Apple iSight Review

Summary

A versatile, durable, lightweight and portable camera capable of delivering high-quality audio and video, iSight features a strong aluminum-alloy exterior which protects sophisticated electronics and its autofocus lens. A single FireWire cable streams video and audio and also delivers power to the camera. Three stands and a tilt-and-swivel mechanism allow iSight to capture video at the best possible angle. While traditional web cameras sit off-center on your desk, capturing the side of your head, iSight sits directly in front of you, at eye level. Its compact size makes it easy to take with you anywhere. A built-in, dual element noise-suppressing microphone delivers crystal clear audio. The microphone takes in the sound from both microphone elements, then determines which sounds are essential to the conversation with an algorithm that filters out extraneous noise. But iSight doesnÆt just look good, it makes you look good, with the highest quality video of any chatting solution. A custom-designed, three-part lens consists of two aspherical elements that focus on a 1/4-inch CCD sensor with 640×480 (VGA) resolution. The camera’s lens aperture is a wide F/2.8, allowing it to collect more light than most web cams. iSight also offers a far wider range of shutter speeds than most other cameras. Put it all together and iSight delivers smooth, top-quality, full-motion video at 30 frames per second in 24-bit color. The result is that whether it’s in a poorly lit hotel room or a bright sunny kitchen, iSight will provide true color reproduction and a crisp image. The camera also sports a small green “on air” light that lets you know that you are participating in a live video chat session. One simple twist of the lens cap turns off iSight, ensuring your privacy and letting your buddies know you’re no longer available for video and audio chatting.