Q: New Macbook Built-in Camera

Housmanae wrote:.... How would this compare to ...

All good questions for the retailer from whom you buy.

Remember that image quality is highly subjective.  Many factors other than resolution effect Image quality, and some of Apple's previous camera releases have been criticized by new purchasers for not providing images as good as earlier models.  The fact that different new purchasers complained about different aspects (sharpness, color balance, brightness, resolution, etc.) of image quality indicate to me that these are more personal differences (possibly related to differing intended uses by different individuals) than actual, measurable, Image quality issues.

Unless money is not important to you, I suggest you visit the retailer and ask for a demonstration of the camera using the software applications that are important to you BEFORE you buy.

Whenever I buy a newly released model, I actually ask for a demonstration of the camera in the very Mac I buy before leaving the retailer's location.  Then I know it works with the applications I need and provides the quality I expect while it is still returnable or exchangeable.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.10.2

You'e welcome, Mark.  You are wise to wait.

Housmanae wrote: Thanks for the reply, Jim...I can live with my iSight HD in my old MacBook Pro ... in a year or so they'll ...

Although ¶ 2.1 of the TOUs for these discussions prohibit speculation, based on history, there will be unspecified "improvements" over time.  Therefore, we users are ALWAYS wise to wait until we NEED new features before we buy.  Meanwhile, we can thoroughly research and actually try out the new offerings to see if current new features are important for our individual needs. 

Historically, the longer you "live with" your current system, the lower the cost of a new system will be for a given capability or the more features you will get for the same money.   In the meantime, rather than relying on someone else's judgment for qualitative assessments that might be different in YOUR eyes, you have plenty of time to do the research to actually KNOW the quality of the currently offered systems for your intended purpose.

Happy Shopping!

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.10.2

One more FYI, Mark.

Several years ago I made this image comparison between one of my external iSights and the iSight built into my then new iMac.  Both images were made of the same iChat video session at the same time, so the ONLY difference was the camera.

Since seeing the significant differences between the two images, I ALWAYS test a Mac's camera before I buy.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.10.2

You're most welcome, Mark.

Housmanae wrote: ... surprised it wasn't 720p or higher...

I'm not surprised.  480p has long been used for webcams.  If your primary (or only) camera use will be as a webcam, 480p should be the best choice.

As opposed to 720p, 480p means:

  • smaller images that require less intensive CPU operation and heat generation

  • smaller images that require less disk storage space

  • smaller images that require less Cloud transmission time and storage space

  • lower battery power consumption and less frequent recharges

The above contribute to a MacBook of lower cost, lighter weight, and longer battery operation compared to more powerful portable Macs with higher resolution cameras.

Some users may need a higher resolution camera for specific imaging tasks.  Some of them may not want to buy a more powerful, heavier, and more expensive portable Mac.  Those users could consider operating the new MacBook with a Mac compatible external camera that meets their higher camera requirements.  However, depending on their specific choices and uses, they can expect that some of the other MacBook operating parameters mentioned above may be impacted.

You have a great start on your April shopping plans!

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.10.2