Need a webcam for a MacMini - Recommendations?

[krs]

There doesn't seem to be a category for Mac compatible hardware not manufactured by Apple.
Maybe I missed it - if so could the mods move the thread.

I'm using a MacMini with a Dell 24-inch monitor as my main desktop computer.
Decided it's time to buy a webcam sothat I can Skype.

Don't really need anything fancy or expensive, but still want solid quality.
So looking on line, it seems most of the webcams are Logitech.

I looked at
Logitech C270 at $32 Cdn
Logitech C615 at $65 Cdn. or a used one at $C45
Logitech C920 at $99 Cdn.

The C615 seems to be the right one for my occasional use, but then I read a comment that it is only Mac compatible up to macOS 10.4

And just now I came across a sale on the C920S, a successor to the C920, at $C80.- plus I have a $C10.- off coupon for that store
So final price would be $70.- which is almost the same as the current C615 price.
Pretty much ready to get this in the morning....or is there a different webcam I should consider.
Currently running macOS 10.11, will upgrade to Mojave soon.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Check out some review sites to get an opinion on what to go with.

Start with:
Best Webcams for Mac in 2019 | iMore
Mac Webcam List : Best Apple Compatible Web Cameras
The Best Webcams for 2019: Reviews by Wirecutter | A New York Times Company

 

[krs]

Thanks,
I had looked at the first one already - it only lists the C920, not the C920S
But the second link you posted lists the C920S and I think that one hit the sweet spot for me.

So, unless I hear something contrary, I will get that tomorrow - stores are closed here now.

 

[pigoo3]

Webcams for Mac's have always had sort of a very thin selection of options (webcams that actually say they are Mac/macOS compatible). Of the webcams I've messed with over the years...Logitech always seems to be the best. But to be honest...I always had trouble getting them setup (hopefully this has improved).

Of course there was the Apple iSight webcam...which was by far the best & most compatible (of course...since it was made by Apple). Think I had at least 3 of these. Unfortunately Apple discontinued them way back around 2008.

- Nick

 

[Raz0rEdge]

My guess with webcams it that most of them will work through generic support in macOS for pure video needs. Where you might run into issues if a special driver/software is needed to use some super-duper functionality of the camera. But if your needs are minimal, then that might not be an issue for you.

One such feature that comes to mind is the green screen feature that some people use while streaming some content and want to project themselves onto that content.

 

[pigoo3]

My guess with webcams it that most of them will work through generic support in macOS for pure video needs.

I think this is where I mostly ran into issues...webcam models that weren't listed as macOS compatible...but were said to work with the macOS (by actual users)...and maybe some special features may not have worked.

But I seem to remember having issues with macOS compatible webcams as well. Almost as much of a headache as setting up a new router! Lol

It's been a while (years) since I had to do this...so hopefully what's being sold now is much easier to setup.

- Nick

 

[pm-r]

But I seem to remember having issues with macOS compatible webcams as well. Almost as much of a headache as setting up a new router! Lol

Hmmm...??? Curious but afraid to ask here considering all my experiences with both items have neen a true "plug and play" experience.

Well except for a super cheap non-Mac "supported" webcam that needed a special driver back in System 8 or 9 days I believe if that counts.


- Patrick
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[krs]

Well, I just wasted a good half hour of my time!

Got the Logitech C920s Pro HD webcam, according to Logitech compatible with macOS 10.10 (and up I assume)
Instructions consist of a small, single sided piece of paper with a few sketches how to slide on the lens cover, how to attach the unit to a monitor or such and how to plug in the USB cable.
All so obvious, they could have saved printing that piece of paper.
Oh wait - note at the bottom in all capitals: PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING THE PRODUCT
in English and Spanish...no French for Canada - OK, no problem
Then a download symbol with a web address: Logitech Capture Video Recording & Streaming Software

OK I figure, need to download some driver software.
Get to logitech.com/capture and I get a 'Download for Windows' button which would download a .exe file
Obviously not what I want
So I poke around on that site, then Logitech.com in general - can't find any download for the Mac.
Then I took a step back - ahhhh, it said "READ THE INSTRUCTIONS"
Back to google to find the instructions for this webcam in pdf - when I finally find something from Logitech that looks useful, all I get is a start-up guide with instructions how to install the webcam with Windows 7, Windows 8 and Vista.
Not a word about the Mac anywhere, well except Logitech's on-line spec.
Next stop Google - lots of hits come up on how to install the Logitech C920Ss on a Mac.
Lots of hits - check the first video that looks promising - seems the lady has downloaded some software from the Apple store, some othe guy links to a different piece of software....
Looks like I need to do more research to figure out which software I actually need, so I'm ready to put the webcam aside for now.
And then, just before I did that, I come across another post suggesting I should see if the webcam just works with the Mac I have.
Well, I had it plugged in before even trying the Logitech.com/capture, also opened Skype since that would be my main use - nothing there.
But now I went back to Skype - looked at Skype preferences, checked the Audio/Video tab and see the "HD Pro Webcam C920" pop up.
Select that andthe next thing I know, I'm looking at myself on the screen.
So actually pretty muck plug 'n play if one doesn't try to follow Logitech's instructions.
Tried Quicktime - the image popped right up ready to record
Tried PhotoBooth - same thing

I should have just followed my insticts than do what Logitech put on their single sheet "Set Up Guide" - yes, that is actually what it's called - printed in black and white right at the top of the sheet

 

[danielgmac]

I was looking for the same thing. Ended up with a Logitech 910. Just plugged it in and tried facetime and poof there I was
Plug and play.

 

[pm-r]

Got the Logitech C920s Pro HD webcam, according to Logitech compatible with macOS 10.10 (and up I assume)

Well, it does get good reviews...
YouTube

I've always found the Logitech webcams work well as long as they adhere to the USB webcam standards,



- Patrick
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