HELP!!!!! How can I make my webcam work?

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Level 1

1 points

HELP!!!!! How can I make my webcam work?

I purchased a webcam because the package claimed that it is compatible with Mac OSX. When I got it home, I was able to install the driver and connect the camera with no problems but when I clicked on the webcam monitor all I got was a blank screen. The instructions in the book that came with the camera are for windows users only.

So I called the manufacturer of the camera and, after an extremely frustrating conversation in which the customer service agent explained that the camera is compatible with Mac OS X but is not compatible with iChat and that I would have to download some sort of program (but she would not give me a program name) to get the camera to work, I contacted Apple by phone. The customer service person I spoke to there understood what I was referring to but could not figure out what program I need to dowload so he suggested I leave a question on this forum.

So what I am hoping is the someone here knows what I need to download and what I need to do to get this camera working.

The camera is:

Dynex DX-DTCAM

G4, Mac OS X (10.4.9), 400MHz Power PC G4 1.31 GB SDRAM

Posted on May 26, 2007 1:04 PM

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Answer 1

Henry G4

Level 4

1,871 points

May 26, 2007 2:46 PM in response to Vesta67

Hi.

The program the the manufacturer was probably talking about is iChatUSBCam, a paid program that lets you use a USB webcam with iChat. Sometimes, it's also necessary to download macam, because the drivers may not work.

In 10.4.9 it was added USB webcam support for iChat, but only for USB Video Class cameras (aka UVC cameras).
If possible, I'd try to return that camera and get something like the Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000, the Creative Live! Cam Optia, or any other UVC webcam (even the "el cheapo" Xbox LIVE Vision is reported to work in 10.4.9), as the UVC cams should work right out the box.

Good Luck.

MacMini G4 1.25GHz 1GB Mac OS X (10.4.9)

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Answer 2

May 26, 2007 4:28 PM in response to Henry G4

Hey, what I want to know is if there is a way to do video chat with my Canon ZR25 video camera, via firewire? Mainly because that's what I already have. 🙂

Mac OS X (10.4.9)

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Answer 3

Henry G4

Level 4

1,871 points

May 26, 2007 5:02 PM in response to Sludgedragon

If your Mac has an available FireWire 400 port, it should work fine. That camcorder is compatible with iMovie, so iChat will recognize it just fine. You just need a suitable FireWire cable (4-pin to 6-pin) like this, or this, or this one.

MacMini G4 1.25GHz 1GB Mac OS X (10.4.9)

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Answer 4

Vesta67 Author

Level 1

1 points

May 26, 2007 9:04 PM in response to Henry G4

That Logitech and the other one seem to only be compatible with Windows based operating systems. Do I have to own an X-Box to use the X-Box camera?

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Answer 5

Henry G4

Level 4

1,871 points

May 26, 2007 9:15 PM in response to Vesta67

The Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 (the newer version, it says P/N: 861306-0000 in the tag on the USB cable. The older 861205 doesn't work.) There are also other Logitech compatible webcams. The Creative Live! Cam Optia also works with OS 10.4.9. And no, you don't need an Xbox to use the Xbox LIVE Vision camera.

MacMini G4 1.25GHz 1GB Mac OS X (10.4.9)

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Answer 6

Vesta67 Author

Level 1

1 points

May 28, 2007 8:52 AM in response to Vesta67

So now I have another question.

I did download iChatUSBCam and macam but am still unable to get the Dynex camera to work. I went into an Apple store yesterday and the clerk there advised me to check on eBay for iSight cameras. I found a few that people are selling but now it appears I have a different problem. My Mac is 400 MHz and it appears the iSight requires at least 600 MHz.

Should I even bother continuing to look or is this a lost cause?

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Answer 7

Vesta67 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jun 1, 2007 11:09 AM in response to Vesta67

Never mind. I just had my processor upgraded to 1.8 GHz

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