Apple OS X 10.4.9 Update adds USB Webcam Support

ByMike Moffit

Apple’s 10.4.9 update introduced a really cool feature. It allows you to use a USB webcam for iChat. Be warned though, not all USB webcams will work. We’ve started ordering the ones that do, so here’s a list of the USB webcams we’ll carry and will work with the new update.

Logitech QuickCam Notebook Pro
http://www.smalldog.com/product/42722

Logitech QuickCam Orbit MP
http://www.smalldog.com/product/42731

Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000
http://www.smalldog.com/product/42740

Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision Camera
http://www.smalldog.com/product/42741

I did a little research and found out that most if any of the camera’s special features are usually Windows only. Until Logitech writes the applications and drivers for OS X, you pretty much just have a basic but good USB webcam.

Previous to Apple’s update it was possible to get USB cameras working in iChat and with Quicktime but that was after you jumped through several hoops. A quick search on Google turned up this site, http://webcam-osx.sourceforge.net/ but there are many other resources.

One other quick notes, when Apple started supporting USB connections for the iPod they ended up dropping the usage of Firewire except to charge the iPod, I wonder if they’re heading the same way for the iSight. Maybe we’ll see a USB-based iSight in the coming months.

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