Shopping for an affordable Apple compatible HD webcam that supports 4K resolutions under MacOS? When the first Mac compatible 4K web cameras like the Logitech Brio and LUMINA 4k web camera hit the market, the pricing was nearly double previous generations of premium 1080p HD webcams, and are still well over $100 USD.

However, cheap 4K webcams for MacOS like the Unzano 4K and Depstech 4K are starting to hit the market at prices that might appeal to budget-conscious Macophiles.

Unzano Cheap 4K Webcam For Mac With Digital Zoom

Wide-Angle Lens : Includes Remote & USB-C Adapter

One thing to look for in product descriptions and specifications would be a note of a cheap 4K web camera using a SONY IMX-series Starvis 8MP sensor. Over the past year or two, the cost of Sony's popular 4K image sensor has come down in price to make relatively cheap 4K web cameras possible. Other 4K indications to look for are notes that the webcam supports resolutions up to 3840*2160. Some cheap, no-name webcam knockoffs from China may lie or exaggerate about their capabilities.

Depstech Cheap 4K Webcam For Mac

Includes Mini-Tripod and Privacy Shutter

Above are examples of low-cost 4K webcams currently available on Amazon. Note that 4K webcam capture ideally requires a 5GBps USB 3.0, USB 3.1/3.2 (USB-C) connection to handle the high data rates of 4K resolution. 720p and 1080p HD webcams work fine at USB 2.0 speeds.

With a next-generation Ultra 4K HD group videoconferencing camera for MacOS, Logitech's new Apple compatible MeetUp webcam really raises the bar for premium voice and video conference solutions at a price small businesses can afford. It offers a very wide-angle 120 degree field of view, multiple beam-forming microphones, and a high-quality speakerphone. An RF remote allows control of motorized PTZ pan and tilt, digital zoom, audio, and call management. These functions can also be done on an iOS app which replicates the remote's buttons.

Logitech MeetUp 4K Video Conferencing System For MacOS

120 Degree FOV, Beam-Forming Mics, Speaker, Remote Control

4K HD Webcam System Requirements

For Apple users, system specifications for the Logitech Meetup conferencing camera start with Mac OSX 10.10 Yosemite on up through the latest MacOS Sierra. The minimum CPU specs recommend a 2.4GHz or faster CPU on your MacBook or Mac and you need to take that seriously for high resolution conferencing.

While the Ultra HD webcam sensor can operate at up to 30FPS at a max resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, note your video chat app may not be capable of Ultra HD mode. Just as important, your internet bandwidth matters too, as to whether such high frame rates or resolutions are even possible on the receiving device. Lastly, it should also be noted that a 5Gbps USB 3.0 or 10Gbps 3.1 USB port is needed for 4K resolution. USB 2.0 ports are fast enough for more conventional 1080p or 720p HD webcams, but 4K mode needs USB 3.x speeds.

With physical dimensions of 4"H x 16"W x 3"D and weighing in at around 2 pounds, it's oblong design is ideal for mounting beneath a meeting room's large panel LCD TV or display. An optional extension microphone is available to extend the camera's 8 foot range to 14 feet in larger meeting rooms.You can learn more detailed specs about the MeetUp cam here.

A new generation of ultra high-definition web cameras is here. Logitech has begun shipping it's cutting-edge Ultra-HD Brio 4K webcam for MacOS, Windows and ChromeOS. In addition to the 4K video resolution, it also features the 3rd-generation of Logi's light-management technology: RightLight 3, dual/stereo microphones, H.264 video compression, a 1/4" camera-tripod mount hole.

4K Resolution Ultra-HD Webcam

4K Ultra HD Video Resolution : Up To 4096 x 2160 Pixels

The Logitech Brio is also the first webcam in it's product line to switch to a USB 3.x Type-C port on the back of the camera housing and allows interchangeable cables. The Brio comes with a conventional USB-A to USB-C cable, but some Apple users with modern MacBook laptops and desktops may opt to purchase a USB-C to USB-C cable to directly connect the camera with.

Some aspects of this 4K HD webcam may be confusing. Though it supports both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 use, 4K capture does require a 5Gbps USB 3.0/3.1 speed port. Although the Mac compatible Brio web camera features an infrared IR sensor on the camera face, it's unclear if or when any facial recognition software for Mac OSX will be available or written to take advantage of it. Somewhat like the C922 with it's bundled XSplit and Personify apps that are Windows only, Macintosh users will be slightly underserved. Supposedly, the camera can support adjustable 68, 78 or 90 degree Field-Of-View FOV adjustments which can be handy depending on whether it's just you in a video - or you're in a group conference with multiple people on-cam.

Do note though that Logitech's webcam support site does offer MacOS webcam control software for OSX 10.11+ (Sierra and ElCapitan) to provide image adjustment or other camera settings controls. It seems in the latest version of Logitech's webcam app, background removal is supported on the Brio. The Mac Logitech Brio webcam download for MacOS 10.11+ is available here.