HD 720p Webcams For Mac : Mac mini and Pro Tower Computers

With Apple using Dual and Quad-Core processors, Macintosh Pro desktops make ideal computers for video capture and videoconferencing at high frame-rates. HD webcams supporting 2MP and 3MP+ resolutions perform well with the horsepower current models of the Apple Mac Pro and Mac mini provide. But be aware Mac OSX video apps currently don't know how and aren't programmed to sense or support higher HD webcam resolutions and different 16:9 wide-screen aspect ratios - Yet.

FaceTime - HD Web Cameras For Mac OSX - Standard Definition

Standard Definition SD webcams for Mac and support traditional 3:4 aspect ratios that most current Mac video and chat programs expect. The iSight built into all but the most recent MacBooks and Cinema Displays were 1.3MP VGA cams. Recently with 2011 MacBook refreshes, Apple's new built-in FaceTime cams move up to 2MP and support widescreen with their updated FaceTime HD software.
         

Best Mac Webcam	Affordable HD Web Cam	Top Mid-Range Camera
#1 Mac Camera Choice Premium Microphone Hardware AutoFocus Low-Light Sensitivity	Microsoft Hi-Def Good Color and Image Hardware AutoFocus	2MP Logitech Webcam Glass Lens + Quality Microphone

Driverless USB 2.0 Web Cameras For Mac Computers

Apple compatible web cameras are easier, but still tricky to identify. Not all video webcam manufacturers identify thier web cams as UVC - USB Video Class compliant -- which is CRITICAL for instant Mac OSX compatibility. Only USB 2.0 speed UVC webcams are supported in OSX Tiger and Leopard's UVC drivers; these provide 'just plug it in' compatibility with iChat AV, PhotoBooth, QuickTime video capture, ISPQ, Flash video chat and others chat programs for Mac mini and Macintosh Pro computers which lack a built-in iSight.

HD Webcam Video And Chat Programs For Mac OSX

Unfortunately, few Mac programs currently exist to take advantage of HD webcam resolutions beyond 640x480 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.

True Mac HD Web Cam Video-Conferencing 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.

VID System Requirements

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.

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.