Grainy Image on MacBook Air 2020

I have sent comments directly to Apple on their feedback page. I've included a link to this discussion page and highlighted that there are 14 pages of complaints about this. I would recommend everyone do this in order to call their attention over and over to this problem. the more and louder the complaints the more apt they are to listen and solve the problems. Here is the form for feedback: https://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookair.html

Keep calm and read this:

"Camera and mics

You’re live on the Air. The image signal processor in the M1 chip helps you look your best for every FaceTime call and video conference."

Source: https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/

And the Apple recommended answer:

Check:

1) internet connection

2) wipe any fingerprints from the screen (I’ve seen a lot of MacBooks that are FILLED with fingerprints

😁 Too expensive joke...

I think I figured this thing out, finally. I did a few different things, and I'm not sure which one was the one that fixed my video quality. But this is what I did:

1. I uninstalled Zoom and then re-download Zoom for Macs with Apple Silicon chips. Here is the link: https://zoom.us/client/5.6.6.950/zoomusInstallerFull.pkg?archType=arm64
2. When I installed Zoom, I opened the app, selected zoom.us in the Menu Bar, and then selected Preferences.
3. Then I selected Video in the Sidebar, which allowed me to adjust the video quality.
4. Under the Camera subsection, I selected HD.
5. Under the My Video subsection, I selected:
   1. "Touch up my appearance," which allowed me to minimize imperfections and the video look softer.
   2. "Adjust for low light" and selected "Auto" from the drop-down bar; however, you can also select "Manual," and that would allow you to make the adjustments yourself.
6. After this, I selected zoom.us again in the Menu Bar, selected Services and System Preferences, which led me to "Keyboard" settings.
7. I selected the "Accessibility" option, and I ticked both the "Zoom" and "Contrast" options.

I also found this link that has some information on how to change the settings in the desktop client or mobile app for Zoom:

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362623-Changing-settings-in-the-desktop-client-or-mobile-app

Hope this helps!

Same with me. I contacted support and they said they are aware that the camera performs “less” than previous macbook air. And they are saying that they “expected” it.

they should have placed in their site that “Camera is 720 HD as previous models, but performs less compared to older models on low light”

Really disappointed, when you see that specs is same, you will expect that functionality is same/slightly better. But never WORSE .

That would be like accepting defeat which they would never do. BTW did anyone realise how badly this is designed ergonomically...these edges are so sharp and can cut a finger, and like a clamp when you open the top. I can get a file and smoothen them but Apple must resolve the blurry camera issue

I have the same problem with my MacAir 2020. The quality of the built-in camera is very very bad. Attached the video taken when I was using Zoom. What can I do to improve it?

I have no such issue for my iPhone 11 and iPad Air 2020.

I'm having the same issue! 2015 MacBook Air quality is SO much better than the new 2020 MacBook Air I just purchased. I can't believe how clear my 2015 is and how grainy my 2020 is. I'm going to try to send it back! As a teacher, all I do in these times is Zoom and make online instructional videos for my students. Good thing I still have my 2015. What a disappointment.

The only way I can get a decent image is to place a lamp or a direct light source very close to me while video chatting or using the camera. That’s the only “fix” I have found so I decided to keep mine since I love everything else about it but it’s still really inconvenient :/

Exactly same experience. I have my 2017 MacBook Air doing a Zoom call with my brand new 2020 MacBook Air (straight out of the box). The two computers are side by side - same lighting, same everything. The 2017 camera image is crystal clear and the 2020 camera image is so blurry I am almost unrecognizable.

I'm so mad. My MacBook Air 2015 broke and it's 500 to repair it which is a waste if it's only going to last 1-2 more years since it's already 5 years old. I want to return this too but I've always used apple products. Are you thinking of getting a laptop that's not apple?

Its not fingerprints. Brand new out of the box. Side-by-side with my 2015, the 2020 was horrible. I sent it back.

First time I’ve been dissatisfied with an Apple product. I sent it back. If they don’t release a MacBook Air with a better camera, I will be forced to either by a PC (ugh) or buy an external webcam.

Same experience. Just opened my new MB Air 2020, and fired up Zoom to test it out. Horrified at how grainy it is. Same experience when testing FaceTime. My 2013 is a far superior camera. This is so disappointing. As a teacher, there is no way I can use this computer. I will be returning it tomorrow.

Yup the new Macbooks have a smaller camera hole for the slimmer lid so less light goes in and it looks grainy af. You can add more light with brightness and fix it but it costs money to get an app that does that. I’m returning all new Macbooks and waiting for the next one.

Even I've noticed that, in the beginning I thought it might be because of low light, and when I tested the camera quality in day light, it was still terrible and grainy. Even other people that happened to join the meeting complained the same and I could see previous gen MacBook Air camera is good.

Any suggested fix for this?

Wow. For my own computer I have switched to Dell xps. Happy with it. My daughter is Still attached to the Apple ecosystem so we got a new macbook pro For online college. Camera is terrible. 2014 Macbook air camera is way better. I guess I should return it and get her a dell. Called Apple support they were no help . Bought webcam app which did not work.