Well would you believe it...

Just a quick update on my previous post and struggling with getting camcorders working with the Mac.

I had a few comments asking what the fuss was all about as firewire enable camcorders should just work with the Mac and Skype?

Obviously, I was doing something wrong so I thought I'd better check it out before spending any cash on a new WebCam.

I tried two camcorders, a Sony HDR-HC1E and an older JVC GR-DV3000.

First the Sony HD camcorder. By default it was set to HD out so I changed it to DV out to see if that made a difference. Connected it via Firewire to the Mac and launched Skype. Immediately got a message saying webcam configured and lo and behold, there it was!

The issue from the previous day was that it was in HD Mode and also I connected it up once Skype was already running. Connect the camcorder first, then run Skype and Skype can detect it!

So onto the older camera, the JVC DV3000.

This has a connection block with a USB connector and the manual says you can use the Camcorder as a webcam via USB connection BUT you need to install some drivers. I found the drivers on the net but Windows only I'm afraid.

Ah well, connected via Firewire cable, powered up Skype and boom, there it was.

So I was a bit hasty in thinking I needed a webcam, I can use the old JVC which looks surprising good.

Apologies for all the confusion and asking for webcam suggestions but they may well help others in the same situation!

Now to find a mini tripod to mount the JVC on the desk

Comments

[Max]

Try a Gorillapod for your desk mount?

[Robert]

I second Max's suggestion. You'll be able to set the webcam up any where on your desk, computer, or whatever...

[Umbre]

Hi,

Could you point me to the site where you found the windows drivers for GR-DV3000?

It seems like Vista doesn't recognize the drivers for GR-DV3000..

Many thanks in advance!

[DonMc]

Sorry, it was a few weeks ago now and I just Googled for them :-(