What's the best webcam for Mac with tilt/pan/zoom?

"Best" is in the ey of the beholder! Here's some lists of compatible webcam's:

Apple Compatible Mac Web Cameras For Video Chat

macam

OWC's selections

Pick some that look "interesting" and then google reviews for those.

polarbreeze1 wrote: I am trying to find a good quality webcam ... not a single one of them ... provides any conrol features like tilt/pan/zoom ... brightness and contrast control ...

You are right.

(1) Apple does not offer any webcam that has a zoom lens. Tilt, zoom, and pan can be simulated by physical movement of the cameras offered by Apple.

(2) Moreover, other than tilt/pan/zoom, Mac SOFTWARE, not the camera, controls camera functions and settings for each application you use with the camera. Apple apps set these and other camera functions automatically so you do not have to configure them manually or reset them when changing to another app that would require different parameters.

(3) If you want to take manual control of a Mac's webcam, your best choice is ecamm's iGlasses add-on software: http://www.ecamm.com/mac/iglasses/ Note that iGlasses may not work with every possible camera app. Also, using its software tilt/pan/zoom, especially at maximum effect, may result in reduced image quality. iF iGlasses iS something you think would help you, you can take advantage of ecamm's free demo to see whether it meets your needs before you pay the reasonable cost of this software.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.7.4

You're welcome.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.7.4

EZJim: Thanks for this suggestion. I was looking for something similar and this is the solution I needed. My cousin's son is getting married soon. My cousin lives out-of-state and has cancer; she is too ill to attend. This will let me Skype the wedding to her and give her a better view than just setting up my MacBook and letting it run. Thanks for the help!

Hey Polar, did you ever find your solution? What did you decide to do?

I am using a similar setup, smaller screen (36") mounted on the wall for a small conference room, and the video is so pixellated as to look shabby!!!

I agree with your word, astonishing that there isn't a better solution.... 🙂

Julie

Thanks Polar,

I tried it for less than several hours and bought it. You are right, it's perfect for the camera on the wall!

Cheers,

Julie

Hi,

Just picked up a Logitech C615 today to be used with ClickMeeting. Works like a charm, right out of the box.

I see you have still not marked your question as Solved or Answered, so perhaps you are still awaiting other ideas.

If you have one, consider using your Mac-compatible, Firewire connected, camcorder that offers the zoom and other lens features you need. As my example, I have an old Sony DCR-TRV17 that was my primary camcorder until its tape mechanism stopped working several years ago. However, the lens and electronics still work fine. I occasionally use it for chat or for iMovie recording when I need more than one camera or simply want an view from an external camera.

The camera can be mounted on a tripod that allows for pan and tilt adjustments. Even a low-cost, tabletop model might meet your needs.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.5

Thanks Jim,

I don't have a cam corder, but that's a great solution for those who do! Especially if it can sit on a tripod...

I also appreciate the reminder to close out my inquiry. 😉

Thanks all...

Julie

You're most welcome, Julie.

dreamdoc wrote: ... I don't have a cam corder, but that's a great solution ...

If you are still shopping, you might be able to find a compatible used camcorder at a local store that sells used cameras or electronics. One with a failed tape mechanism that otherwise works would likely be very low priced. The same store may also have compact tripods.

Because your MBA is so portable, it is easy to take with you so you can test any camcorder before you buy to be certain it meets your needs.

dreamdoc wrote:... I also appreciate the reminder to close out my inquiry...

Per the Respond to answers tutorial page, you decide when to mark an answer that "solves your question."

I certainly did not intend any reminder. As a user like you, I have not authority to remind or otherwise instruct you about your participation in Discussions. As explained in ¶ 1.11 of Apple Support Communities - Terms of Use, the Apple Hosts would be the ones who would address any concerns with you if necessary.

Have fun shopping!

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.5

Great idea!

I'm always one for a bargain shopping experience!

I so love my MBA, For that reason, it's soooo light and portable!

Thanks again,

Julie

And the reminder was a good thing. I sometimes that we are an online community, and as a participant it's nice to have closure... Jus' sayin'!