external webcam on macbook?

[SooTyLaD]

hi guys,

i use my macbook for the majority of time in a closed position through an external monitor, and i would like webcam features but have read that macs dont accept external webcams and they only like to work with their internal isights?

surely this cant be true, its just a simple usb device??? if anyone knows how to get my logitech communicate STX working through my macbook to use with skype and ichat i'd be most grateful

 

[Deleted member 651465]

It doesn't help that it's a Windows-only webcam.

Specifications
System Requirements
PC

o Windows® 2000, Windows® XP
o Pentium® II (or compatible) processor, 500 MHz
o 64 MB RAM (or minimum OS requirement, whichever is higher)
o 200 MB available hard disk space
o USB port
o CD-ROM drive

Technical Specifications
Hardware

o True VGA (640 x 480) resolution
o Still image capture: 1.3 million pixels (with software enhancement)
o Video capture: Up to 640 x 480 pixels
o Frame rate: Up to 30 frames per second
o Field of view: 42º horizontal
o USB 2.0 certified
o Optics: Fixed focus

Source: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/webcams/devices/352&cl=gb,en

 

[SooTyLaD]

yeah i know that but thats what every webcam on the market says, i was wondering if there is a way to get it to work?

the webcams worth having are microsoft, logitech & creative, and none of them do one that is mac compatible...

there has to be a way surely, anything can work with anything with the right drivers etc... no?

 

[Deleted member 651465]

..anything can work with anything with the right drivers etc... no?

Yes, but you won't get the official drivers from Logitech (that's my point)

Just because I'm nice, how's this for a bag of beans

Creative Labs WebBlaster III
macam

Creative Labs WebCam Instant
macam

Creative WebCam Live!
requires macam 0.8.8 or higher

Logitech QuickCam Chat
requires macam 0.8.8 or higher

Logitech QuickCam Communicate
requires macam 0.8.8 or higher

Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX
requires macam 0.8.8 or higher

Logitech QuickCam Express (earlier version)
macam
looks like this

Logitech QuickCam Express (current version)
macam
looks like this

Logitech QuickCam Messenger
macam
Important: The microphone on the QuickCam Messenger camera shows up as an audio source but is not functional on the Mac.

Logitech QuickCam for NoteBooks Deluxe
requires macam 0.8.8 or higher

Logitech QuickCam for NoteBooks PRO (original version)
Logitech
Use this driver or macam if you're on an Intel Mac. Looks like this
Important: There is a new QuickCam for NoteBooks Pro which is currently not OS X compatible. The (older) Mac compatible one looks like this.
Note for 10.4 users: Webcam reported to work without drivers.

Logitech QuickCam Pro
IOXperts

Logitech QuickCam Pro
macam

Logitech QuickCam Pro 3000
IOXperts

Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000
Logitech
Use this driver or macam if you're on an Intel Mac

Logitech QuickCam Zoom
Logitech
Use this driver or macam if you're on an Intel Mac

Logitech QuickCam Orbit/Sphere
Logitech
Use this driver or macam if you're on an Intel Mac

Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision
Note: One user reports that using G5 OS 10.4.10 Camera seems dead no lights on. If anyone can confirm...(?) smile.png

Logitech QuickCam Fusion

Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro

Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000
Note: Some users didn't get it to work on Mac OS X.

More importantly you'll need this to run your specific cam on OS X.

 

[SooTyLaD]

thanks for that matey... i did try that macam thing (in fact its still installed) but it didn't do a bleedin' thing (and it is indeed listed on that page you just linked to as working)...

might try and get hold of an apple isight... not sure what'll happen but maybe worth a go?

 

[Deleted member 651465]

Why would you buy an iSight when you could just open your MacBook?

Perhaps Maccam only works with a specific version of Skype, check that page.

 

[SooTyLaD]

i cant open my macbook, most of the time its closed and tucked neatly under a shelf like thing...

if it was as simple as just opening it tho, maybe it wouldnt be so bad, but you have to unmount all external drives, put the macbook to sleep, unplug the external monitor, wake it all up - pain in the arse...

scrap that idea with the isight, they're over £100

(and the problem isn't just skype, the webcam doesnt even switch on for os x - with or without macam)

 

[electric ant]

Cant you extend your desktop and just open up your Macbook when you want to use Skype??

edit , oops just read your post