Webcams for online lessons

[Dessery]

Hi all

My apologies Michael if this is a little off topic. I am looking to start having lessons over Skype soon so looking into webcams to get. Obviously though I want something a little better than your average home webcam so that the teacher can see the detail on my hand movements and get a decent sound.

Has anyone else had lessons over Skype and could you recommend a webcam. I'm using a Mac but most work on both these days.

Many thanks
David

[Michael Messer]

Hi David,

I use Skype for teaching. I just use the on-board camera and mic on my Macbook Pro. Sometimes I use the iPhone camera and mic, and that is also excellent.

When I first started doing them I used a high quality mic and tried a couple of different cameras, but the built-in camera and mic are perfect for the job.

Shine On
Michael

[slide496]

If you don't have an onboard, you'll need one that is both compatible with your mac system and will be acknowledged by SKYPE for both video and audio.

Here's a list: webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/

Here's the troubleshooting page - support.skype.com/en/faq/FA603/which-webcams-and-headsets-will-work-with-skype

That being said, I take lessons on an ipad5 connected to a bose speaker and there aren't any issues with sight/sound quality.

HArriet

[gaucho]

Does Skype work better for you Mac users than FaceTime? I find that Face Time is clearer and less jumpy. Only works Mac to Mac tho.

[slide496]

Hi Gaucho,

I went with SKYPE on my ipad5, though its set up for both facetime and skype, because skype has alot of experience with making and keeping the connection internationally across platforms and operating systems (mobile and desktop), although there have been rare times when the signal wavers, it has been reliable. I did not know if I would run into any technical difficulties with facetime and wanted to avoid troubleshooting. The clarity on my ipad5 is pretty good.

Harriet

[Dessery]

Hi all

Thank you very much for your responses. It's a Mac mini that I will be using so there is no onboard camera. I was looking at the one that the link Harriet shared recommends so that is great to get the confirmation, thank you!!

I'm not sure on Skype vs facetime yet. I'm not sure what the teacher uses, need to get the webcam before I can start booking up lessons.

Many thanks for your input all
All the best
David