Ralph Johns UK

As mentioned in the Title box - there are pages that were written a little while ago by EZ Jim, a poster on the Apple Discussions who contributed to iSight and iChat Discussions. The words the following pages are EZ Jim's

Use the the Information Column Menu for EZ Jim's pages

iSight versus DV Camcorder or other web-cam

Many people ask whether you can use DV Camcorders, USB web cams or camcorders, or your digital still camera instead of iSight. The answers completely depends on two things: (1) the application you plan to use to accomplish your intended purpose it, and (2) which alternative camera you intend to use.

As with all other questions dealing with applications, you get the answers to your questions by researching the application. Instructions for the camera you intend to use with it will also play a part. Also see Which digital camcorders can I use? for the list of manufacturers provided by Apple, this used to be a list of devices supported by the FireWire WebCam Driver, and this article concerning a possible FireWire Issue With Some Canon Mini-DV Cameras.

For the commonly used Apple apps, discussions areas related to operating Apple's iSight with iChat and iMovie are located at: iSight Discussions, iChat AV Discussions, and iMovie Discussions. If you cannot find the help you need in the topics and links here, you can search or post in the Discussions area for the application you are using to drive your iSight or in iSight Discussions if the problem is with all applications.

Many people use iChat AV with a Firewire DV camcorder, at least for a first try at AV conferencing. It works just fine. Some continue to use their camcorders; however, here are some things you might consider to be reasons for adding an iSight:

(1) iSight saves space and set-up effort and reduces risk to your expensive camcorder.

(2) Setting up the tripod and camcorder after receiving a video invitation involves more work and fumbling risk. iSight is always available.

(3) Only you can decide whether you would rather spend your camcorder's useful life hours making tape instead of video messaging. A replacement iSight is cheaper than a replacement camcorder.

(4) While you leave your iSight set up (requires little work area space), you can still use your camcorder.

(5) iSight is directly supported in Apple's OS, applications, and help.

(6) iSight doesn't need third party hardware or software, so no additional computer overhead or possibility of software conflict.

It is also possible to use iChat AV with a USB webcam or camcorder including those with suitable but NONE DV ouput over Firewire, but those require the addition of a third party software application like iChatUSBCam. This link has an explanation of iChatUSBCam's features and cameras compatibility. It is try before you buy software.

Some people like the image quality of camcorders better. See John Kennedy's "Cameras and Image Quality", the Sat - October 30, 2004, blog for a comparison.

In general, if you would like to use something other than iSight, just try it! If it doesn't work, look at Help for the app you intend to use (the menu bar Help at the top of your Mac's display.) If you cannot get an answer there, search Apple Discussions or the web using Google or your favorite search engine to find what is required to get your desired camera to perform your desired function. Don't forget to search your cameras instruction manuals and the camera's web forums for ideas.

Written By EZ Jim

Made on a Mac®