Alternative to FW iSight

The FW iSight I have for my Powermac G4 is starting to act up after years of faithful service. I am now looking for something that works on Tiger PPC and Leopard PPC, supports Yahoo Messenger, iChat AV, Photobooth/Freakshow/Funny Photographer and aMSN and offers at least the same ability of the old school FW iSight. I have USB 2.0 so it doesn't have to be a Firewire cam. It also has to be able to mount to either an Apple flat panel or the top of a CRT(depending on which setup I use).

Hello fallofredmond
As Ralph explains in http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9009591&#9009591, your USB 2.0 G4 can use any UVC Compliant (USB Video Class) webcam if your G4 is running Mac OS 10.4.9 or greater.
If your OS is 10.4.8 or earlier and you do not want to upgrade/update, you can use many USB webcams with iUSBCam.
EZ 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

Similar Messages

  • Does apple still sell the iSight?

    I have a G5 tower and don't have a camera built into my monitor and was looking to buy the iSight. But I can't find it on the applr store website. Do they still sell them?
    Thanks for any help.

    Welcome to Apple Discussions, WishboneJG
    Short answer: "No" (at least not in the USA)
    My search of iSight discussions yielded this recent post that should "help":
     http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5022721&#5022721
    Because Discussions Searches are currently so slow, I quote the relevant part:
    ... Apple no longer sells the external iSight.
    If you want a real external iSight, you will have to look for used or NOS (new, old-stock) iSight at computer or electronic stores.
    You can also often find external iSights, including some advertised as new, at internet auction sites. However, even if the iSight you are buying is a NOS iSight, it may not be covered by Apple Warranty. If the seller is not providing you service guarantees or warranty, you may be interested in considering Apple's iSight Service: Frequently Asked Questions.
    Moreover, if you "buy one 2nd hand", you may want ask whether the connectors, cables, and mounts that meet your needs are included.
    Other than for software like iMovie, which requires that external cams provide Firewire DV signals, any of the new UVC cams will work when used with Mac OS X 10.4.10. This is true for any of the new UVC cams, whether Logitech or other brand. The critical thing is that the cam must support UVC.
    For more info about UVC, see this post in the "Webcams other than iSight" thread.
    If you are looking for specifically for Firewire alternatives to external iSight, take a look at Unibrain, iSweet, iBOT, or others that claim compatibility with Mac OS X and the apps you want to use with your webcam.
    If you post back for more info, please include what Mac OS you are using, what apps you want to use with your webcam, and your country location.
    EZ Jim
    PowerBook 1.67 GHz   Mac OS X (10.4.10)    G5 DP 1.8  External iSight

  • What is my best option??

    Hi All,
    I have the new iMac with the built-in webcam and what I need to do is be able to chat with video and audio with a pc. My parents live in another city and I just moved out. Anyway what is the best option for us? They have Skype, but it is my understanding that does not support the mac with video.
    I got them to download Yahoo, but that didn't work so well either. I haven't tried AOL yet.
    Thanks so much for any help.
    iMac   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  
    iMac   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  

     AIM 5.9 on the PC is the free (PC must meet AIM 5.9's System Requirements) solution that works best with iChat AV on your Mac. Mac Video Chat with PCs will answer your questions and explain other alternatives.
    Using iSight may be of interest to new users.
    The Mac versions of Common PC Chat Applications, including Yahoo! Messenger, have a number of limitations. What works and what does not is summarized here for a few of the most common apps.
    Jim

  • IChat webcam for G3?

    Happy New Year all,
    Just wondering if anyone uses their G3 iMac for iChat with a webcam? I was thinking of trying an iSight camera, but since Apple only build these into new Macs and Amazon advertise the old cameras at £600 a pop (!!! gold dust!!!) I haven't a clue what to do. Any other firewire cameras used or success with USB cameras on USB1.1???
    As usual, many thanks in advance for any experiences shared…
    Simon

    Hello Simon
    For Firewire alternatives to external iSight, take a look at Unibrain, iSweet, Fire-i, or others that claim compatibility with your version of Mac OS X and the apps you want to use with your webcam. Remember to check for microphone capability if you need that.
    EZ Jim
    PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.1)  External iSight

  • Help can't buy the camera at store in France

    Is there any reason as to why the European Apple stores no longer (or may never have) sell the iSight Camera unit. I want to use iSight to chat to my son who has bought a new MacBook Pro with built in camera and I have a Mac with no camera. Is there a usable alternative on the market if in fact I cant buy one in France?
    Dual G5   Mac OS X (10.4.4)  

    Hi Richard,
    Sorry, iSight was pulled from European Union stores a few months ago because it violates environmental regulations. (Just chock full of poison chemicals I guess.)
    I would recommend checking out this camera as an alternative to the iSight:
    http://www.ecamm.com/mac/imagewebcam
    Thanks,
    Glen

  • Alternative to iSight?

    Hello,
    I recently purchased a new Mac Pro. I would like to get a good quality camera for it. Since Apple no longer sells the iSight, is there a way to get a reasonably priced camera that will work with iChat/Photo Booth/iMovie?
    I am currently using a USB camera (the Xbox Live Vision Camera) and it works alright, but generally has poor performance.
    I have been looking at bids on eBay, but iSights normally go for around $200 US before shipping. Is there a cheaper alternative that delivers good performance, or is the iSight the only way to go?
    Thanks.

    Hello brennanrusnell
    Because you want both better performance and to use your camera with iMovie, you might want to consider using a Firewire webcam or a Mac-compatible DV webcam that connects via Firewire. One of the new UVC webcams that is more expensive that the XBox Live might give you better image quality, but will probably not work as an iMovie recording source camera.
    More info at http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5725045&#5725045  Your 10.5.1 equipped Macs (or any Mac running 10.4.9 or later) will work with UVC cams mentioned there.
    Whatever you decide, because image quality, performance, and compatibility with iMovie are all important to you, take your PowerBook with you when you shop if you can. I like to demo the exact camera I want (not just a demo cam of the same model) using my Mac and my software before I take it home. That way you will not need to make trips back to the store if the camera does not work or if you are not satisfied.
    EZ Jim
    PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.1)  External iSight

  • Need alternative to isight for 8-core MacPro running 10.5.2...?

    My external isight will not work for more than a couple minutes in iChat before the picture distorts and audio coming from my end is delayed by five seconds. It works fine as can be with my old G4 1.25 running 10.4.8, I was hoping the 10.5.2 update would fix this issue.
    Is there a confirmed working alternative (camera) that is compatible with a MacPro 8-core & Leopard 10.5.2...?

    Hello 2bigfeet
    If you do not get a more specific answer you want here, consider the following.
    (1) If your iSight works properly (and reliably) with other Macs, you may have found a problem with your MacPro rather than your iSight. If so, a new webcam may not fix your problem.
    You can try any relevant suggestions from How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional to see if you can track down and fix your problem or determine that your MacPro needs professional service.
    To assure you meet the considerable speed called for in iChat 4 System Requirements, be sure disconnect or turn off all other devices on your LAN while you test your broadband speed and troubleshoot.
    Especially if you are using other Firewire devices or third-party AV software with your external iSight, pay particular attention to possible conflicts mentioned in the testing info. Even if you can get your iSight working properly with your MacPro, you may wish to use a USB cam for iChat if you must have Firewire devices that conflict with your iSight connected while you connect for video chats.
    (2) Other cam info at http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5725045&#5725045
    The comments about UVC cams apply equally to your Leopard Mac without adding any software. Complete support for UVC cams is included in the Mac OS itself after 10.4.8.
    (3) This recent thread gives some specific examples that are working for other Leopard users running iChat 4: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1201902&tstart=150
    Any of the cams there will work with a 10.5.2 MacPro that is working properly.
    EZ Jim
    PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.2)  External iSight

  • Recording via iSight, but alternative sound input?

    Hi everyone,
    I have a question that I suspect I know the answer to, but don't want to believe. I am wanting to record something with my iSight, but as the sound quality is too poor for what I want, I would like to record the audio from an external mic, that I use for my podcast - not the iSight mic.
    Is there a way to do this? I have searched through these forums and couldn't find an answer, so I apologise if this has come up before.
    Lucas
    iBook Mac OS X (10.4.4)

    Definitely the iSight mic. I changed the settings in the system prefs (I hadn't thought of that!), but when recording from the iSight, it was still the iSight mic.
    I think the sound quality is exaggerated by the fact I don't have the camera up close, but even when I do, the quality isn't as good as I want. It picks up too much room noise.
    It isn't anything important - as I hope to be buying a video camera in the next couple of months. I am just making a couple of sample shows for a vlog I am hoping to do by the end of the year that will supplement my blog on Japanese cooking.

  • Isight alternatives and skype

    Because of the price and discontinuation of isight; i too am looking at using, to be precise, a sony DCRHC38E MiniDV Handycam.
    I will be using it with an ibookG4 (2005). I will use a 4(handycam) to 6(ibook) pin firewire cable to connect the two.
    Two questions.
    1. Does this type of set up work with skype?
    2. Is this a suitable video camera for this use? (i have not purchased it yet)

    Welcome to Apple Discussions, tague
    Unless you get more specific answers here...
    (1) You can find excellent help for Skype-specific questions like this one in the Skype Help pages. In addition to the Users Guides, Forums dedicated to Skype issues, and other help resources, you can even ask for individual email help directly from Skype.
    (2) Your DCR-HC38 may work. You should take your iBook with you and try it before you buy. My old Sony DCR-TRV17 and DCR-TRV70 mini-DV cameras both work very well, but they are both now discontinued. Some of the newer Sony camcorders are not Mac friendly, but I do not know which, so it will be necessary for you to test. Please let us know what you find.
    One other thing that could cause problems. You specify DCRHC38E. Is that a PAL camera? You may need the DCRHC38 NTSC version to work with your Mac, but again, a test will answer this question.
    Cheers,
    Jim
      Mac OS X (10.4.8)    G5 DP 1.8  External iSight

  • IChat 4, OSX 10.5.1, isight alternatives

    I am seeking a web camera, I have a Panasonic camcorder that has a web mode, but I get the infamous "camera is in use by another application" when I use the camcorder in DV fire wire connection no problems, but the camcorder times out after 6 mins, so anyone know a ssoftware fix or a good and available firewire or even USB web cam, info appreciated

    Welcome to Apple Discusions, martins2463
    You may be able to use your Firewire camcorder. Different cameras have different time-out logic. Check your camcorder's user manual for "battery saver" or "tape saver" info. Keeping the camera plugged into the wall when using it may disable the battery saver. Taking the tape out and/or opening the LCD door may disable tape saver. Your camera may even have settings you can configure.
    If you want to pursue other alternatives, see this post:
      http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5725045&#5725045
    The comments about 10.4.10 apply equally (or better) to your Leopard Mac.
    EZ Jim
    PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.1)  External iSight

  • Alternative good cameras to iSight, help!!!

    I am a loyal apple customer, but cannot get ahold of an isight camera without big bucks on ebay.
    So, I understand that logitech and phillips have USB 2 cameras that sourceforge has drivers for.
    How equivalent are they to the isight firewire set up? If not equal, are they decent?
    I have a Powerbook 12" 1 ghz with 768 memory, firewire port, no USB 2. Am I out of luck here without isight as a good camera?
    Here are the two models Skype lists as having mac drivers,
    Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000
    and
    Philips SPC900NC PC Camera with VGA CCD Sensor and USB 2.0 Interface
    Thanks everyone,
    Evan

    Hi Evanshaw,
    It's better not prettier then iSight
    Philips SPC900NC PC Camera with VGA CCD Sensor and USB 2.0 Interface
    iSight was pulled out of the stores with a reason.
    The Apple iSight -- both built-in and external versions -- has proven a temperamental device with regard to incremental Mac OS X updates. In some cases, other devices on the FireWire or USB 2.0 bus can generate interference. In other cases, software issues are to blame.
    In at least some cases, the conflict is caused by the Classic environment being active -- perhaps with some Classic application or component attempting to gain control of the iSight, obviating other applications from using it.
    Stopping Classic (via the Classic pane of System Preferences) then repairing permissions (using Disk Utility, located in Applications/Utilities) can re-allow use of the built-in iSight.

  • ISight and alternatives

    I've recently purchased a Macbook and am learning how to use it. Although I like the convenience of iSight, I prefer the flexibility of an external webcam. I've downloaded the appropriate codecs for my logitech cam, but I can't figure out how to make that my default webcam. For example, when chatting in Yahoo, activation of the webcam automatically goes to iSight, and I have been unable to make it switch over to the external webcam. Any advice much appreciated.

    In Yahoo! Messenger, there is a preference pane that lets you select the video source. You'd find it in Preerences, under the Yahoo! Messenger menu. Then go to the "Webcam" pane.
    I don't know if you're going to have to change it every time... I've never used an external webcam with my system (except for on my G4, and that usually stayed where I put it). There would be a similar routing for selecting video source in iChat.
    Hope that helps.
    AJH

  • Mcally Icecam = Cheaper alternative to iSighT?

    The Icecam costs 5 times less than iSight but is it good enough to substitute to iSight . It has USB connection VS Firewire and I assume it is not as fast.

    I've learned you get what you pay for.
    Just some things to compare: Does the Icecam have a built in Microphone and Autofocus?
    You will need to purchase a 3rd party driver to make it work. You can find that here: http://www.ecamm.com/mac/ichatusbcam/
    I've used USB cameras and can definatly tell the difference between a USB and the Apple iSight.
    Good Luck on your decision!

  • Hardware alternative to Front Row for pre-iSight G5 iMac?

    Hey there, I know I've asked previously if there was a version of Front Row available for G5 iMacs that didn't come w/ the iSight built-in. Since I'm considering replacing my PC altogether with this machine (and getting a MacBook for mobile use), I'm really only missing one thing... We use the PC for pushing video out to our TV for edited TV shows or movies. We have an ATI Remote Wonder which uses a USB-connected RF remote to play, pause, skip, etc. Does such a device exist for the pre-isight model imacs? Essentially I'd like to be able to play a DVD or a movie in VLC and be able to pause, skip back, etc. without going to the machine. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!
    -Mike

    As it turns out the Remote Wonder software for Mac did just about everything I needed it to! Anyone looking for a somewhat close match to front row (or at least remote control) should look for a used Remote Wonder RF remote - so far it's working great. (Already had it so no extra dough either!) I like this Mac more and more every day.
    -Mike

  • Isight drivers for WIndows 7 - not working?

    Hi,
    Have a new IMac and am trying to get Isight working in a Parallels Windows 7 VM environment.
    Isight works fine in Mac OS (Skye, Oovoo, etc).
    Tried to install the drivers from the Mac OS disk (appleisightinstaller.exe) and they appear to be installed okay.
    BUT, while the device exists, I cant see any picture or when I click on settings get no settings to change. Additionally, the Isight led on the device never comes on.
    Anyone got any ideas as to what I should do.
    I have tried:
    1. De-installing the driver and reinstalling
    2. Have edited the registry in Windows to delete all references
    The reason I would like to get this working is I am trying to use Polycom PVX video conferencing software (I need it for work) and so my idea was to run it in a Parallels VM as its only available for Windows.
    Hope you can help
    Cheers
    Dave W

    dwinpenny wrote:
    Hi,
    Have a new IMac and am trying to get Isight working in a Parallels Windows 7 VM environment.
    Isight works fine in Mac OS (Skye, Oovoo, etc).
    Tried to install the drivers from the Mac OS disk (appleisightinstaller.exe) and they appear to be installed okay.
    BUT, while the device exists, I cant see any picture or when I click on settings get no settings to change. Additionally, the Isight led on the device never comes on.
    Anyone got any ideas as to what I should do.
    I have tried:
    1. De-installing the driver and reinstalling
    2. Have edited the registry in Windows to delete all references
    The reason I would like to get this working is I am trying to use Polycom PVX video conferencing software (I need it for work) and so my idea was to run it in a Parallels VM as its only available for Windows.
    Hope you can help
    Cheers
    Dave W
    Welcome to Discussions, Dave (dwinpenny)
    I don't use Windows®, but here are a couple things to consider if you have not already done so and do not get better help here.
    (1) Does this help you? http://kb.parallels.com/5028
    (2) Consider XMeeting as a possible OSX alternative for connecting to your work's Polycom system:
      http://xmeeting.sourceforge.net/pages/index.php
    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

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