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

Similar Messages

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

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!

Can i reinstall isight firmware?

When I try to use my standalone isight camera a message appears "Your camera is in use by another application" in the ichat camera window.
I've tested it in various firewire ports and different computers(G4 and IBooks) with different OS (10.4.9 and 10.3.9), always the same result.
When I turn it on, rotating the lens, the green light is always on.
In the System Profiler it appears:
iSight:
Manufacturer: Apple Computer, Inc.
Model: 0x8
GUID: 0xA270000018C66
Maximum Speed: Up to 400 Mb/sec
Connection Speed: Unknown
Sub-units:
iSight Unit:
Unit Software Version: 0x102
Unit Spec ID: 0xA02D
iSight Unit:
Unit Software Version: 0x10
Unit Spec ID: 0xA27
iSight Unit:
Unit Software Version: 0x11
Unit Spec ID: 0xA27
iSight Unit:
Unit Software Version: 0x12
Unit Spec ID: 0xA27
Product Revision Level: 1.0
Could it be a problem with isight's firmware, if so, how do I reinstall it?
Dual 1 GHz PowerPC G4 Mac OS X (10.4.10)
Dual 1 GHz PowerPC G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)
Dual 1 GHz PowerPC G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)
Dual 1 GHz PowerPC G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)
Dual 1 GHz PowerPC G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

You're welcome, Antonio.
Although your iSight Firmware version should have already been updated to 1.0.3, Software Update... on both computers is reporting that no updates are required. Moreover, the info you furnish above shows that 10.3.9 reports your iSight's Firmware version is 1.0.2 while 10.4.x reports version 1.0 for the same iSight.
(1) Based on that information, I think that your firmware updates may have been interrupted. Alternatively, this iSight may be damaged. In either case, I suggest you contact your Apple-Authorized Service Provider for professional help.
(2) If you want to continue to try to work this problem and are comfortable with UNIX or OS X, you can back up your Macs' hard drives or at least your Home folders now.
CAUTION: Do not neglect the backups. Moreover, be advised that manually moving, renaming, or deleting files outside your ~/Documents folder is generally a BAD idea in OS X unless you KNOW what you are doing, so be cautious if you decide to try finding and moving these files.
After you have backed up, look in your Finder > Go > Utilities folders to see whether they contain iSight Firmware Updaters.
Also look in your Macs' (not your home folders') Hard disk name > Library > Receipts folder and your Macs' (not your home folders') Hard disk name > Library > Packages folder to see if the iSight updaters are there.
Because Software Update... on both your Macs show that your software does NOT need to be updated, the updater is probably stored somewhere on your Mac. A manual search will be required. You will not likely be able to find this with Spotlight.
If you can find these updater items, temporarily move them to another location inside your Documents folder, and then restart your 10.3.9 Mac. Software Update... or the Firmware Download MAY now work to update your Firmware. If not, or if you damage your Mac's startup software beyond repair while attempting this fix, seek the help of an Apple-Authorized Service Provider.
(3) Let me again suggest that you consider having an Apple-Authorized Service Provider do this work unless you are knowledgeable of OS X.
If you do not have access to a local Service Technician, you may find Apple's International Technical Support Contact Information or web-based iSight Service Request worth considering.
Please let us know what it takes to resolve your problem.
Cheers,
Jim
Mac OS X (10.4.10) G5 DP 1.8 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 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

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

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

I need help with ISIGHT! I can't get it to work with MSN!

HI,
My issue is this... I have AIM/AOL and I am able to see myself on webcam.. however noone else can unless they HAVE a webcam... My first question is- "DO you have to have a WEBCAM on both ends for both people to see you?" Does the person I am chatting with HAVE to have a webcam to see me? If so WHY? They should atleast be able to see ME if I want them to... Also if they are using windows for PC platform... can they use a pc webcam and still connect with me through my isight although I am on a mac?
My second major ISSUE is.. WHY is the isight only compatible with AOL/AIM? I was told when I bought this it would be compatible with MSN Messenger for windows AND the MAC version... I have both and the isight does not show up on it... CAN ISIGHT be connected to msn messenger for MAC??? PLEASE help me!
I called APPLE tech support and they couldn't even help me! They told me to call Microsoft! Anyhow- one guy did say he was able to get his ISIGHT working with the MSN messenger for MAC platform.. do you have ANY idea how to do that?? The thing is ALL my freinds are on PC's and have MSN messenger..
ALSO- someone on mac rumors told me to look for a guy names RALPH! Said you know A LOT about mac and pc compatibility! PLEASE HELP
Bottom line - I want to use isight with msn so my msn pc friends can share webcam... I also have virtual pc software... is it easier to just get a pc webcam and do it through there? ( i tried that and it didn't work either) i need major TECH SUPPORT!
THANK YOU

Microsoft's Messenger for Mac (MSN) does not support webcams at all.
I have found the best alternative to MSN to be aMSN with macam for the webcam driver (it is a cheap usb webcam). Both are free open source projects. I guess if you use an iSight you will not need macam.
aMSN can be found here: http://amsn.sourceforge.net/
macam can be found here: http://webcam-osx.sourceforge.net/
The speed is substantially faster and it is far more stable than Mercury in my experience.
The only difficulty is the camera is often shown as being "in use by another application". To counter this I start macam, then plug in the camera (or unplug and plug back in). Then I start aMSN.

New Mac Pro vs firewire iSight

I have a mid 2010 Mac pro dual quad, I just got my hands on a new never used firewire iSight. Problem 1 the new mac's have changed the firewire configuration, luckily I had an adapter I bought when I purchased my 2010 macbook pro. problem 2 the camera only worked with iChat. After searching the forums, and trying everything from resetting the PRAM etc... I ran across this old thread
"http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1954490&start=25&tstart=250"
Thus the camera being still new, but old had the old 1.02 firmware, and needed to be updated to 1.03. Problem 3 Snow leopard does not have the updater, you need 10.5 or older to update the firmware. Lucky for me I had an old Blue iMac in the corner (that was another project), I fired it up and updated the firmware. Now life is good, the camera works with all the apps. The thread is old, but I found it to be the most help. Hats off to EZ Jim & company!

You're welcome.
Thanks for the kind words.
To save some searching for readers running Mac OS X 10.4 or later who are trying to manually
upgrade external (Firewire) iSight's Firmware to version 1.0.3, your options are here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10084429&#10084429
<hr width="85%">
Alternatively, user Malcolm Rayfield has suggested another way to apply the
1.0.3 iSight firmware update *using a Snow Leopard Mac.*
• Download the updater that was provided for Mac OS X 10.3.7-10.3.9 from
http://support.apple.com/downloads/iSightUpdater_1_03
• Double click the iSightUpdater103.dmg if necessary to see the "iSightUpdater103.pkg" .
• Right-click the iSightUpdater103.pkg icon and click "Show Package Contents."
• Open the Contents folder and double-click the Archive.pax.gz file.
• That will unzip an Applications folder that contains a Utilities folder.
• Inside the Utilities folder is the iSight Updater 1.0.3 folder.
• Open the the iSight Updater 1.0.3 folder to find the iSight Updater 1.0.3 app.
• Double clicking the iSight Updater 1.0.3 app will run it.
• Note that iSight Updater 1.0.3 is a PowerPC application, so your 10.6 Mac will need Rosetta to run it.
If you have not already installed Rosetta, click the Updater and follow your Mac's on-screen instructions.
If you have difficulty or merely do not want to add Rosetta to your Mac, your Apple Tech
can do the firmware for you, or you can use one of the other options described in the link above.
EZ Jim
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz Mac OS X (10.6.6); MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.6)
LED Cinema Display; G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11); iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9); External iSight; iPod4touch4.2.1

IMac G5 (no iSight) dead SATA & Firewire - new board?

I have an old g5 iMac (no iSight) that killed its hard drive after a power failure. I replaced the SATA drive, and it barely works - sometimes I can get it to read, usually not. Even if it does, it behaves poorly when installing or running Disk Utility from the CD. Same problems with FireWire. USB seems OK, but of course these Macs won't boot up off USB. Otherwise the machine is fine.
In your opinion, folks, is this bad capacitors, bad logic board, or something else? If this isn't cheap-ish to fix then I'm just going to sell it for parts.

"In your opinion, folks, is this bad capacitors, bad logic board, or something else?"
Hard to tell without physically examining the guts of your computer. Run the Apple Hardware Test DVD. See what results you get. Otherwise, you will have no alternative but to take the computer to your local Apple Store or AASP.

Alternative to iSight?

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