[WelMac] A question about webcams

[Jo Booth]

On Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:10:21 +1200, Jenny & Tony Chisholm <clear.net.nz> wrote:

> Hello Joseph.
>
> David Empson said you might be able to help us.
>
> Our daughter in Oz has persuaded us to get Skype, which is great, only
> we can see her and the grandchildren but they can't see us – yet –
> because we have the problem of finding a compatible webcam.  Both
> my eMac and my iBook have OSX.3.9 and it seems the current Mac
> cameras at MagnumMac require OSX.4 or later.

Have a look at the list of supported cameras for macam and IOExperts - two mac camera drivers.  
Macam: <http://webcam-osx.sourceforge.net/cameras/index.php>
IOExperts: <http://www.ioxperts.com/panther.html>

I used a cheap $20 usb webcam (Cool iCam) that worked on 10.3 and still works with 10.4/5.  Logitech based cameras seem to work ok (I have two) - but there are lots.  Dick Smiths for eg offer a 7 day right of return - and can sometimes do an instore test (take in your laptop with the drivers ready and plug in) before purchasing.
You could also look on trademe for an iSight or other mac compatible camera. Usb based are generally fine - as long as Quicktime can see them - skype probably can too.

HTH,
Jo.