Grainy Image on MacBook Air 2020

I am completely astounded! I was googling something else and came across this, which works! Now my zoom picture is perfectly clear on my new MacBookAir 2020 on Catalina.

Here's what I did: Open preferences, go to Security and Privacy, and then again to "Privacy" then scroll down to "Full Disk Access," unlock with your password, then choose zoom.us and check the little box to the left of it. You can do the same for other programs there too. Then lock it again. I have no idea why we wouldn't want full disk access to everything! Anyway, good luck.

I broke down and purchased a 1080p HD webcam which is infuriating considering how much I just spent on a laptop. They don't have to change anything because they know most of us wouldn't consider purchasing a windows computer no matter how good the camera was. I hate that fact that in a couple of years when they finally figure out the camera issue I'll have to trade up again. So annoying.

I’m afraid the 2017 onwards MacBook Air models have really bad cameras. My 2016 model is a lot better and when I phoned in to query the 2020 model I was told by Apple that there’s nothing wrong with the camera and it’s just not a very good one! So disappointed.

the camera been wiped and tried fixing it on settings but is still the same...the settings or wiping the camera won’t fix it. Is an apple issue they should upgrade the camera display to Atleast 1080p 2020-2021 is the year that we need a computer with a good camera quality because of quarantine. I have the MacBook Air 2020 and I believe it only has a 720p around there.

Same here. Just purchased a brand new MacBook Air 2020 in October and only just realize now that I am using ZOOM more often and FT on my computer that the quality of the camera is horrible. Everyone is commenting and surprised by Apple. I have a 2009 MacBook Pro and the quality is better...this is unacceptable for a computer that cost me over $2000 since I upgraded to 1TB. Is it the same for the MacBook Pro? If not I will raise **** that they exchange my computer for an upgrade. Something needs to be done. A cheap PC has better quality computer, but I am such a die hard Apple fan. Major disappointment.

This is so sad, I have a late 2014 model as well and the camera is of wayyyyy better quality!!!! I have called a million times and everytime they say, they've never heard of an issue, but yet this forum is literally full of complaints. You're so right, this laptop is so worthless.

I have spoken to folks in technical dept and in sales. And yes I cant believe they have not heard of any complaints yet the forum is so clear. I told them outright that this has to be escalated to the top. A credit should be provided, an external camera or a swap to a computer that has a better camera.They say there is no current resolution but that I should wait. I purchased my MacBook Air Oct 2020. I want to ensure something is done within the first year. The technical guy said there is a possibility of a hardware update, but I don't believe it and having a client who paid $2000 wait is not acceptable. So now I made an appointment at the Genius Bar because they other agent that I spoke to (sales agent) said I have to start somewhere. I see that I will be fighting a battle with no solution. There are several articles on this topic...seems its normal. https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/best-mac-webcams-3793045/ You need to be in a bright light for a clearer picture. Or you buy an external camera. Total disappointment for a great computer that we pay for, but has faults. Not acceptable.

The Genius Bar will not do anything! I did that and they admitted they have heard several complaints about the same issue. The resolution they provided, “go to a room with good lighting.” It’s really sad and disgusting they, Apple, know what’s going on and refuse to doing anything about it. Im currently using a Microsoft surface, which has a better quality camera than a laptop I paid over $1k for!

Hmmm I am usually not one to fight about issues but I am so disappointed. I am a dedicated Apple user (iPad, iPhones, computers) and expect the quality service and products I always had over the past 15 years.

I encourage everyone who has a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air and is experiencing a grainy image from their camera to comment here.

[Edited by Moderator]

Guys… they obviously have heard the complaints. Every single person working for apple is aware of this. They aren’t idiots. 

They’re being told not to acknowledge this in my experience with them. 

I escalated this as high as I could. Got them to send me some free accessories. 

But it's too late to do that for everyone else. 

It's already called “expected behaviour” for you now. 

Either return the computer or buy a webcam. 

It seems Apple has decided they don’t care and they can fix it on the next one without losing customers, and honestly, they’re right. 

Bottom line. 

I totally agree with you Trajan...I figure they are just not acknowledging this. So what does this mean for those who recently bought Apple laptops...we just fall through the cracks? I still have my laptop MacBook Pro from 2009 which my kids are using. How come the camera is actually clearer.

I tend to use my new MacBook Air for several years to come. Do I have to deal with a grainy image for several years?

When did you escalate this to Apple? You mentioned you got some free accessories. Would that be an external webcam? I just want some reconciliation...ideally a credit; external webcam, etc.

They may fix the problem on the next model, but we now purchased this model. They can lose customers based on this issue alone. In any case you are right, we are dealing with giant enterprise that will involve lots of time and energy. I'll see what I can get form them at the Genius Bar next week. If anything...:(

Basically what it means is that they are very very aware of this issue.

Their process is to classify issues as either expected or unexpected. If it's expected it means it's "our fault" for not knowing the camera image quality is impacted by poor design not allowing for enough light to enter the lens. That they have no recourse to fix it. It is hardware and it's a design flaw. It actually has nothing to do with the camera quality. Not something they are currently able to fix. I said its false advertising and they said prove it. That's why your camera quality is better on older models. More light coming into the camera. Its beyond stupid they let this happen. haha Someone got fired for sure I imagine.

I have a Macbook pro 2019 I just purchased in Dec for 5500.

Its way better in natural light.

Who the **** has access to natural light in their office lol. I am lucky to have some and can see the clear difference, but at night it is unusable.

When I bought my computer for the Macbook pro this was still not classified expected behaviour. It became expected as I was negotiating with them.

This is why they sent me free accessories.

Now, they have changed the classification to "expected." This means you have no recourse whatsoever with Apple other than complain and hope they offer something in the future who those who did.

All you can do is return it and buy something else or wait for their next release otherwise.

Yes, you and all of these other people have fallen through the cracks. (As of Feb 25.) If "Apple cares" they would immediately fix this issue. They just pretend too like the others. Not a special company lol.

Agree. The camera quality is terrible.

1) My internet connection is 400mbs symmetrical dedicated link

2) If I clean the screen any further I'm going to wipe the glass away.

Seriously, the camera quality is the worst I've ever experienced. My 2013 Macbook Pro had a far superior camera.

Apple, WTF?

I agree. It is an awful camera.

I am surprised that Apple decided to use this poor quality camera in one of their devices. I am so embarrassed of how cheap/unprofessional it looks when I use my 2019 MacBook Air that I decided to use my iPad Pro instead for videoconferences.

All these details are really key to make a product special. It seems that none is paying attention to these things anymore (awful keyboards, terrible cameras, poor battery performance when using Chrome, etc.) :-(

Increase the lighting in your environment or buy an external HD webcam. Unfortunately Apple has not upgraded their camera to go along with the pricy new computers . I have spoken to Apple Support several times and took my computer to the Genius Bar. No solution.