Kaidan Inc., best known to Mac users for its accessories used for QuickTime VR and digital photography, will soon be offering iChat AV users a kit of their own: The Kaidan Accessory Kit for Apple iSight.
The iSight is Apple’s own FireWire-based Webcam. The device began shipping last month with the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) public beta release of iChat AV, Apple’s newly updated instant messaging client now with audio and video chat capabilities. The US$149 iSight comes equipped with a built-in microphone, video element and several mounting brackets designed to fit a variety of Apple hardware, but Kaidan’s accessory kit offers more.
The Kaidan Accessory Kit for Apple iSight comes with a 37mm threaded lens adapter, ring/lens shade, a tripod 1/4-20 mounting adapter and a small desktop tripod with extendable legs.
Kaidan President Jim Anders explained that the accessory kit was developed for iSight users who are looking for more features out of their camera, like getting it to eye-level without permanently sticking mounts to their computer or monitor.
“The adapter ring makes it easy to screw on standard 37mm lenses and/or filters. Thus, the kit is ideal for those who wish to attach a wide-angle lens to get two people into the shot or to obtain a wide view of a room or a scene. Attaching a close-up lens on the iSight opens up many interesting and excitingpossibilities for collaboration in scientific and technical applications,” said Anders.
The Kaidan Accessory Kit for iSight will be available starting in August 2003, only through Kaidan’s Web store. The retail price of the kit is $49.95. Each component will also be available individually. Orders placed in advance will receive a $10 discount, and Kaidan said it will refrain from charging credit cards until the kit ships.