I want to hook up a webcam on my Mac so my family using their PC's in other states can see the kids. Any ideas on what would be the best solution? Also, could I just use my Canon mini-dv as a webcam to give it better quality?
Actually, I'd recommend the iSight from Apple. It is a great camera and works effortlessly with OSX. I use a software called Evocam that I got a little over a year ago. It takes pictures as often as you say at whatever size and resolution you want - even video - and uploads them automatically to any server you designate. It will even do archives. The iSight is actually just attached to my Mac flat panel in the back via the adaptor they send with it. I can use it with any cam application as well - iChat, etc.
That does look sweet, but I'm guessing my PC family on the other end would be out of luck with iChat?
ichat is a multi-purpose client. I've used AIM and google talk (and I think it can connect with MSN and Yahoo Messanger) with it for sure those have pc clients.
You don't need iChat for your family. If you use Evocam, it will upload individual captures via your iSight camera up to any web server. If you want live video via your cam and your Mac, you can also use the iSight, but you need a streaming interface. From what I understand, Yahoo is about to do this for Mac and Windows.
Just to make is easy on myself I'm using windows xp's netmeeting on my other computer. I have that up and running right now. I would eventually like to get my Mac set up though. Thanks for the tips.
