Best Mac webcams
Macworld During the coronavirus lockdowns millions of people around the world were reliant on video apps such as Zoom or Apple’s own FaceTime to chat with family and friends online. Lockdowns may be a thing of the past, but video calling still remains popular and is here to stay. And, of course, many of us are still working from home the majority of the time, continuing to use business-oriented apps such as Skype or Microsoft Teams to set up video calls with colleagues and clients. Apart from the Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro, all Macs have one of Apple’s FaceTime cameras already built in, so you don’t necessarily need to buy a new webcam for video calls. However, the webcams on older Macs offer embarrassingly low resolution. As an alternative to a webcam you can use your iPhone as a Mac webcam (Apple improved this functionality in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura) so we’ve included some products here that help make your iPhone into your main Mac webcam. Business users in particular will want to pick something better in order to project a more professional image to colleagues and clients, while many artists and musicians vlog and promote their work on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Almost all Mac owners could benefit from upgrading to something that can provide a sharper image than their machine’s default camera. With that in mind, here’s our guide to some of the best webcams for use with your Mac, complete with links to buy. For broader advice, jump down to our thoughts on what to look for in a Mac webcam. 1. Logitech MX Brio – Best For Working From Home Pros 4K webcam with HDR Excellent image quality Sturdy, aluminum frame Good Mac app Cons Expensive Digital zoom only Price When Reviewed: $199.99 Best Prices Today: $199.99 at Adorama$199.99 at Amazon$199.99 at Best Buy The MX Brio isn’t the first Logitech webcam to provide 4K resolution, but it’s the first to carry the MX name that Logitech tends to reserve for its top-of-the-range Master series (such as the new MX Keys S keyboard). It’s more expensive than previous models, at $199.99/£219.99, but Logitech claims that it has a more sensitive camera – based on an 8.5MP Sony Starvis sensor for photography buffs – that provides an even sharper image. It also includes the inevitable AI features, including auto-light-correction designed to improve detail in low-light conditions and to focus the image directly on your face for improved visibility. We certainly couldn’t disagree with that, as the MX Brio produced a very sharp, detailed image that was particularly noticeable for its well-balanced and natural-looking light levels. The MX Brio can display 4K video at 30 frames per second, and that image quality will work well for video calls with clients or colleagues. You also have the ability to switch to 1080p resolution at 60fps to provide smooth motion for broadcasting, although this will depend on the camera controls that are provided by individual broadcasting or conferencing apps. The design of the camera is impressive too, with a sturdy aluminum body – available in pale or dark grey – and an adjustable stand that lets you attach it to your computer screen or sit it flat on a desk. You can also attach it to a standard ¼-inch tripod, and there’s a manual privacy shutter, along with two noise-reducing microphones. As always, Logitech provides better Mac support than most webcam manufacturers. You can plug the MX Brio into your Mac using its USB-C cable, and it will work automatically, like any other USB webcam. However, I already had Logitech’s Options+ app installed on my MacBook for testing the MX Keys S keyboard, and the app automatically recognized the MX Brio as soon as I plugged it in, and asked if I would like to download a software update. The Options+ app also includes additional controls, such as manual focus and exposure settings, and the ability to adjust brightness and contrast, color balance and saturation. You can save your own image presets as well, perhaps using different presets for business calls, presentations, or just chatting with friends. 2. Kensington W1050 – Excellent and affordable Pros Very affordable 1080p resolution Good Mac app Cons USB-A interface Mac app requires macOS 10.15.4 or later (but app not required to work with Macs Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: $49.99 at Kensington$52.12 at Amazon Kensington makes a variety of webcams and other accessories for video-conferencing, but its new W1050 is very competitively priced, and arrives just as Kensington releases a new Mac version of its Konnect app as well. With a price of just $49.99/£34.99, the W1050 is one of the most affordable 1080p (1920×1080) webcams we’ve seen so far. It doesn’t cut many corners, though, providing a bright sharp image that is clearer and more detailed than the 720p FaceTime camera on my aging office iMac. It provides 95-degree viewing angle, with fixed-focus to ensure that the entire image remains in focus at all times (which is handy if you need to move around during a presentation). The adjustable stand can rest on your desk or attach to your computer screen, and allows you to tilt and rotate the camera to get the right viewing angle. It includes twin microphones with noise-cancelling features to reduce background noise, and there’s a privacy shutter on the front of the camera too. The only thing to watch out for is that the W1050 uses an older USB-A interface—which is fine for my old iMac, but you’ll need an adaptor for newer Macs that only have USB-C. Like any USB webcam, the W1050 works automatically with Macs when connected via USB, but you will need Catalina (10.15.4) or later if you also want to use Kensington’s Konnect app. This provides additional controls for adjusting brightness, contrast and other settings, but its most useful feature is the ability to create and save profiles with settings that are suitable for different locations or lighting conditions. And, if you’re really serious about setting up a studio for video calls, conferencing or podcasting, then Kensington also has a range of accessories for use with its webcams, such as ring lights, and extendable mounts and stands. 3. Logitech Brio 300 – Easy to use Mac webcam Pros Affordable 1080p webcam Good Mac app Noise-cancelling mic Cons No support for HDR Limited viewing angle Price When Reviewed: $59 Best Prices Today: $39.99 at Amazon$49.99 at B&H$59.99 at Best Buy It’s getting hard to keep up with Logitech’s range of webcams, which includes low-cost models for home users, as well as more advanced cameras for streaming and podcasting, and even professional-level video-conferencing systems for corporate boardrooms. The Brio 300 is one of its more affordable options, though, designed for home users and remote working, and offering a low-cost 1080p upgrade for Macs with an aging 720p FaceTime camera (although U.S. customers get the best deal on pricing). But, like most recent webcams, it now uses a USB-C interface, so you’ll need a spare USB-C port on your Mac in order to use it properly. Available in a variety of colors, and using almost 50% recycled plastic, the Brio provides 70-degree viewing angle, which is fine for simple head-and-shoulders shots when you’re making a video call. Along with 1,920×1,080 resolution, the Brio includes automatic light correction that is designed to cope with changing lighting conditions throughout the day, and a noise-reducing microphone that damps down background noise in case the kids are getting a bit rowdy while you’re talking to the boss. The image quality is certainly brighter and less grainy than the 720p webcam on my MacBook Pro – although, oddly, it seems to work better in low-light conditions with the auto-exposure option turned off. The adjustable stand can sit flat on your desk, or be attached to the top of a monitor, and the 5ft USB cable gives you plenty of room to move it around and get the right viewing angle. There’s also a privacy shutter on the camera for when you want to go offline. Most USB webcams work with Macs automatically, but may only provide limited control over the camera settings. However, Logitech is one of the few manufacturers that makes a Mac version of its Tune app, which allows Mac users to manually adjust settings such as contrast. 4. Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe – Best iPhone webcam mount Pros Superior quality to MacBook's own webcam Cons We just wish Macs had better cameras Price When Reviewed: $29.95 Best Prices Today: $27.99 at Amazon$27.99 at B&H29.95 at Apple Belkin makes two iPhone mounts that are specially designed to work with Continuity Camera—a feature in macOS Ventura that lets Mac customers use their iPhone as a webcam. It enables innovative Continuity Camera features such as Desk View that come with macOS Ventura. The big benefit of using your iPhone as a Mac webcam is the quality of camera. While a MacBook boasts at best a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, the latest iPhones can record video at 4K. We found using an iPhone was noticeably superior, particularly in low light environments. Belkin’s MagSafe iPhone Mount is available in two options: one for Mac laptops (in either white or black colors); and one for and Mac desktops and displays. MagSafe iPhones (12/13/14) attach magnetically to the mount in either portrait or landscape orientation. The connection was strong, but we felt safe using the phone without va case, for the most secure magnetic clamp. The iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Mac laptops also features a ring grip for for handheld or kickstand usage. 5. Razer Kiyo – Best Features on a 1080p Webcam Pros Light ring Long USB cable Good value Cons Razer's Synapse app isn't Mac-compatible Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: $45 at Amazon$99.99 at Razer Razer is best known for its range of gaming gear, and the Kiyo webcam is primarily aimed at gamers who need a high-quality camera for Twitch streaming and e-sports. It’s a shame that Razer’s Synapse app isn’t Mac-compatible—meaning you’ll be missing out on some current features and won’t be able to update it when new firmware arrives—but the Kiyo itself still works well as a standard USB webcam without needing any additional software and has a number of other useful features that will come in handy for video chats with friends and even for business calls. The Kiyo provides a nice sharp 1080p lens (1920×1080), with 81.6 degrees viewing angle, and can record video at 30fps, or capture still images at 2,688×1,520. The adjustable stand can clip to the top of a computer screen or fold flat to sit on your desk. You can tilt the camera lens to get just the right viewing angle, and the Kiyo’s USB cable is 1.5m long so that you can adjust the position freely. There’s also a tripod mount on the base of the stand as well—although you have to use your own tripod. Like many webcams, the Kiyo has an autofocus function so it can keep your picture nice and clear when you’re moving around, but the main feature that sets it apart is its built-in ‘lighting ring’. The circular outer rim that surrounds the camera lens lights up as soon as you select the Kiyo as a video source in your video apps, and you can turn the ring like a dial to adjust the brightness level up or down. That can help solve the gloomy image quality that many of us struggle with when making video calls from a bedroom or makeshift office at home. Razer also makes a good range of high-quality microphones that work well with the Kiyo too. Usually sold for $99.99/£99.99 the Kiyo is currently half price at Razer at $49.99/£49.99. 6. Razer Kyio Pro Ultra – Best For Pro Content Creators Pros 4K resolution custom sensor for low-light conditions works with USB-C/USB-A Cons Very expensive No Mac app Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: $299.99 at RazerNot Available at Amazon Razer’s Kyio webcams have been very successful, and there have been several new models released since we reviewed the first Kyo a few years ago. The original Kyio (above) is still available and has recently had a price cut, so that’s a good option if you just want an affordable 1080p upgrade. However, the latest model is the Kiyo Pro Ultra, which steps up to 4K resolution and includes a number of advanced features that are very much aimed at podcasting, streamers and other professional or semi-pro content creators. It’s usually $299.99/£299.99, but as well as providing 4K resolution, Razer claims that the Kiyo Pro Ultra uses the “largest sensor ever in a webcam”, which helps it to perform particularly well in low-light conditions. The webcam also includes auto-focus and auto-exposure features to quickly adjust the image quality, and it certainly worked well on a gloomy summer morning in London, producing a bright and sharply detailed image when used with my MacBook Pro. The webcam has a USB-C interface, but Razer also includes a USB-A cable for older PCs and Macs as well. Like all USB webcams, the Kiyo Pro Ultra works automatically when connected to a Mac, but Razer’s Synapse app is only available for Windows PCs, which means that Mac users won’t be able to use the additional controls and settings that are available in that app. You can still use it with third-party video apps, though, such as the popular open-source OBS (open broadcaster software), which is now available for Macs with both Intel and Apple Silicon processors (obsproject.com). Home users who just want a good webcam for simple video calls may be better off with a less expensive webcam that provides a native app for use with Macs. However, the Razor Kiyo Pro Ultra will still be a good choice for content creators who are already familiar with streaming apps such as OBS, and who are prepared to pay a bit extra for a really high-quality webcam. 7. AverMedia Live Streamer Cam 513 – 4K webcam Pros 1080p at 60fps 94-degree field of view Cons Faint ticking noise coming from the webcam Price When Reviewed: $249.99 Best Prices Today: $149.99 at Amazon The AverMedia Cam 513 stands out because it offers Sony’s 8MP Exmore R CMOS image sensor for 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps video capture. There’s also an impressive 94-degree field of view, which provides the user with a large canvas for cropping and zooming without noticeable loss in detail. That’s where the AverMedia CamEngine comes in. CamEngine is a vital utility and is essentially required to get the most out of the Cam 513—which doesn’t have drivers, you need to use their software. The software allows you to tweak the image using advanced features such as Snapchat-style filters and AI-powered camera cropping. Regarding those AI-related capabilities, it can crop in and track your face as you move around – good news if you move around a lot while on video calls. It’s not always flawless in performance, however – we found it sometimes cropped into something that vaguely looked like a face, but you’ve also got the option of manually setting up each crop for different shots and angles. Shots can be programmed to hotkeys, allowing for extreme zooms and dramatic ultra-wide shots on the fly during streams and video calls. You’ll also find a privacy-focused shutter built in which will cover the webcam sensor when not in use. The adjustable stand will attach to most displays. The camera plugs into your Mac via USB-C—the cable isn’t built-in but we don’t think that is a disadvantage (it means you can replace it with a shorter or longer USB-C cable depending on how you want to set it up.) It’s a great 4K webcam—the only real annoyance is that we could hear a faint ticking noise coming from the webcam during use. What to look for in a Mac webcam We’ve picked out eight webcams worthy of recommendation above, but here’s some more general advice on what to look for. Resolution The FaceTime cameras included on all MacBook laptops and most iMac models are limited to just ‘720p’—which generally means a resolution of 1280×720 (although the FaceTime camera on my office iMac only seems to record at 1080×720). That’s pretty basic in these days of HD and 4K video, so in recent months many people have decided to upgrade to a higher-quality webcam that supports HD resolution of 1920×1080, or even one of the latest 4K webcams. Useful features As well as providing a sharper, high-resolution video image, other useful features to look out for when buying a new webcam include autofocus, which can keep the image clear and sharp even if you need to move around a little, and brightness adjustment for when gloomier days. A wide-angle lens can be useful too, allowing you to fit more than one person into the image, or allowing business users to step back from the camera while giving a presentation or using a whiteboard. Framerates You should also check to make sure that the webcam can record smooth video with a framerate of 25 or 30 frames per second (fps). Some webcams can even record at 60fps, although that’s mainly for specialist tasks such as gaming and e-sports on Twitch. Connection standards There’s certainly plenty of choice these days, and most modern webcams will work with your Mac automatically as they just use a standard USB connection—generally USB 3.0, although USB-C is now starting to appear on some new webcams too. Once it’s plugged in, a USB webcam should then be able to work with any suitable video software on your Mac, such as FaceTime, Zoom or Skype (although it’s a shame that Apple never got around to releasing a Windows version of FaceTime, as that puts it at a real disadvantage against its video-chat rivals). The webcam’s microphone will also appear as an audio input in the Sounds control panel in System Preferences on your Mac. Apps Some manufacturers also provide their own apps with their webcams, which can help with features such as brightness and autofocus, so it’s worth checking to see if the webcam provides its own Mac app as well. Webcams

Read more »

Bloomberg: Apple Vision Pro to debut internationally following WWDC
Apple Vision Pro first launched in the US only back in February, and it was unknown how long it would take for Apple to bring the product to more countries. Now, a new report indicates the wait may not be much longer. more…

Read more »

Worried about another iPad Pro Bendgate? Apple wants you to relax
Macworld Apple loves to make its products thinner, even if no one asks for it. When Apple revealed the new iPad Pro it made its thinnest tablets ever–the 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro are 5.3 mm and 5.1 mm thick, respectively. But for longtime Apple users, proclamations about the slender profile bring back memories of Bendgate, which happened with the iPhone 6 Plus, the iPhone SE, and most importantly the 2018 iPad Pro. Bendgate isn’t going to happen with these iPad Pros–at least that’s what Apple says. In an interview with YouTuber Mrwhosetheboss, Apple’s John Ternus describes a “cowling” over the metal logic board cover that dissipates heat and creates a “central rib” that runs through the whole iPad Pro Pro to “tremendously” improves the device’s stiffness. Ternus says the cowling is a new part of the iPad Pro. 2. How the new iPad is more durable: pic.twitter.com/ZKyxBdk7p8— Arun Maini (@Mrwhosetheboss) May 11, 2024 As for why Apple keeps making products thinner, Apple’s Greg Joswiak said, “We love to kind of defy physics (if you will) and figure out how to make things smaller and lighter and make them that much better as well.” Joswiak also talks about how Apple doesn’t make feature compromises when it shrinks its products. Whether the new iPad Pro is durable enough for everyday use remains to be seen. Pairing it with the new Magic Keyboard, which wasn’t available when the 2018 model was introduced, could provide a bit of structural reinforcement while the device is being stored or in a bag. Back in 2018, there were widespread reports of iPads that were bent in the center after being stored in a bag. Apple didn’t issue a recall for the affected units—and in some cases refused to fix them under warranty—but the issue quickly fizzles and subsequent updates haven’t had any structural issues. Apple announced the new iPad Pro and iPad Air (which, despite the name, isn’t lighter or thinner than the iPad Pro) at the “Let Loose” event last week. The new iPads start shipping this Wednesday. Learn more about the new iPad Pro and iPad Air. 11-inch iPad Pro (2024) Price When Reviewed: $999 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $999 at Apple 13-inch iPad Pro (2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,299 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $1299 at Apple iPad

Read more »

What does the ‘Air’ in ‘iPad Air’ mean nowadays? Greg Joswiak has an answer
After Apple’s iPad-focused event last week, many observers – including yours truly – pointed out that the new iPad Pro is actually thinner and lighter than the iPad Air. This had me wondering what “Air” actually means nowadays for Apple. In a new interview, Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, offered up an explanation. more…

Read more »

M2 iPad Air vs iPad 10: Is the base model best for most users?
Alongside the new M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air, the iPad 10 remains in the lineup as the entry-level tablet from Apple with a lower price. Here’s a look at what’s the same and different when considering the M2 iPad Air vs iPad 10. more…

Read more »

Apple Music celebrates the launch of inaugural 100 Best Albums list
Apple Music today announced the release of its 100 Best Albums of all time, a celebratory list of the greatest records ever made… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »

New M4 iPad Pro $50 off, M2 iPad Air deals, Beats Solo 4 now down at $150, and more
With new Apple gear about to get unleashed into the wild, and the recent debut of the 2024 Beats Solo headphones, today’s roundup of deals is loaded with the first price drops on the latest and greatest. Amazon has now knocked $50 off Apple’s new M2 iPad Air alongside discounts on the new M2 iPad Air from $570. From there, we have some of the best prices ever on the M3 MacBook Air from $950 as well as the very first price drop on this year’s Beats Solo 4 update at $150. Head below for a closer look at everything in today’s 9to5toys Launch Break. more…

Read more »

Apple makes breaking your new iPad's screen a little less painful
Buyers of the new iPad Air and iPad Pro now have an option with AppleCare+ to get broken screens replaced for just $29.AppleCare+ logo atop an iPadThe new low fee is the same one that Apple has been running for iPhones since 2018, and it comes with the same condition. Specifically, the screen can be the only damaged item, and any other damage is charged at $99.In this case the AppleCare+ option is also solely available for the new 11-inch an 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro models. Other iPad models remain on $49 per screen repair, even under the AppleCare+ insurance. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Microsoft Places uses AI to assist the new normal of hybrid work
Coordinating teams and in-office days in our new normal of hybrid work is a difficult task, and one that carries a lot of untapped potential for productivity tools. Today Microsoft announced the public preview launch of Places, a new app a couple years in the making that aims to use AI to assist teams in syncing their in-office time. more…

Read more »

This is a top microphone arm for good reason [Setups]
This M3 Max MacBook Pro and Studio Display streaming and podcasting setup sports the well-liked Elgato Wave Microphone Arm. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Best new iPad Pro and iPad Air accessories to keep your device safe and stylish
Sparked by new Apple iPad Pro and iPad Air models, third-party makers are debuting a host of accessories. Here are the ones we like the most.iPad Air and iPad Pro accessory roundupApple recently debuted new iPad Air and iPad Pro models, which means it's time to start thinking about new accessories. We've picked out some of our favorite cases, keyboards, and accessories to help you trick out your brand new iPad. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Apple Music countdown names 100 best albums of all time
Over the next 10 days, Apple Music reveals its picks for 100 best albums of all time. You'll have plenty of chances to disagree strongly! (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Apple Music countdown names 100 best albums of all time
Over the next 10 days, Apple Music reveals its picks for 100 best albums of all time. You'll have plenty of chances to disagree strongly! (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

New iPad Pro and iPad Air screens are cheaper to replace (if you buy AppleCare)
Even though the new iPad Pro and iPad Air feature bigger and better screens than ever before, they’ll also be cheaper than ever to replace – assuming you buy AppleCare+. Here are the full details. more…

Read more »

Matter 1.3, Brilliant goes under, & Ridge MagSafe wallet on the HomeKit Insider Podcast
On this episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, we talk about the launch of Matter 1.3 and its new device categories, go hands-on with the Ridge MagSafe wallet, and break down the fall of Brilliant.HomeKit Insider PodcastThe big news this week is that the Connectivity Standards Alliance has released the 1.3 spec of Matter. This update brings tons of new device categories as well as other improvements.A good portion of the episode is also devoted to what went wrong with Brilliant, the smart home wall controller that recently shuttered. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Today in Apple history: System 7 debut shakes up the Mac
On May 13, 1991, Apple released Mac OS 7, commonly known as System 7. The new Mac operating system was whip-fast, beautiful and innovative. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Today in Apple history: System 7 debut shakes up the Mac
On May 13, 1991, Apple released Mac OS 7, commonly known as System 7. The new Mac operating system was whip-fast, beautiful and innovative. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

M4 is the first Apple silicon chip to debut on iPad, so when will it arrive on the Mac?
It’s been only a couple of months since Apple’s most popular Mac was updated to the M3 chip, and about half a year since the M3 first debuted. But already, thanks to the M4’s inclusion in the new iPad Pro, prospective Mac buyers are wondering when this new iPad-exclusive chip will make its way into the Mac lineup. Here’s what we currently expect from the M4’s Mac timeline. more…

Read more »

Apple reportedly finalizing terms to incorporate OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology into operating systems
Apple reportedly is close to a deal with ChatGPT-creator OpenAI to integrate its generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technology… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »

Enjoy classic PlayStation games on iPhone with Gamma
The just-released Gamma retro game emulator brings original PlayStation titles to iPhone. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »