webcams

How and why to use an external webcam with your iPad

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External webcam with iPad How To
There are good reasons to use an external webcam with your iPad. Here's why and how.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A trick you might have missed with the release of iPadOS 17 is support for external USB-C webcams. As good as the front-facing camera in the iPad is, it’s now possible to plug in a separate one.

Here’s why you might be interested, and how to connect a webcam to your iPad with a USB-C port.

Tiny new Opal Tadpole webcam offers 4K quality on the go

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If your laptop's webcam isn't doing it for you, you might try the new Tadpole from Opal.
If your laptop's webcam isn't doing it for you, you might try the new Tadpole from Opal.
Photo: Opal

The ex-Apple and Beats folks behind the DSLR-like Opal C1 Webcam are back with a tiny new webcam claiming even better picture quality in an ultra-portable package for use with laptops and tablets — the Opal Tadpole.

And unlike the C1, which launched at $300 and dropped to $250, the Tadpole comes out of the gate at $175.

Need to switch computers? These new KVM switches make it easy.

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The built-in cables make the KVM switch look a little complicated, but you can handle it.
The built-in cables make the KVM switch look a little complicated, but you can handle it.
Photo: StarTech.com

In Cult of Mac‘s Setups coverage, we often come across users wondering on social media about how to easily switch between personal and work computers using the same display, keyboard and other peripherals. A solid solution is a KVM switch, and StarTech rolled out five new ones recently.

The devices’ compact designs could suit home setups — especially elaborate ones that folks are proud enough of to flaunt online.

Up your streaming game with affordable new teleprompter

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Maintain natural eye contact while your read from a script with Elgato Prompter.
Maintain natural eye contact while your read from a script with Elgato Prompter.
Photo: Elgato

Video streamers with a lot to say know that working without a script can be challenging, and most teleprompters TV hosts use to read while maintaining eye contact are pricey. But the new Elgato Prompter brings the technology to the masses for $280, the company said Tuesday.

So you can look like a pro on your YouTube video or Zoom call. And Promter’s screen serves as an extra monitor for Mac or PC, too.

Make your webcam look cinematic with this smart app

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Make your webcam look cinematic with this smart app, less than $50 today.
Give the most professional presentations ever with this top-rated multi-cam video call app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

In a world where video meetings have become an integral part of our working lives, how you come across on calls can make or break a sales pitch or interview. The innovative FineCam Pro takes the quality of your device’s existing camera to the next level. And right now, you can grab a lifetime subscription on sale for just $49.99 (regularly $84).

Streamers’ dream come true: Elgato launches first 4K60 webcam.

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Attention, streamers: Elgato's new Facecam Pro offers 4K streaming at 60fps.
Attention, streamers: Elgato's new Facecam Pro offers 4K streaming at 60fps.
Photo: Elgato

In a bid to capture the streaming content creator market, Elgato just launched what it called “the world’s first 4K60 webcam” — Facecam Pro. It shoot video in 4K resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second (fps), which previously required a DSLR or other advanced camera setup.

The pricey new camera joins the original Facecam in Elgato’s growing lineup.

Belkin’s new mount turns iPhone into ultimate Mac webcam

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Craig using Camera Continuity on macOS
The Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe is here now that macOS Ventura and Continuity Camera are nearing launch.
Photo: Apple

Continuity Camera in macOS Ventura upgrades video calls by bringing the iPhone’s high-res camera to the Mac. But a way to attach the handset to the laptop is necessary. That’s where Belkin’s iPhone Mount with MagSafe comes in.

With macOS launching soon, it’s time for the accessory to debut, too.

New Logi webcams feature ‘Show Mode’ and a take on Center Stage

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Logitech Brio 500 webcam series and Zone Vibe headphones series are designed for hybrid workers.
Logitech Brio 500 webcam series and Zone Vibe headphones series are designed for hybrid workers.
Photo: Logitech

Logitech unveiled its new Brio 500 webcam series and Zone Vibe headphones series for hybrid workers Thursday. The company said “they bring quality, style, affordability, and sustainability to today’s workers for ultramodern collaboration experiences.”

“Many remote and hybrid workers are still underequipped and grappling with pre-pandemic era solutions,” said Scott Wharton, Logitech Video Collaboration general manager. “Our innovative new genre of Brio webcams and Zone Vibe headphones answer the call of modern workers who need business-grade quality, style, and affordability for work and play.”

HP monitor sports pop-up webcam with Center Stage-like tracking

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The webcam pops up and keeps you centered in the frame, a la Center Stage.
The webcam pops up and keeps you centered in the frame, a la Center Stage.
Photo: HP

A new report said HP plans to release a 1440p USB-C monitor with a built-in webcam that pops up and features tracking much like Apple’s Center Stage used in iPad models.

The display should serve professionals who want decent pixel density but don’t need the top-shelf visuals a graphics professional might.

Anker’s new video bar webcam lights you up on calls

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AnkerWork's B600 video bar is a webcam with mics that lights you up on calls.
AnkerWork's B600 video bar is a webcam with mics that lights you up on calls.
Photo: AnkerWork

Like a lot of companies showing their wares at CES 2022 in Las Vegas, Anker is addressing today’s hybrid WFH culture with new gear. Through its AnkerWork division, it rolled out a video bar webcam with sound to help improve your video calls. Through its Nebula brand come a couple of crowd-funded premium laser projectors. And the company had a few other items, as well.

Logitech’s new StreamCam is … a smart webcam for Mac streamers

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Paired with Logitech Capture software, the new StreamCam makes streaming video smart.
Paired with Logitech Capture software, the new StreamCam makes streaming video smart.
Photo: Logitech

The new Logitech StreamCam is built to make video streamers’ lives simpler. The smart webcam captures 1080p/60 fps video and connects via USB-C. Plus, the updated Logitech Capture software — which uses artificial intelligence to automate exposure, framing and stabilization — now runs on macOS.

Logitech busts out pro webcam for Apple Pro Display XDR

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Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam for Apple Pro Display XDR.
What's an extra $200 when you just dropped 6 grand on a monitor and stand?
Photo: Logitech

If you just dropped $5,000 (minimum) on an Apple Pro Display XDR to go with your $53,000 maxed-out Mac Pro, you probably want a webcam. And, if you’ve got any headroom at all left on your Apple Card credit limit, Logitech has just the thing: a magnetic webcam designed to perch atop your pricey new monitor.

The company designed the new Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam exclusively for Apple’s new high-end display. And, unlike the rest of the Mac Pro kit, the price isn’t off the charts.