HD Webcams For Apple Macs - Marketing vs Reality

With Dual and even Quad-Core processors well above 2Ghz+ in modern Intel Macs these days, the horsepower needed to handle smooth, high-quality HD video chat and video capture at high frame rates has arrived. Intel Mac compatible HD webcams supporting 2MP and higher resolution sensors absolutely require 2Ghz+ processors for smooth frame-rates at such a high resolution. FAST MAC REQUIRED.

However, the MAJORITY of webcam applications for Mac don't support reolutions above 640x40 anyways. On a techncial level, product marketing tells us any 2MP sensor webcam is 'HD' - but the reality is the emerging line of webcams with TRUE Widescreen 16:9 aspect ratios, 720p and 1080p ultra HD resolution simply aren't supported by most Apple Mac video chat and capture applications yet. Most aren't programmed to sense or support higher resolution modes and different aspect ratios.

USB 2.0 720p Webcams For Fast Intel Macs

Apple compatible web cameras are easier - but still tricky to identify: Not all webcams conform to the UVC - USB Video Class standard which is CRITICAL for driverless OSX web cam compatibility. These do:
         

720p Logitech Cam	Creative Labs HD Cam	High-Def Notebook Camera
Fixed Focus Zeiss Lens Pro 9000 Webcam	Live! Cam Socialize For OSX 10.5+	Hercules Cheap 720p Cam Notebook Mount Only!

These webcams only work with USB 2.0 speed ports. Under OSX Leopard; these provide 'just plug it in' compatibility with iChat AV, PhotoBooth, QuickTime video capture, ISPQ, Flash web video chat, and others chat programs for Mac.

HD Video Capture vs True HD Video Chat

Direct capture of hi-definition video from a DV CAMCORDERis doable - and great for iMovie, iDVD projects, and high quality YouTube and other video site uploads. But true HD video capture and videoconferencing using a WEBCAM is NOT a realistic expectation at this point. HD broadcasting and reception of 720p High-Definition video requires more internet bandwidth than many home users possess at both ends - and few Mac video chat programs are even designed to even try to compress and handle HD 720p chat sessions.

HD Video And Chat Programs For Mac OSX

Unfortunately, few Mac programs currently exist to take advantage of HD webcam resolutions when video conferencing. You may have a Mac compatible HD webcam, enjoy the razor-sharp image, light sensitivity, and color-balance. But you'll still only be video-chatting at 320x240 or 640x480 VGA resolution at best. These are manageable resolutions and video sizes that your average internet connection can handle.

Fake HD Video-Conferencing with Skype

With select Logitech webcam models (like the Mac Vision Pro, C905 Notebook or Pro 9000 line) Skype for Mac version 2.8 can detect these high-quality Logitech webcams - and internet connection speeds - and allow higher quality "HQ" video connections between Mac and PC users. But it isn't capable of TRUE HD chat. Yet. They are working on the Windows version for 720p conferencing for PC users - but no Mac version is in beta nor development at this time.

True HD VideoConferencing With Logitech VID HD

Review these PC and Mac system requirements For Vid HD - then download VID for Mac:
You’ll need a high-speed internet connection with at least 256 kbps UPLOAD / download for standard definition and at least 1 Mbps UPLOAD / download for HD 720p video calls. DSL won't cut it. Cable might - if your cable company can really deliver the bits for high upload speeds.
You need a webcam if you want to be seen, and for HD video you will need one of Logitechs new HD webcams to transmit HD video.
For Mac mini or Mac Pro towers, you need a webcam with a built-in mic, a headset, or an external microphone connected.
PC : Vid HD works with Windows XP, Microsoft™ Vista, or Windows 7. You will need a CPU that’s a 2.4 GHz Intel® Core™2 Duo with 2GB of RAM for HD calls and a minimum 1GHz CPU with 512MB RAM for basic video calls.
Macintosh: Vid works with Leopard 10.5.0 or higher, Safari 3.0 or newer. You will need a CPU that’s a 2.4 GHz Intel® Core™2 Duo or faster processor for HD calls and 2GB ram, a minimum 1GHz Intel based CPU with 512MB RAM for basic standard definition video calls.
Display: A WIDE screen monitor like MacBooks have capable of displaying 1280 x 720p resolution or higher for HD video calls.
On the receiving end: To send you an HD video call, your friend’s setup needs to meet the same requirements.