Topic: Mac Compatible Webcam

Ok guys, I have to questions. About a month ago, I purchased the Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000. It was great for the resolution, but I quickly figured out that I couldn't manually adjust the focus. I tried everything, but it didn't work. I made like one walk cycle test, but it had so much flicker, it wasn't worth it. I had to send it back.

Is there any webcam for the mac that you can adjust the focus? I am aware that I could hook up the camera that I use now to the computer, but first of all, I need a special firewire cord, and second of all, my computer is downstairs in the open living room. I wish I could have a portable laptop which I could have in my room. I would have more space to build sets, and I would have more privacy while animating.

Main Questions: What manual focus webcam would work for mac? How do I animate using the computer, when my computer is in the living room, and there's no way to bring it up?

(Also, don't suggest to save up for a laptop right away, I'm thinking about it, but that would probably mean no brick filming for awhile, unless I used the low quality camera.) Thanks everybody!

Re: Mac Compatible Webcam

I haven't found a single fully Mac compatible webcam, ever. Most seem rather good, but often lack manual focus or white balance. Stay away from Logitech, as 'their UVC drivers are incompatible with Macs', basically, they are too lazy and disillusioned to hire a Mac technician to make their webcams fully Apple compatible.
What type of camera do you have? And also, what type of frame capture software do you have? It would probably be a good choice to search on EBay or Amazon for the FireWire cable, as they are pretty cheap.
And with the computer, I guess it is screwed into the table??? Which is rather impracticle, so you'll probably need to bring, if possible, your stop motion set to your living room...

Re: Mac Compatible Webcam

I don't use a frame capture program anymore. Although I do have Sam Animation. I don't use the frame capture part, but I do import the pictures from my camera to that program. When I did have a webcam, I was using a windows computer. But last christmas, we upgraded to a mac, so now I have to take the pictures, without a computer. I could buy a firewire now, and it would work perfectly, because the camera I use has manual focus and other manual settings, but I really, really don't want to bring the set downstairs. I want to get professional, you know? I don't like animating downstairs in the living room because I don't feel like I have a real studio. So yeah theres that. Any more suggestions?

Re: Mac Compatible Webcam

And plus dude, it's not screwed into the table. But that doesn't mean my parents will let me take the computer into my room!

Re: Mac Compatible Webcam

I don't understand what you're asking. If you don't have a computer in the same room as the set, there's pretty much no way you'll be using a webcam. Even if you had a cable long enough to run across the house, you don't want to leave the room every time you take a picture.

Do they make a remote for the camera you've been using? That sounds like the only reasonable way to go if you don't have a computer near your set.

Re: Mac Compatible Webcam

Yeah, actually that's what I've been using! Also, somebody mentioned they used fluorescent bulbs for lighting and it helped prevent flicker way better. I just tried it, and it worked!

Re: Mac Compatible Webcam

GBH Productions, anything can be a 'real' studio. I use an iPad or even an iPod touch - with my humble origami stand mini/sad - running Boinx iStopmotion on my small desk, in my bedroom. What I am saying is that, as long as the space is functional, it is useful, no matter where it is situated. I think it may be a little unrealistic to have your set in a completely different room from your camera, as Squash pointed out above. Make a compromise, and it will work far better. If your living room is a crowded or a frequently used space, put signs up, for example: "Do not touch, or else..." (have a jar of fake halloween fingers next to the sign).
Otherwise, you could negotiate with your parents to move the computer (guessing an iMac) to a more private, yet all access room in your house, if possible.

Last edited by Carousel (July 10, 2012 (12:36am))

Re: Mac Compatible Webcam

Well, thanks everybody! Is there any more suggestions on preventing light flicker?

Re: Mac Compatible Webcam

I always get a little bit of light flicker in my films. Usually if it's minimal, though, I can filter it out with a deflicker filter.

http://i.imgur.com/wcmcdmf.png

Re: Mac Compatible Webcam

What's a deflicker filter?

Re: Mac Compatible Webcam

Deflicker Filter