The Mac ’s FaceTime camera sucks–720p or 1080p , it does n’t matter . But Apple does make great camera , like those in the iPhone , and with macOS Ventura and iOS 16 , Apple is leveraging its iPhone cameras so they can be used as a webcam through a new sweetening to macOS ’s Continuity Camera feature .
If you ’re sick of being embarrassed by your Mac camera ’s image lineament during video conference , or you call for better quality for video recordings of yourself that you want to use , Continuity Camera is a godsend . And fortunately , it ’s so light to lay out up and apply , that you ’ll come to rely on it and only utilize the Mac ’s built - in camera in emergency .
Here ’s how to set up and use Continuity Camera . But first , here are the essential :
How Desk View looks in macOS Ventura running on an iMac.
iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Mac Notebooks
How to use an iPhone as a webcam
Turn on Continuity Camera on the iPhone
Foundry
launch the options app on your iPhone and then tapGeneral > AirPlay & Handoff , then flip the switching on for theContinuity Camera Webcamsetting . Exit preferences .
Mount the iPhone on top of the Mac ’s display using a bearer or mount , or set it up using a tripod or some other method . you could even hold the iPhone – the headphone just needs to be within Bluetooth mountain chain of the Mac .
How Desk View looks in macOS Ventura running on an iMac.
Open a video app on your Mac
On your Mac , spread out the video app you require to use : FaceTime , Zoom , etc . ( In this demo , I am using QuickTime . ) After establish the app , go to the setting that allows you to select a television camera ; in QuickTime , there ’s a carte next to the record button . The name of your iPhone should appear in the listing of useable photographic camera . pick out your iPhone , and that ’s it ! You should be using your iPhone as the Mac ’s webcam . ( Note : At the time of this written material , iMovie did not support Continuity Camera . )
You may also be capable to select the iPhone ’s microphone as the audio input machine . Where you pick out the mike depend on the app . In QuickTime above , it ’s in the same menu as the camera selection .
How to turn on Desk View
How Desk View expect in macOS Ventura running on an iMac .
Desk View uses the Ultra broad camera on the iPhone ( iPhone 11 or later required ) to shoot a scene of your desk . It can also capture you at the same time , so you may do desktop demonstration ,
At the metre of this writing , however , Desk View has a fixed angle view , and that angle is such that it ca n’t see a MacBook keyboard if the iPhone is mounted on top of the laptop computer ’s display – Desk View captures the domain about a foot in front of the laptop . Apple has n’t stated whether the angle will be adjustable in the hereafter .
To turn on Desk View , you must have Continuity Camera running . launch the Control Center in the menu bar and tap theVideo Effectsbutton ( this clitoris will not seem if the television camera is not running ) . A Video Effects bill of fare appears ; selectDesk View . This is also where you turn off Desk View .
A Desk View app will set up . To be able to see the video app you are using and the DeskView app at the same metre , you could essay tiling the windows to help oneself you see them ( windowpane > Tile Window to Left / correct Side of Screen ) , however , some apps ( like FaceTime ) wo n’t act with tiling .
We discusshow to adjust Desk Viewin more detail in another clause .
How Desk View looks in macOS Ventura running on an iMac.
How to turn on Center Stage
A monstrance of how Center Stage keeps a soul in the center of the picture show figure .
Center Stage is an effect that keeps you in the centre of the frame ( iPhone 11 or by and by call for ) . With Continuity Camera running , enter the Control Center in the menu streak and tap theVideo Effectsbutton . A Video Effects carte du jour appears and then you selectCenter leg .
How to turn on Portrait mode
Here ’s what the iPhone webcam expect like with Portrait fashion off ( left ) and on ( right hand ) .
Portrait mode is an effect that blurs the background . In Control Center in the menu barroom , select theVideo Effectsbutton . In the Video Effects card , selectPortraitand the setting will blur .
How to turn on Studio Light
Studio Light uses the iPhone flash as a visible radiation to brighten up your depiction ( iPhone 12 or after required ) . With Continuity Camera running play , enter the Control Center in the card Browning automatic rifle and tap theVideo Effectsbutton . Then selectStudio Light .
How to disconnect your iPhone as a Mac webcam
When an iPhone is being used as a Mac webcam , this silver screen appear on the earpiece .
All you have to do is quit the video app you ’re using on your Mac . The iPhone may display the screen shown above , and all you have to do is tapDisconnect .
Camo and other iPhone webcam apps
The idea of using an iPhone for a webcam is n’t new . Reincubate has made theCamoapp for Mac for a number of year . Camo has a ton of features you wo n’t find in Continuity Camera , such as picture amercement - tuning controls ( ISO , nidus , temperature , tint , hue , mirroring , and more ) , overlays , and effects such as augmented reality and portraiture mode ( but no Desk View - case feature ) . equate to the free Continuity Camera , Cam is pricey at $ 39.99 for an annual subscription or $ 79.99 for a life licence , but if a webcam is vital to your productivity , the price may be deserving it for the superfluous controls . Reincubate has a web site thatcompares Continuity Camera and Camo .
Camo
Canon , Nikon , andPanasonicoffer software program that let you use their DSLR camera as webcam . Ecamm Live(subscription programme start at $ 16 per calendar month ) is a third - party app that leave several production tools and effects for DSLR webcams .
If you ’d rather get a webcam ensure out our round up of thebest webcams for Mac .
A demonstration of how Center Stage keeps a person in the center of the picture frame.
Here’s what the iPhone webcam looks like with Portrait mode off (left) and on (right).
Continuity Camera’s Video Effects.
When an iPhone is being used as a Mac webcam, this screen appears on the phone.
