they said I will need a webcam, headset, and microphone so that I can interact with class discussions and my instructor.

I really have no clue what internal hardware is on my laptop. Is the built in camera something that could be used to this end? Or do I need to purchase these three items seperately to make this work? And if so, are thy easy to set up and can anyone recommend something of decent quality but as inexpensive as possible.

Thanks in advance for your time.

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Sep 22, 2016 9:53 AM

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Q: Question about webcams with Macbook Pro 13 inch mid 2010

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  • by leroydouglas,Apple recommended

    leroydouglas leroydouglas Sep 23, 2016 5:46 AM in response to michellew_
    Level 7 (23,796 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 23, 2016 5:46 AM in response to michellew_

    michellew_ wrote:

     

    Is the built in camera something that could be used to this end?

     

    Or do I need to purchase these three items seperately to make this work?

     

    Your built in FaceTime camera is sufficient. This is the whole idea. external cameras are mostly a thing of the past. If the internal webcam is broken, an external is always an option vs repair.

     

    You may need their proprietary software to connect to their course however

  • by alex7375,Helpful

    alex7375 alex7375 Sep 23, 2016 5:46 AM in response to michellew_
    Level 2 (295 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 23, 2016 5:46 AM in response to michellew_

    My Macbook Mid-2012 13-inch has a terrible webcam too. This was a major draw back that kept me from purchasing a new 2016 Macbook . The webcam in my iPad-air-2 is better than the Macbook webcam.

     

    If you are doing professional / educational video conferencing you may want to invest in a good quality USB webcam.

     

    Here is the one I suggest.

     

    Logitech c920

    https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Widescreen-Calling-Recording-Desktop/dp/B006JH8T 3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474570394&sr=…

  • by michellew_,

    michellew_ michellew_ Sep 23, 2016 6:00 AM in response to alex7375
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 23, 2016 6:00 AM in response to alex7375

    So, as a follow up to this and my original question, the course syllabus recommends a "webcam, headset and microphone". Do I even need the headset and mic if theres a mic built in to the webcam? It's just going to be me alone in my office so it will be minimal background noise and I'm not sure why I'd need those other items for it to work.

     

    Thanks for your help!

  • by michellew_,

    michellew_ michellew_ Sep 23, 2016 6:32 AM in response to leroydouglas
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 23, 2016 6:32 AM in response to leroydouglas

    Thank you for the advice!

  • by leroydouglas,Apple recommended

    leroydouglas leroydouglas Sep 23, 2016 7:05 AM in response to michellew_
    Level 7 (23,796 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 23, 2016 7:05 AM in response to michellew_

    michellew_ wrote:

     

    recommends a "webcam, headset and microphone". Do I even need the headset and mic if theres a mic built in to the webcam?

     

    You don't need it. 

     

    It could be an asset if you were in a noisy environment.

     

    Something like iPhone ear buds/microphone would work if needed.