What Kind of Cameras Can I Use With My PS3?

Using Playstation 3 Webcam To Chat

• The Playstation 3 console supports USB webcam connectivity and allows you to use the webcam to video chat with up to six other users at one time. To take advantage of webcam chat, scroll over to the "Friends" section of the PS3 menu and choose "Start New Chat" to enter the Playstation 3 chat room. Select "Invite a Friend" from the list of options and choose the online friends you want to chat with from the list that appears. Once your friends receive the invitation and join the chat room, select the "Chat Settings" option and turn your camera on. All friends within the chat room can see your camera feed.

EyeToy Camera

• The EyeToy is a motion sensitive Web camera originally released for the Playstation 2 console with a series of games where players used their bodies to control on-screen movements and actions. In addition to the Playstation 2, the EyeToy is forward compatible with the Playstation 3 and works as a webcam, allowing users to video chat. The EyeToy connects to the Playstation 3 USB port.

Playstation Eye

• The Playstation Eye is a webcam available for the Playstation 3 console. Much like the EyeToy for Playstation 2, the Playstation Eye was developed to act as a visual controller for select games. Unlike the EyeToy, however, the Playstation Eye is not backward compatible and does not work with the PS2. In addition to playing Playstation Eye Compatible games, you can also use the Playstation Eye as a webcam to video chat with friends on your PS3. The Playstation Eye connects to the Playstation 3 USB port.

USB Camera

• In addition to using the EyeToy or Playstation Eye to video chat on your Playstation 3, you can use any USB camera complian with UVC (USB video class), according to Sony. Using the camera simply requires plugging in the USB connector to the USB port on your system. Note that USB cameras will not work with Playstation 3 games designed to work with the Playstation Eye or Playstation 2 games designed to work with the EyeToy -- you must use those select cameras with supported games.