🚀 go-pugleaf

On 12/7/02 4:07 PM, in article B954AF4A.18452%someone@somewhere.org,
"EmuPooh Nonames" <someone@somewhere.org> wrote:

> Hello
> 
> Would appreciate opinion on what is the best web cams (firewire and or usb).
> 
> I am looking at setting up a cheap video link for my wife and mother in law
> with a web cam and some conference/internet phone or conversation software.
> Currently running OS X 10.1.5 on G3 powerbook with firewire and looking at
> hooking it upto a iMac rev A with usb. Also would like to link to another
> friend of mine in another city who has similar powerbook.
> 
> Any links to any good websites with reviews and FAQ on how to set up would
> be appreciated.
> 
> 
> Thanks in advance for help
> 
> Paul B
> 
> Please post reply to newsgroup
> 
> 

In terms of Firewire cams you should take a look at the Pyro Webcam
http://www.adstech.com/products/PYRO1394WebCam/intro/PYRO1394WebCam.asp?pid=
API-200 it works well, the only drawback is that as with most of the other
webcams, the manufacturer hasn't released OS X native drivers. For that you
will need the generic drivers released by IOXperts which work extremely well
with the Pyro cam and have since been tailored to a couple of other
competing cameras by their manufacturer. You can grab it here
http://www.versiontracker.com/moreinfo.fcgi?id=12403&db=mac
There are also links from this page to the other Firewire webcams out there.

There are a number of USB webcams out there that will work with the RevA
iMac - take a look at the Logitech or Creative webcams as they are pretty
good quality - but be aware that at this point in time none of the cheaper
Logitechs work with Mac, you'll also find that many of the cameras will
require Mac OS 9 or above (IOXperts also do generic USB webcam drivers for
OS X).

All the webcams will come with Mac software and the Pyro includes the
excellent "Videolink" software that amongst other things will talk to
NetMeeting clients (not the server) - but if you want good cross platform
capability take a look at ISPQ (www.ispq.com) - the client works on Mac OS
8.6 to X & also Windoze - and it has full feature parity across platforms.
Having tried a number of different videoconference clients to talk to
friends on both platforms on a combination of broadband & dial up, I have
found ISPQ to be pretty much the best so far. Let's hope that when Apple
finally release a VC client it will be compatible with NetMeeting.

One last thing - some of the cameras will ship with CUSEEME - steer well
clear of that software - the Mac version has not been updated in 6 yrs as
the developer has dropped Mac support and it cannot even properly interact
with CUSEEME servers, use of CUSEEME will prove to be an exercise in severe
frustration.

Good luck!
-- 
TY