IMac w/ built in iSight V standalone iSight

Hello,
In a few days time (I can hardly wait!), I will be the proud owner of a 20" iMac iSight. I have a couple of questions, if anyone can oblige:
Is the iMac's iSight better quality than my standalone iSight?
Will I still be able to use my standalone iSight with my new iMac (i.e. override the built in iSight)?
Thanks.
p.s. - Hope that you all have a great Christmas/Hannukah/New Year.
G4 iBook 14 Superdrive - eMac combo 700mhz - 3G 20gb iPod - iSight - Mighty Mouse Mac OS X (10.4.2)
G4 iBook 14 Superdrive - eMac combo 700mhz - 3G 20gb iPod - iSight - Mighty Mouse Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Hello Zach. Although I cannot cite specific facts in answer to your questions, I decided to post in to say congratulations on your new iMac!
Re quality: the published 640x480 dot resolution is the same for both iSights. However some published reviews report that the software has changed to allow operation in lower light levels. You will soon be able to tell us whether you find the changes to be improvements. Please do so.
If you do not get better info here, you might find some of the info in The built-in iSight in the new iMac G5 (iSight) will give you some reading to help the time pass more quickly during your wait.
I KNOW you will have a happy holiday!
Jim

Similar Messages

First iMacs with built-in iSight

I got one of the first iMacs with built in iSight. When I got it, the documentation said that I could not use the built-in iSight to record directly into iMovie.
I CANNOT choose iSight from the import options, but if I have a DV camera plugged up to import and turn it off, it automatically switches to the iSight and the Import button switches to Record from iSight. It actually works as well.
Did I automatically install an update that allowed this? I like it, I just don't know when it happened.

Anyone know how to turn off isight so Imovie will only see the DV camrea /VTR deck? I've got a school setup for Imovie editing and to capture footage from the DV tape deck, but Imovie just keeps wanting to select the Isight Cam and i see no way of telling it what to connect to!!
Imac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.6)
Imac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

IMac with built-in iSight, PC, Skype compatability

I know this is a simple question, but I read a few months ago where macs had a few compatability problems with webcam communicating to PC's. If both are using Skype, is there a problem webcam audio/visual communicating between a PC and an iMac using built in iSight?
Thanks for any help given.

There can be problems with Skype Mac to PC video connections, of course, but generally I'd say any problems there might be are not attributable to built-in iSight cameras.

Standalone iSight and Snow Leopard

I have a Mac Mini with Snow Leopard installed on it and an Apple Display that doesn't have a built-in camera, so I thought I would buy one of those iSight cameras (through Ebay) to be able to use it through Skype and iChat.
Could anyone please tell me whether a standalone iSight (1) would work on Snow Leopard, and (2) with the 800 firewire port (I have 400-to-800 adapter). Thank you.

nycgraphiste wrote:
Thank you for your responses. Sorry I couldn't get back to you any sooner.
NP
So if I'm getting this right, not all of the iSight cameras work, ...
You are correct.
No broken iSight works. Your problem is how to find out whether one is broken before you buy it.
The issue for me is that external iSights are NOT rugged devices, and you have no idea how it was treated or used during its existence. Moreover, all external iSights are now old (by consumer electronics standards,) and they no longer covered by Apple Warranty.
Therefore, unless you can physically test or have an Apple Technician check any external iSight before you buy it, you are at the mercy of the seller if the one you buy does not work for you.
... only the ones with the updated firmware, is that so?
Not so.
Firmware Updates do NOT enable external iSight, they only "Improve" performance. Regardless of any Firewire iSight's Firmware (Product Revision) level, external iSight ought to function. If not, the iSight, cables, connections, your Mac, or your Mac's software that operates iSight requires service.
To test and troubleshoot any external iSight, you can use the suggestions in "How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional":
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
If let's say I get one with the old firmware will I able to update it through the Software Update ...?
Probably not with a Snow Leopard Mac.
If you decide to buy an external iSight, and if you need to apply the Firmware 1.0.3 updater but your Mac's Software Update... does not work, my suggestions on how to do it are at
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10084429&#10084429
And what does it mean “if you can find one that works?”
It means what the standard US English words say. As noted above, unless you or your Apple Technician can check a particular iSight, you do not know that it works.
What's UVC webcam?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USBvideo_deviceclass
I might look into other cameras, but ...
Any working UVC webcam can work for you. More features and quality cost more, so buy what is prudent for your budget and needs.
If you are interested in saving money and already have one, any Mac-compatible, Firewire-connected, mini-DV camcorder can function as your webcam.
What do you think?
In addition to my thoughts already posted here, see this user tip:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2018211
I agree with most of the comments and references there.
All I need it for is ... Skype...
For dedicated use with Skype, sort for the Macintosh-compatible webcams that Skype sells:
http://shop.skype.com/webcams/
They should certainly work well with Skype, so you might want to consider one of those.
With your 10.6.x Mac, should you eventually decide to try some other webcam video things, many of the other apps listed in the following link can also work with the webcam you buy:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage7.html
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.2) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.2)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

I cannot get my iMac with built-in airport to allow internet connections to Nook and PS3. The devices access the network, but internet connection fails. Internet sharing is enabled, network security (WEP, WPA) is completely off. What to check next?

I cannot get my iMac with built-in airport wi-fi to allow internet connections to Nook and PS3. The devices access the network, but internet connection fails. Internet sharing is enabled, network security (WEP, WPA) is disabled. What to check next?

On an additional note, I've purchased a wireless router and everything connected on the first attempt. It just vexes me that the built-in wireless isn't working as a router. Is this another example of "Mac only plays with Mac"?

Is the late-2012 iMac's built in Wi-Fi reliable?

I read a lot about iMac's built-in Wi-Fi dropping out constantly and just being unreliable basically. So can anyone tell me otherwise?
Suggest wireless adapters to improve the iMac's Wi-Fi if possbile.
Can the Airport Express Base Station in its ProxySTA mode be used to improve an iMac's Wi-Fi?

I read a lot about iMac's built-in Wi-Fi dropping out constantly and just being unreliable basically.
Please please post the link of where you read this!
My iMac is 3 weeks old. The first 2 weeks it was wireless through my 8 year old Airport Extreme as a test run. Ran perfectly. No dropping of internet. No nothing!!!
I hooked it back to ethernet last weekend because I have no intention of lugging this thing from room to room. Or outside for that matter!
From day one my iMac has ran flawlessly. I have AppleCare. So if anything does go wrong, I have nothing to worry about! Now getting use to ML is another story.

How do I determine when my Imac was built (version) ?

How do I determine when my Imac was built (version) ?

Hi .
Help here > Mac Identification (Identify My Mac and Your Mac)

Using a different webcam with Intel iMac with built-in isight cam.

Hi...I hope someone can shed some light on this.
I have an intel core duo iMac 20 with built-in isight.
I use Yahoo Messenger (the new version) and have no problems getting my isight to work with it.
For most circumstances, the built-in isight is fine... but sometimes having a camera with a zoom feature and the ability to pan further up or down would be most beneficial.
I also own a usb Logitech (pro-4000) webcam (the last series for which they have Mac support) and have installed the latest Mac drivers for it. I can get the Logitec to run its built-in applications, but when I try to select a webcam to use for Yahoo (in the yahoo preferences webcam section), the only selection available to me is the built-in isight.
Is there any way to get the option to choose between the Logitech and the isight?
Thanks for any help you can give me...
Intel Core Duo iMac 20" Mac OS X (10.4.7) 2GHz/2GB 256VRAM

http://webcam-osx.sourceforge.net/
macam driver and macam component installation resolves this issue

Can u use a USB webcam on an iMac with built-in isight for Yahoo Messenge?

Hi...I hope someone can shed some light on this.
I have an intel core duo iMac 20 with built-in isight.
I use Yahoo Messenger (the new version) and have no problems getting my isight to work with it.
For most circumstances, the built-in isight is fine... but sometimes having a camera with a zoom feature and the ability to pan further up or down would be most beneficial.
I also own a usb Logitech (pro-4000) webcam (the last series for which they have Mac support) and have installed the latest Mac drivers for it. I can get the Logitec to run its built-in applications, but when I try to select a webcam to use for Yahoo (in the yahoo preferences webcam section), the only selection available to me is the built-in isight.
Is there any way to get the option to choose between the Logitech and the isight?
I tried macam drivers, but that just gave me an application that allowed me to record video or snap pics from my Quickcam, Yahoo Messenger still does not recognize it as a source.

http://webcam-osx.sourceforge.net/
macam driver and macam component installation resolves this issue

New iMac's built-in iSight seems out of socus

I have one of the new 24" 3.06GHz iMacs.
The focus of my built-in iSight is somewhat blurry for objects 1-2 feet away from the monitor (like, the human in front of the computer).
It seems like items in the background 10 feet or so behind me are in better focus.
Is the focus controllable?

Hello again, -Allan
... picture ... taken with a built-in iSight?
Here is one comparison example I did some time back. The one on the left is with a built-in iSight, but the current cameras may perform differently.
As is normal for different digital cameras, images comparing two cameras are very different. Which you like better will likely depend on personal taste and may vary with subject matter and lighting conditions. To remove as many variables as possible, I made the following comparison image showing the same subject in the same location during the same video chat using the two different cameras (internal vs external iSight) on same iNtel iMac Core Duo. You can see some of the differences in color balance, sharpening, and contrast settings used by the two cameras. Click the image below if you want a larger picture:
... Photo Booth ... picture ... overexposed.
Patrick's (PT) tip on how to suppress the screen "flash" is a good one.
If you wan to try an alternative to suppressing the screen "flash", either (a) turning the room lights brighter or (b) turning your monitor's brightness down _before you use the screen flash_ can help reduce the overexposure you experience.
Jim
G5 DP 1.8GHz w/Mac OS X (10.5.6) PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

What is better mac book pro isight or standalone

or are they the same?

it's my understanding that the new internal iSights have a much higher resolution than the standalone models and it would appear so if you see them working directly on the computer. Just check out an Apple store and you can see the improvement. However... I'm seeing some broadcasting quality issues from some built-ins. Specifically, one friend seems to have a serious white balance issue wtih her iMac. It constantly changes.

Built-in iSight vs External iSight

Hello.
I have a late 2008 MacBook Pro with the built-in iSight camera. But also recently found an external iSight camera at an auction website that I might want to buy. How do the quality of the cameras compare?
Also with two cameras attached, am I able to switch between the two while using quick capture in iMovie 09 without stopping the recording?

eightsecond wrote:
... recently found an external iSight camera at an auction website that I might want to buy.
I suggest that you *test any external iSight before you buy*, even if you get a warranty or performance guarantee from a retailer that you know and trust.
Some users who have recently bought used external iSights have posted about their difficulty in the iSight Forum. Here is one example if you do not want to search for yourself:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9015271
External iSight is a great camera, but they are getting old as electronics go, and you have no idea how the one you buy now has been used or treated by its previous owner(s).
I suggest that you buy locally and test any external iSight you are considering on your Mac before you pay for it. That way you know whether it will work, and a local seller may be able to answer questions, if any, about connecting and using iSight before you buy. If you need help with how to make sure an external iSight works, see "How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional."
Even if the external iSight you are considering is advertised as NIB (new, in box) or NOS (new, old-stock), it may not be covered by Apple Warranty. If the seller is not providing you service guarantees or warranty, you may be want to check Apple's iSight Service: Frequently Asked Questions, especially if you cannot test the iSight before you buy to be sure it is working.
Moreover, if you buy an external iSight now, verify whether all connectors, cables, and iSight mounts that you need are included. If some items you need are missing but you still want to buy the iSight, this info may be of interest. (Note that Apple no longer offers the "iSight Accessory Kit, Part Number: M9314G/B" that is mentioned there.)
If you or your Apple Service Technician need but cannot locate something from the discontinued Kit or something from the list in the iSight Service: Frequently Asked Questions page, http://www.synaptech.com can help obtain parts that are still available.
If you consider buying an external iSight sight-unseen from eBay or other internet seller, I strongly suggest that you (try to) get a written guarantee that you can have the iSight examined by your Apple Authorized Service Provider and can have a refund or exchange if the iSight doesn't pass his condition verification.
If you are willing to consider alternatives to a used external iSight, you may find this user tip of interest: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2018211
How do the quality of the cameras compare?
Quality is subjective. You should judge it for yourself by testing.
Here is one comparison example I did some time back. The one on the left is with a built-in iSight, but the current iSights may perform differently.
As is normal for different digital cameras, images comparing two cameras are very different. Which you like better will likely depend on personal taste and may vary with subject matter and lighting conditions. To remove as many variables as possible, I made the following comparison image showing the same subject in the same location during the same video chat using the two different cameras (internal vs external iSight) on same iNtel iMac Core Duo. You can see some of the differences in color balance, sharpening, and contrast settings used by the two cameras. Click the image below if you want a larger picture:
One other possible difference is resolution. All external iSights are 640x480 (Ø.3MP) cameras. I think that all the 2008 MBPs are 1,280x1,024 resolution (1.3MP). To be certain, you can test your MBP's iSight's resolution with QuickTime Pro if you have it. If you don't have QT Pro, use the test explained in this page.
However, depending on which software you use, this resolution difference may not have any practical importance for you. Not all apps can use the higher resolution of the 1.3MP built-in iSights, so there's no need to trade Macs or cameras purely on account of which built-in iSight you have (unless you have a definite need increased resolution.)
Testing is the only real way to determine how images from a particular iSight will look on a particular display when driven by a particular software application. With those tests, each individual can decide whether the image quality is sufficient for his particular need. If higher quality is needed, a good camcorder or digital still camera will give better results than any webcam.
Also with two cameras attached, am I able to switch between the two while using quick capture in iMovie 09 without stopping the recording?
Probably not.
Capturing, converting, processing, and writing video to disk imposes a significant load on your Mac. The exact extent of this load may vary depending on a wide variety of factors including which app(s) you use, the configuration (example: how much RAM is available) of your Mac, which apps are running, how much disk space is available, and possibly even the lighting and complexity of the subject of your recording.
Moreover, although iMovie '09 (iMovie v8.x) can continue to record while a different app is active, not all apps can. For instance, Photo Booth immediately stops recording unless its recording is the currently active window.
Even if you have two apps that each can record in background, trying to process two video streams simultaneously may be beyond your Mac's capability. The only way to know for certain is to test.
EZ Jim
G5 DP 1.8GHz w/Mac OS X (10.5.7) PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

IMac can I swap builtin isight with external isight??

I need the ability to record other parts of the room for emails and short imovie clips, and the built in isight on my iMac is about worthless unless I want to pick up the whole thing and carry it around or else have everyone try to run over in front of the computer every time I want to record, so I was wanting to buy a regular cabled iSight and connect it instead if that would work, but dont want to waste money if there is no way to disable the built-in to allow that. I have tried using my Quickcam that works with my Powerbook and iBook, but the iMac wont recognize it and instead forces the stupid builtin isight to come on in every application instead. Does anyone know for sure if I go buy an external isight that it will work to overrride the builtin or at least allow me to choose between it and the built-in? Thanks.

Hi,
As Alex says the answer is yes.
All apps will tend to default to the Firewire connection.
However iChat has an extra Drop down appear in iChat > Preferences > Video Section to select the camera of choice.
In PhotoBooth there is no choice it defaults to Firewire.
Also have a look at this Utility
http://showmacster.com/
12:21 PM Saturday; December 2, 2006

How to use built-in iSight & external Firewire iSight simultaneously?

The solutions I've found here and elsewhere, about launching iChat first so it "controls" the internal iSight and will force the firewire iSight to work, does not work. With Quicktime and Photo Booth, I stll get the feed from the internal camera.
iChat has a dropdown menu showing "Built-in iSight" and "iSight". But when "iSight" is selected, the message "Camera is off" appears.
What is the definitive method for using the built-in iSight and the firewire iSight simultaneously? Thank you.

Hi,
Several answer to the implied questions.
By Default iChat will choose the camera listed in the iChat menu > Preferences > Video section > camera drop down.
(If there is only one camera this drop down does not appear)
The External iSight may need it's iris opened if it is plugged in but you are being told it is Off.
However also you may benefit from ticking the check box about an External Camera at the bottom of the same pane.
As for "Simultaneously" http://b-l-a-c-k-o-p.com/CamCamX.html
Other VJ type apps or that will do VJ type stuff are listed here under Movie Capture.
10:18 PM Saturday; June 25, 2011
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb( 10.6.7)
 Mac OS X (10.6.7),
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

IMac 10.6.2 freeze when using iSight

Hello
i have Problems - after i upgrade to 10.6.0 from 10.5... everything was ok .
Then i installed 10.6.1 - still not big problems sometimes hang up - only power off helped .
Since i use 10.6.2 - System freeze when using iSight , ini Chat or Skype after 20 sec.
I tried to go back to 10.6.1 - freeze after 20min .
With 10.6.0 so far no freeze .
I need help .

TnT Sweden wrote:
Hello , once again
i tried these steps with reset , .... did not work .
Also in another account .
So i think i will try to make a clean Installation .
As i am "new" into Mac - what will be the best way .
I had Leopard from the beginning - now bought Snow Leopard .I have Time Capsule for Backup.
My questions - with what System CD i should start to make the clean install ?
10.5 or 10.6 ?
And How ?
What Data will be lost - or is all backup with Time Machine like Photos ,......
Thanks in advance -
If you follow your plan, you will learn a lot and not be nearly so "new" to Mac. Here are my responses to your latest questions/statements:
So i think i will try to make a clean Installation .
In our jargon, a "clean" install means that you will erase your disk and individually reinstall your system and applications, and then restore your data files. This method is very thorough and will give you a pristine system, but it requires considerably more of your time and effort than other methods that may correct your problems.
Easier alternatives are available for your consideration. Before you undertake a system reinstall, read the rest of this post and then study this document and the links in the document that are applicable to your problem and plans:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1388
If you decide to reinstall your system, carefully consider your installation options:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1545 (also applies to OS 10.6)
As i am "new" into Mac - what will be the best way .
"Best" can mean different things to different people. For example:
• The method explained in the User Guide (manual) that came with your Mac is the easiest way.
• The "Erase and Install" option from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1545 is quicker to reinstall, but requires more work for apps and data after the OS is installed.
• Archive and Install with the "Preserve user and network settings" option eliminates the need for reinstalling apps and reconfiguring network and other user settings by "preserving" these things during the OS reinstall. Unfortunately, it sometimes also preserves the problem that is causing your difficulty.
• Secure erase before installing OS assures that NOTHING unwanted remains on your disk to cause problems after the reinstall. One pass of writing Zeros is sufficient for your purpose. Note that secure erase will take hours, depending on the size of your disk. The help article below applies to your 10.5&6 as well as the 10.4 it states,:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=DiskUtility/10.5/en/duh1011.html
Perhaps easiest of all (as least for Time Machine users) is to use your Mac's Leopard Install DVD and your Time Machine backup to "Restore" your system to a configuration dated BEFORE you did the update that has caused your problems. This method will get you working quickly, but it will not help you use Snow Leopard. If you have not already figured out how to do this "Restore," see:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1553
The section entitled " Using Disk Utility" will help you use your Time Machine backup to take your entire system back to when Leopard was working. After it works again, either stay with Leopard, or uninstall or update whatever software is causing your Snow Leopard conflict before again updating to Snow Leopard.
My questions - with what System CD i should start to make the clean install ? 10.5 or 10.6 ?
Use Leopard Install CD if you want to backup to Leopard.
Only use Snow Leopard if you want to try a fresh install of SL to see if you can get it working.
And How ?
Depending on your needs and whether you bought your Mac and SL update locally, and especially if your time is valuable to you, the best way may be to contact your retailer for an appointment so he can either help you or fix your problem for you. If you can use this as a training exercise, you will find it easier to do than to read and write about, and you can ask questions during the process. If you retailer does not consider proper installation of the SL software you bought from him to be part of his service, and if he offers "One to One", you may find it well worth your time and its cost:
http://www.apple.com/retail/onetoone/
If you have plenty of time, or if you merely like doing things for yourself, follow the instructions for the Disk you are using (or the instructions in the links I cite above if you want to try one of those methods.) Remember, you can try an easy/quick way first in case it works without all the manual effort on your part. If that fails to correct your problem, you are only out your time. You can try the next easiest way, and keep trying increasingly complex methods until you find the one that works for you.
What Data will be lost - or is all backup with Time Machine like Photos ,......
This answer varies depending on which method you use to restore your system or reinstall your OS:
• NOTHING IS LOST when you Archive & Install
(if you "preserve user and network settings" before installing)
• EVERYTHING IS LOST when you secure erase.
• Other methods may keep data but lose application or user configuration settings.
(1) I use SL on two Macs and it work GREAT on both. I WANT to use SL because I like it MUCH better than Leopard.&ensp:You did not ask this, but here is how I would proceed to get SL working:
♦ Unless you already have it, I would make another, separate, backup of all important data in addition to the one you already have in Time Machine. One backup is not enough for me. In addition to your music, photos, and other data files, consider items like those listed here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2980
♦ THEN, I would securely erase the startup disk and follow the instructions that came with the SL DVD to install SL.
♦ Immediately after the restart that completes the install, I would use Mac's Disk Utility to repair permissions.
♦ Then configure your internet connection, and download and install the Mac OS X v10.6.2 Update (Combo):
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL959
♦ Immediately after the restart that completes the Combo Update, repair permissions again.
♦ Once you have reinstalled SL, use  > Software Update... to update any other Apple software as needed. I repair permissions before and after any installer than asks me to enter my Administrator Password.
♦ Now you can test your iMac using http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 to verify that the problem is resolved. If your problem persists at this point, see your Apple Authorized Service Provider for professional help.
♦ You can restore your data files either now or after reinstalling third-party items.
♦ Now, you can reinstall necessary third-party software. Install only one item at a time and test thoroughly before adding another so you can tell if one of them is causing a problem.
(2) If you would rather retreat to Leopard and not bother trying to fix SL on your Mac, the easiest fix will be to restore your Leopard system from Time Machine. You can then restore any data newer than your last working Leopard system from your backups.
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.2) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.2)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

IMac w/ built in iSight V standalone iSight

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for