How to Take a Picture & Video on Mac and share it with anyone

Webcam is usually used for video conferencing. Aside from this, you can also use a camera to capture photos. If you can capture pictures and upload online, you no longer have to contact your smartphone. It’s the easiest way to configure a profile picture for your MacBook or shoot a simple video and share it. If you found it interesting, here we will show how to take pictures & videos with the Webcam on a MacBook camera.

Steps to Take a Picture and Video Using Camera on Any Macs

Here below, we’ll show you how to capture the videos and images using the MacBook’s Webcam.

Steps to take photos using your Mac’s built-in Camera

1. Access the Finder on your Mac computer. 
2. Navigate to the Applications tab located on the left pane.
3. Next, double-click on the Photo Booth.
4. On the next screen, you will see the viewfinder or right in the Photos App. Now, frame yourself correctly and click the Capture Button at the bottom to capture a photo.

Steps to record videos using your Mac’s built-in Camera

Photo Booth application on your Mac computer lets you capture the video using the Mac’s built-in camera. For this, follow the steps below.

1. Access the Photo Booth app on your Mac. (Launch from the applications folder or Use Spotlight Search (Command + Space) Type Photo Booth)
2. Switch to the Video Mode via toggle located at the bottom left corner.
3. Click the Record Button in the bar located at the bottom of the photo booth app. As soon as you do so, your Mac will start recording. 

How to take pictures and videos using the external Webcam on your Mac

While external cameras on the latest Mac are enhanced, you may have external for better quality. In such a scenario, you can use an external webcam to capture videos & photos. Here’s how you can switch cameras right within the Photo Booth. 

1. Access the Photo Booth App on your Mac.
2. Select the Camera Option located in the Mac menu bar. 
3. Choose the camera of your choice from the prompted list.

Tip: If you don’t have an external webcam, you can use an iPhone camera to capture images and videos on your MacBook. From the same list, you can select your iPhone’s camera. 

How to view and share photos and videos captured on your Mac

Once you have taken the photos and videos on your Mac, here’s how you can share and share it with others. 

1. Access the Photo Booth app on your Mac. 
2. Click on the thumbnail located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. If you want to share the image with your contacts, select Share Icon in the app. Choose the app you wish to share a video or photo.

How to add effects to your pictures in Photo Booth

Willing to spice up your photos and videos with attractive effects? Fuss not; Photo Booth lets you do so as well. Here is how to add effects to your pictures & videos in photo booth. 

1. Press Command + Space to open the Spotlight.
2. Enter Photo Booth and click on it to open. 
3. Select Effect located at the bottom right corner.
4. Choose the effect of your choice. 
5. You can scroll through various filter options.
6. Once you get your preference, click the Capture Button to shoot a video or photo.

Tips to increase image quality when using the Mac camera

• Clean the Camera lens: Over time, the Mac camera can accumulate smudge and dust, eventually decreasing image quality. In this scenario, try using the microfiber cloth to clean it. 
• Good Lighting: Having an adequate amount of light is crucial to clear and sharp images. Move yourself in a well-lighted area or invest in an external lighting source to illuminate your face fairly.  
• Positioning: Make sure your Mac’s camera is placed at eye level, and your face is arranged in the center. This will let you record or capture more clearly in the video call.
• Modify Camera Settings:  Depending on what Mac model you’re using and macOS version you’re using. You may have access to the Camera Settings. Try customizing these settings to play with exposure, contrast, and exposure. 
• Software Update: Using the Mac camera, always ensure your Mac computer is updated to the latest macOS. 
• Background: Always focus on your background. That’s because a distracting or cluttered background takes away from overall image quality. 
• Avoid digital zoom: Zooming decreases the image quality. Thus, instead of zooming in, try physically moving away from the Mac’s camera. 
• Post-processing: Right after capturing the video & photos, you can use editing software like Photoshop or other software. 
• Use external microphone: For high-quality audio, consider connecting the external microphone to record high-quality sound.

Best Webcam app for your Mac

1. Camo

If you are in search of best webcam software for Mac, install the Camo. It’s an amazing software that produces stunning webcam photos and videos for all kinds of settings, meetings, streaming, and more. 

With this Webcam, you can modify the exposures, lenses, contrast, colors, and more with Camo. Besides all this, you can link the DSLR camera, smartphone, Webcam, etc. 

Additionally, you can focus, zoom, and crop your image using the Camo app, and the best part is that it’s an attractive template. You can also text overlay in an attractive font, use portrait mode, green screen, etc. 

What makes it super convenient is that it’s compatible with various video conferencing apps, such as Zoom, Meet, Slack, Skype, FaceTime, and more. To access all its features, you must pay the utmost $39.99 per year. However, there is a free version without ads, watermarks, or spam.

2. ManyCam

ManyCam is more than just a normal Webcam; you can call it full-blown video editing software. Thanks to its plethora of filters, presets, and effects, which are available for most users. You can add various effects like face masks, transitions, backgrounds, and emoticons to record and stream some artistic videos. 

Besides all this, you will receive YouTube integration, Picture-in-picture, and green screen among the diverse set of features that come along with ManyCam. You can configure it to record videos in different resolutions, such as HD, FullHD, etc., at frame rates ranging between 5-60 FPS in various formats: MKV, MP4, and FLV. 

In addition, you can configure the audio bitrate value and imply a noise suppression feature that works effectively. Thanks to its vivid portfolio of editing tools and effects, ManyCam is a highly suggested option for you.

3. Debut Video Capture Software

Not all users are fans of effective filters, and sometimes we want a non-frill free webcam program. In this scenario, you must go with Debut Video Capture, which includes clutter-free UI. All you receive is in the name of video editing tools, such as contrast saturation, which can be hindered by using the slider. Additionally, you will receive a watermark tool for a bit of personalization.

When it comes to technical features, Debut Video capture software offers a considerable amount of control to users. One can capture the screenshot on a Mac in two different file types, PNG and JPG, while the videos can be recorded in various formats such as MVI, FLV, AVI, and more. 

Further, the app features live text overlay and is compatible with vertical video capture, so you can easily use this 9:16 ratio aspect for streaming or recording. What makes it super convenient is that it integrates with YouTube Live, Twitch, and Facebook Live.

Moreover, it has studio-style controls within the apps that let you apply filters, borders, and more. Plus, it supports Chrome Key for even better recording and streaming. All this makes it one of the best webcam software for macOS.

Final Verdict!

Fair to say that the phone camera is better at capturing photos. However, capturing pictures or recording videos using the built-in or external Macs webcam is handy. And with the ability to now use iPhone’s camera with Mac can be more helpful.