[tklassnik]

With the move towards video generally, ipod, youtube etc, does anyone think that apple will release an updated/improved or cheaper isight camera, so older [and poorer] mac users can join in without having to spend £100. Or is any update especially unlikely now seeing as the new intelmacs have cams built in.

If anyone can recommend a currently available usb2 cam for the mac that would be great. i got a mbp but no one else has cams so its just me and photobooth.

[mduell]

I'd expect the standalone camera to get upgrade to the same 384x288 resolution (up from 320x240) that the built-in camera uses. Possibly a silent upgrade.

[tklassnik]

The isight in the mbp is at least 640 x480 resolution, according to the size of the photobooth stills it makes. undoubtably video messaging will soon become mainstream, a lower priced apple compatible option would speed the uptake immensely.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by tklassnik

The isight in the mbp is at least 640 x480 resolution, according to the size of the photobooth stills it makes. undoubtably video messaging will soon become mainstream, a lower priced apple compatible option would speed the uptake immensely.

All of Apple's software interpolates the 320x240 or 384x288 image up to 640x480. Google for more info.

[Dark Helmet]

The ones built into the intel macs are also USB based.

[GORDYmac]

I suspected that the iSight's image (FireWire version here) was interpolated. I just can't sharpen the image at full 640x480, though it looks perfect at 320x240.