[PurpleRabbit73]

Is there any change in resolution and quality of the images from an external iSight to one built-into a macbook??

[JKT]

Yes, (IIRC) the one built into the Macbook has a resolution of 640x480 whereas the externals are only 320x240. The built-in ones are much higher resolution in other words. Quality is still going to be a bit bleh, but they aren't really designed for anything other than viewing on a monitor.

[harrisjamieh]

No, the external iSight also has a res of 640x480:

A custom-designed, three-part lens consists of two aspherical elements that focus on a 1/4-inch CCD sensor with 640x480 (VGA) resolution. The camera’s lens aperture is a wide F/2.8, allowing it to collect more light than most web cams.

Though I do remember in Steve's special event when he introduced the G5 iMac with iSight, he did say that the internal had 'even higher specs than the external'

[mduell]

While all of Apple's apps up-scale the image from the external iSight to 640x480, it's just interpolated from 320x240; the new built-in one has a slightly higher resolution (384x288 I think) and Apple's software also interpolates it up to 640x460.

[brother337]

hmmm...

I have no official numbers, but a buddy of mine got a bunch of imac core duos for his office, and remarked that the video from the built in iSights looked worse than the external isights.

Maybe because while the internal iSights have superior CCDs, the external iSights have superior optics?

[mduell]

Originally Posted by brother337

I have no official numbers, but a buddy of mine got a bunch of imac core duos for his office, and remarked that the video from the built in iSights looked worse than the external isights.

Maybe because while the internal iSights have superior CCDs, the external iSights have superior optics?

The built-in iSights have fixed focus, while the external iSights have autofocus (look how big and long that lens it, you can't fit that in the laptop lid). If he was closer or further than the fixed focus is set up for, it won't look so good.

[inkhead]

The quality of the built in isights looks much sharper. However they are fixed focus, but that shouldn't be a problem because they are designed to use when you are in front of your computer. If you need higher quality you can always hook up any video camera with firewire...

[brother337]

ah, that would explain it.