Camcorder as WebCam

[El CaMOTe]

Although I have an iSight already, using a CamCorder as a webcam is better, clearer and you have the zoom capability. Correct ?

Am looking at some eBay miniDVs with the 'as-is' or 'for parts' in the description and they are starting at $9.99 and going for $30-$50+.

I figure, if I can find a MiniDV cam (cheaper than an iSight w/c usually reaches $105-$125) that has a bad tape transport system, and everything else working + firewire/iLink, I should be OK ??

Is that right ?? Am I missing something ??

Can all MiniDV videocams w/Firewire work as webcams or just some models that have the webcam choice in the videocam's menu ??

I've read in previous threads some MUGgers, Adel & Maverick are using videocams as webcams.

Am I on the right track or is my innate, recycling 'el Cheaponess' getting the better of me !!!

Anybody with a 'dead' miniDV or even Digi-8 videocam w/Firewire wanna sell it for cheap ??

Cheers,

[jofab]

I use an old Sony Digita8 videocam as an iSight webcam. Simple plug & play. iChat immedaitely recognizes if any sort of firewire camera is attached to you computer.

[extremyks]

A Firewire equipped DV cam will most likely work on iChat provided your using a min. of 600mhz G4 processor (if I remember right). Oh yes the zoom functiona and some low light capabilities of current DV cams are great. But you have to connect two wires like the power and the firewire cable. Unlike on the isight it's just the firewire. Plus you have to find ways to make sure the cam is mounted properly.

[Maverick]

i use a tripod for my minidv cam... you can zoom in and out... use nightvision (ala blairwitch) and you don't have to use the power supply coz there's a battery after all.

[Edited on 9-30-2004 by Maverick]

[potemkin]

also works with yahoo messenger. i wish i knew this before i bought my logitech.

[El CaMOTe]

Jofab, you mean to say you do not have to choose Webcam in some menu ?

Mike, Maverick, you mean that you just plug the firewire into the Mac & power up the videocam in playback mode and that's it, it is recognised in iChat AV ?? No need to put in a tape and go into the record mode ??

Thanks guys

[jofab]

Hi Tom,

Well, my "video camera enabled" option is alawys checked on the "video" pane. So whenever i turn on or hook up my firewire camera the status icon beside my picture changes to a camera. This means that an iChat video session can proceed. Plug & play.

No need to put in a tape or set it to record. In fact I hightly recommend that you do not put a tape in or else the camera will auto-shutoff after 5 minutes. This is the usual lead time given for consumer cameras to unthread the tape from the head mechanism of the camera to prevent further wear and tear.

[Maverick]

I concur with jofab... :roll:

[elbert]

There are other things you can do with a Video cam/iSight setup.

You can play a tape in the camera and the person you are chatting with will be able to watch it. Plug a mini jack to mini jack cable from camera's line out to your computer's line in and audio will be fed as well (just select Line In in the Video Preference).

The same can be said for a video feed. Just connect from a video source (of coruse, the source must have Video Out) and plug it into the camera. This solution is especially useful for those who want to watch a live broadcast from another country. All you'll need are two broadband connections, a person at the other end with this setup and a TV Guide.

[Edited on 10-1-2004 by elbertc]

[extremyks]

Originally posted by El CaMOTe
Jofab, you mean to say you do not have to choose Webcam in some menu ?

Mike, Maverick, you mean that you just plug the firewire into the Mac & power up the videocam in playback mode and that's it, it is recognised in iChat AV ?? No need to put in a tape and go into the record mode ??

Thanks guys

Problem with some or even most DV cams, is after several minutes of no activity, like recording, it will auto-power off. Unless your camera has a feature on the MENU settings to turn it off.