Apple’s MacBook laptops boast formidable specs, but one of the most common models, the M1 13-inch MacBook Air, has one unfortunate quirk: a flat-looking 720p webcam with lots of noise and a lack of depth-sensing technology. The same goes for older Intel-powered MacBooks, which are still in wide circulation, as they tend to last for years.

Over the past couple of years, Apple has been slowly swapping out these old low-res webcams with newer full HD models. Now the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro and the 24-inch iMac have 1080p resolution cameras, as does the redesigned M2 version of the MacBook Air.

But that doesn’t help you until you’re ready to buy a new MacBook. Anyone using an older Air, or even the current 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro, is still going to need some help.

That old 720p webcam is the same basic type of camera Apple has been putting in laptops for years, and this isn’t the first time we’ve complained about it. A lot of Windows laptops are barely better, many with similar resolutions, but at least some have better light sensitivity, color accuracy or depth sensing for facial-recognition logins. However, the tide is shifting, and more Windows laptops are joining the latest Macs in adding better webcams.

So, what are we going to do about that?

There’s at least a reasonable chance you’re beaming into an online Zoom meeting (or other video meeting) from a pre-2022 MacBook Air or something similar. That means you’re not looking your best. Especially for a smaller, low-slung laptop like the Air, your camera isn’t going to be at an optimal angle if it’s sitting on your desk or kitchen table and aimed up at you.

One option is to use your phone’s camera. Either the front or back cameras will be better than any laptop you have. For TV appearances from my work-from-home office, I sometimes use my phone mounted from an eye-level tripod clip. Other times I’d use EpocCam software from Elgato, which runs on my phone and allows me to use the phone as a wireless 1080p camera for my MacBook. The Pro version costs a few bucks, and won’t work for every scenario, but is a reasonable solution if you’re using a compatible app like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

The good news is that this workaround is about to become a lot easier. The upcoming MacOS update, called Ventura, adds direct support for using your iPhone as a webcam, and we’re very excited to see that move into widespread use later in 2022. You can download the beta version now, and you’ll need iOS 16 on your phone, or just wait until later in 2022 when Ventura officially releases.

You could also attach an external webcam from Logitech or another company. But if you’d rather not go to the trouble, here’s how to make the best of the webcam you’ve got.

Raise your laptop

If your laptop is anywhere close to a good ergonomic position for your hands, then it’s nowhere near the best spot for a Zoom meeting. Get some big books. Get some giant board game boxes. Prop that sucker up. Use big coffee table books or something else heavy, so you won’t get as much wobble. Don’t use empty cardboard boxes.

Where do you want the camera pointing? Get it to sit just above eye level.

A not-great shot from the 2020 MacBook Air webcam. Note the soft image quality, and the laptop should be propped up higher.
Dan Ackerman/CNET

Good lighting cures (most) ills

Low-res webcam signals look especially bad in low-light situations. Even higher-res cameras benefit from lots of light. That’s why movie and TV sets and professional photography are flooded with giant lights. You don’t need all that, but a good source of natural sunlight is an easy and inexpensive way to drastically improve your webcam shot. Face the window, don’t put your back to it. You want the camera to see the light from the window, not the window itself.

If natural light isn’t available, don’t spend a ton on a fancy light setup. This set from UBeesize is under $35 and includes an 8-inch ring light, a tripod to mount it on and phone clip as well. Many people at CNET use this setup or something similar for remote work.

Know the Macs with a better webcam

Among current MacBooks, the M1 MacBook Air and 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro both have that 720p webcam. But the MacBook Pro 14 and Pro 16 have excellent 1080p cameras, along with the 2021 24-inch M1 iMac. Previously, you could only find that in the discontinued $5,000-and-up iMac Pro and 27-inch iMac. The M2 MacBook Air is the biggest game-changer, if you ask me, as it has an excellent FHD webcam, and is just a great all-around laptop.

My colleague Brian Cooley has many more general webcam setup tips, including some good headset mic suggestions — although your phone headset or AirPods should be fine for anything short of a live hit on CNN.