External isight auto focus noise

i have an isight that appears to be working fine (it focuses, displays image, has sound, etc) however i have not used it in quite some time.
my question is that i can clearly hear the focus mechanism in this external firewire isight and i am checking to see from someone who uses these a lot if that is normal.
i have used the built in isight in my macbook and i never hear any noise although i realize that they are very different units.
is it normal to be able to hear the auto focus noise for an external unit?

Thanks Tony,
I had this one as an Email at home.
Sent them here as well http://www.ralphjohnsuk.dsl.pipex.com/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
(how to Check your iSight is Functional)
7:59 PM Tuesday; September 11, 2007

Similar Messages

Is the external isight better than the internal?

I have a macbook, but I am considering purchasing an external isight as well. I know the external has auto focus (I do not believe the internal does) but I am more interested in color. Does the external have better color and low-light picture? Is the same 1/4 inch chip from the external used in the internal, or is the internal a lessor chip?
I enjoy the macbooks isight, but I would like to make some movies with iMovie. The internal is not overly impressive with it's colors when doing this. Sharpness is also not excellent, it seems the external will definitly improve upon this.
Any input is greatly appreciated. I would really like to hear from owners of both cameras who could possibly compare and contrast these two.
Kalel

Hi Kalel,
I agree with Eddie. I have an external mounted on my G5 at the office and an internal on an Intel iMac at home. If nothing else, the ability to reposition makes the external the hands down winner.
Personally, I believe the external records ambient light better than the internal, but I have different lighting situations at both locations.
Both the internal and external have autofocus.
One of the best additions you can get for either one is a program called iGlasses. I has been mentioned many times in this forum with plenty of user comments.
Good Luck
John

External iSight makes noises after connecting

After connecting my external iSight to my ibook g4, the camera makes a strange noise, probably coming out of its mic or the lens which is like trying to focus..or I don´t know. It´s a short buzzing sound which sometimes appears while the camera operates. I hope somebody has got an explanation for this..

Welcome to Apple Discussions, Artjom
In my relatively quiet location, I can occasionally hear External iSight's auto-focus mechanism make what I can best describe as a quite "chhhh" sound. It makes the noise for me when I plug iSight in, and also when I change my position or hold something up between me and the camera during a chat. Your description sounds to me as if you are describing the auto-focus mechanism's sound.
You can test your iSight to ensure it is functional. The second part of the test page deals with testing External iSight's auto-focus. Use bright light while you are testing to rule out problems of insufficient illumination. Best quality video requires more light than what I consider normal room lighting. Listen for your sound when you change the distance in the focus test. If you want to be thorough, try testing again with your iSight on a different Mac. If the sound you hear during the test is what you have been hearing, you are, indeed, hearing iSight focusing, and you have nothing to worry about.
However, if the auto-focus "chhhh" is not the sound you are posting about, your iSight may need service. Did your iSight only recently begin to make this sound, or is the sound growing louder, growing longer in duration, or occurring more frequently? If so, you might want to take your iSight and your iBook to your Apple-Authorized Service Provider for a professional check. There are no user serviceable parts inside iSight.
Jim
Mac OS X (10.4.9) G5 DP 1.8 External iSight

ISight is not auto focusing .. any ideas?

that's it , it's not auto focusing, I can make it to focus using external apps like iGlasses....
**** , help ?

Are you sure you have not configured iGlasses to allow Manual Focus ONLY? If that is not your problem, consider the following.
iSight's auto-focus needs plenty of light to work best. If you are testing in a work area that is not brightly lit, add plenty of light and test again.
If you have not already done so, try another Firewire cable. You should also try plugging iSight into another Firewire port. Finally, try your iSight on another Mac. These suggestions will help you rule out cable, connection, or computer specific problems.
If you have not done so already, test with more than one application that can use iSight . This will help rule out program software problems.
See if the focus testing suggestions in the second part of How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional give you any ideas that you have not already considered.
My only other suggestion that might help you is to disconnect all Firewire cables from your G5 iMac. Then download and apply the Mac OS X 10.4.8 Combo Update (PPC). Repair permissions after you restart your Mac. Finally, reconnect and check your iSight again.
Users have reported fixes to a variety of audio, video, connectivity, and software conflicts and unreliability issues after properly applying the Combo Updater. Using the Combo Updater to update to the current Mac OS X version also often seems to correct problems that exist with earlier 10.4.x versions.
If the suggestions above do not help you correct your problem, my only remaining suggestion for restoring your iSight's auto-focus is to contact your Apple Service Technician for service. There are no user serviceable parts in iSight.
Jim
Mac OS X (10.4.8) G5 DP 1.8 External iSight

808 PureView - noise from auto-focus mechanism dur...

Hi,
Just bought an 808 PureView, and have noticed a very audible noise from the auto-focus during video recording.
Is this normal?
I don't want to send it back if it is a "design feature", as I'm loving everything else about it!
Thanks!
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Thats totally normal. I've seen on my 808 too while shooting in complete silent environment.
THANK YOU
If this post was useful, click the white star.
Nokia 808 with Belle FP2 (113.010.1506)
Type RM-807
Product code 059p7z2

Poor focus on external isight

well, i've read the posts about checking to see if an external isight is functioning properly. i think that mine is; but the focus is poor. when i compare it with the built-in isight on my macbook pro, there's no comparison. i sent the first one back, the new one is exactly the same. doesn't look too bad till you have it side-by-side with the one in the laptop. for the price of this thing, plus the fact that you have to spend $30 to get a plastic mount for my imac, it's a shame.
can anyone else compare the built-in and the external and let me know what they see?
thanks

Hi Gavin,
No, I have the internal on a intel iMac and the external on a Power Mac G5.
Did you get the trial of iGlasses or the full version?
I did give you bad info about the focus. The external has focus, but the internal does not.
The iglasses web site says this:
NOTE: Some cameras will display a different list of settings. Available settings is based on camera capability. For example, the "built-in iSight" does not have "Focus" because that camera doesn't have the ability to control focus.
But, since indeed your problem is with the external then this should not apply. I do not remember which settings are not available in the demo version.
Maybe some else here is using the demo version on an external that could tell us if they have the availability to "focus". The full version certainly does - along with some of those features that, I agree, are pretty "useless" - unless you have more time than sense ;~)
Regards,
John

Disable auto-focus on iSight?

Is it possible to disable the auto-focus and/or auto-exposure on the iSight?

Both iGlasses and iChatUSBCam will do what you ask.
Select the one you want based on which feature set and which apps you want to be using when you manually focus or manually set exposure.

New External iSight & still same problem

I just got my external iSight camera replaced because I was haveing a issue that whenever I plugged it in, the light would turn on for about 2 seconds, then it would make a noise and shut off. Rotating the ring in the front was of no help either. I sent in for a replacment and now the new one has the exact same problem.The only thing that I can think of is that there is some kinnd of compatability issue or something. Any suggestions are aprecheated, thank you.
System Specs:
Powermac G5
DualCore 2.0Ghz
2.6GB RAM
OS X Tiger 10.4.6
PowerMac G5 2.0Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Cujo,
Thats common. Plugging the iSight in to the firewire port results in the green light coming on and it makes a little noise, thats the camera itself being detected by OSX. Then the little light goes off.
When you open iChat, and open the preferences for Video/Audio, the light will come back on, maybe make the same noise, and should be working.
The green light and associated iSight noises (auto focus), are only present when the camera is in use.
IE: in a video conference.
Otherwise, the light is off.
It is not a problem, its how the camera works.
Also, turning the front of the camera only enables or disables the privacy shutter.

ISight Making Clicking Noise and Locking Up Computer

I have an iSight that worked perfectly for about a month. Recently it seems to work well when I first start iChat, but after only a few minutes the image locks and the camera starts making a clicking noise. The green light goes on and off. Sometimes the image will start again, and sometimes it does not. It also often seems to lock the entire application (either Skype or iChat). I have to completely turn off the computer and re-start. Also, I can't turn on the computer with my iSight plugged in. I have tried both fire-wire ports, don't have any other devices connected by firewire. I do have a wireless router I put in place, but can't remember if any of the problems seemed to start when I put this in or not. Any suggestions are appreciated. I bought the camera on eBay, but it came still wrapped in plastic with all original packaging. It appeared to be brand new. Thanks for any thoughts!!!

You're welcome, kerk7
Your M8817LL/C iSight is at least a couple of years newer than my iSight. My old "Rev A" has never failed in daily use, and it is still working fine. Click here if you want more info about model visions.
Yes, other cameras will work. For instance, I used my Firewire-equipped DV camcorder for my first couple of months of "iChatting." If you have a camcorder with a Firewire cable, disconnect all other Firewire devices, plug the camcorder in, and try it with iSight. My camcorder was not nearly so handy as my iSight, and I was nervous about dropping the camcorder or using it up video chatting instead of making video recordings, but it worked fine, and the image quality was great.
Because you are using OS X 10.4.10, the new "UVC" webcams will work without additional driver software (for compatible applications.) Note that applications like iMovie that require Firewire DV input signals from external cameras will NOT work with these UVC cams. Check the System Requirements of each software application you will use for compatibility info. If you plan to use your webcam with iMovie or other Firewire-only apps, you may want to get your iSight repaired (if it can be) or buy one of the available alternative Firewire cams. If you really want a UVC cam instead, you could record your movie/video clips using some compatible application that can make movie or video clips and then import the clips into your iMovie project for processing.
You ask for "thoughts."
(1) When shopping, remember that significantly cheaper cameras likely have fewer features than iSight. Many do not auto focus. Some do not automatically adjust lighting. Some do not have microphones, so, depending upon which Mac you use, you may need to buy a separate mic. Check carefully for features that are important to you.
(2) Some very low-priced cams may give lower quality images. See John Kennedy's "Cameras and Image Quality", the Sat - October 30, 2004, blog for a comparison. Although new external iSights are no longer available from Apple, the image quality of external iSight shown in the comparison should be representative of current high-quality web cams.
(3) Any but the lowest-cost webcams should give an adequate quality image, but remember that your husband will be the one looking at the image from the camera you buy. If your Mac is portable, the best way to determine which cameras offer an image "good enough" for your needs is to take your Mac along when you shop. Ask the retailer to demonstrate the camera on your computer with the software application you will use. The preview function of your software will let you judge the quality the actual image from a particular camera as well as demonstrate to you that the camera model is compatible with your software. If you use a desktop Mac, ask the retailer to demonstrate the camera on one of his Macs with the same Mac OS and software applications that you plan to use.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz Mac OS X (10.4.10) G5 DP 1.8 External iSight

Is there a plan for Apple to continue offering the external iSight camera?

Hi All,
I'm thrilled to be the new owner of a Mac Pro w/Cinema display, but I'm getting jealous of my partner on his MacBook Pro with built-in iSight camera, having all the fun with video iChats and video Skype calls.
Since Apple has discontinued sales of the old external iSight camera, does anyone know if they have any plans for a new (even cooler) version? Or, if not, any recommendations on another product that would work just as well?
Thanks!

Hello John and Peter
¶2.1.1 of Apple Discussions' Terms of Use prohibits us from speculating on Apple's plans here. If you want to pursue that question, you can search the web for some of the many Mac or Apple rumor sites.
Some of the many available iSight alternatives are discussed in this link. Because you are using Leopard on your new Mac Pro, all of the alternatives mentioned there are available to you.
At present, the Apple Store sells the Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision. However, any of the alternatives from the link in the paragraph above will work as long as they are compatible with your system and the applications you plans to use with your camera. The package documentation for many cameras list compatibility info for popular applications. Carefully check the documentation for any apps and cameras of interest before you buy.
Also check the camera's advertised features to be certain your compatible camera has all features that are important to you (examples: auto-focus, auto-exposrure, zoom capablility, integrated microphone, etc..) You may not need many, or even any, of these features, but many low priced Mac compatible cameras omit at least some of the features that you may need.
You will not have any difficulty finding cameras that will work with both iChat and Skype. For specific camera recommendations for iChat, search the iChat and iChat Sharing Forum for threads like this one.
For Skype-specific questions beyond what Webcams that Skype sells for use with their software, see the Skype Help pages.
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

External iSight camera's compatibility with OS 10.5.8 / iMovie 09

I'm new here and joined because I couldn't find the answers to my questions anywhere on the net.
I just upgraded my OS to 10.5.8 and then installed iLife 09, only to discover that my USB iMage webcam won't capture video in iMovie 09. So I've been researching a replacement, only to get totally overwhelmed by the options. I don't really need a more expensive digital camcorder . . . just a good quality webcam for vcasting.
I found an "A" model external iSight camera still new in box from an Amazon seller but am hesitant to push the BUY button for fear it won't do what I want or isn't compatible in some way with either the new OS or iMovie 09.
I surely would appreciate some input for you all about this iSight camera option and whether it's the best choice.
Thanks,
Janae

Welcome to Discussions, Janae
(1) Although iMovie Help says you should use a firewire webcam, as shown here, your USB iMage webcam should be compatible with 10.5.8 and iMovie '09:
http://www.ecamm.com/mac/imagewebcam/apps.html
Restart your Mac with your webcam connected and check iMovie function again. If you don't already know, this tutorial will show you how to record from a built-in USB iSight:
http://www.apple.com/ilife/tutorials/#imovie-isight
To use your USB iMage webcam, the only thing you need to do differently from what is shown in this tutorial is to *be sure your webcam is selected* (instead of iSight) in the "Camera:" choices bar in the recording preview window.
(2) If you still have problems, try the relevant suggestions from
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1059#4
If you still have problems, post back any new info you discover during troubleshooting. We will try to offer specific suggestions based on the details in your response.
(3) If you want more info about camera alternatives, see Ralph's User Tip:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2018211
A couple of Firewire webcams that may still be available are:
http://www.firewire-1394.com/fire-i-webcam-unibrain.htm - and -
http://www.welovemacs.com/isweet1.html
Other readers should be aware that some webcams do not have built-in mics, auto-focus, etc., so check carefully for any features that are important to you.
In case you find any of these, this old review gives some opinions on the relative merits of a few different Firewire webcams:
http://www.macworld.com/article/27783/2003/12/firewirewebcams.html
EZ Jim
“I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link."
G5 DP 1.8GHz w/Mac OS X (10.5.8) PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

External isight vs. internal

How different exactly are the built in isight on a macbook and the external isight sold by apple a while back? i have both because i needed a camera for my stopmotions. Like resolution, color. Also, how does the external hold up to todays standards?

Hello Snipereye64
Such a well stated and brief question that requires a big answer!
Technically, I suppose the answer to your question depends on which built-in iSight is in your MacBook.
Early MacBooks had a 640x480 (VGA) resolution USB iSight that is the same resolution as the external (Firewire) iSight is use. Given normal webcam distance from the lens and adequate light (video takes more light that normal room lighting), I think the image quality of that built-in iSight is approximately equal to, but different from, my external iSight's.
External iSight has auto-focus so it can offer better images at widely different distances to the subject. It is also easier to attach filters and accessory lenses, but this difference is not really an image quality difference.
If your only use for iSight is video chat, your image quality question can best be answered by your video chat partner, who is the one who sees the image your iSight sends. Here is a comparison video test I made some time back with a chat partner who has both internal and external iSights.
My chat buddy changed NOTHING between the two pictures except which iSight he was using. I do not see any significant difference in actual image quality between the two. I do see differences in the amount of software image sharpening, contrast, and color balance. These parameters are software-controlled, so different apps might give different results.
If you want to compare the quality of snapshot still images for email or posting on the web, the best way to critically examine image quality is to make a print of the same subject made with both cameras. I have not done this kind of test using my iSight because, although I occasionally make an iSight snapshot to email, I almost always use my 5 and 10MP digital still cameras for images I want to have enough quality to print or post. No webcam offers sufficient image quality for me for prints beyond about 3x4 inches.
You can do your own comparison and judge for yourself with your iSights. Capture an image of your face with both of your iSights. It is best if you do this as near as possible to the same time, same size, and in the same light. Then print both images and look for image quality differences that are important to you Even though you may not use your iSights to make printed images, the prints will more readily reveal any faults in the test images you make.
Current iNtel Macs (other than MacBook Air) that I have checked have a 1280x1024 resolution. This 1.3MP camera has more than 4.25 times as many pixels as the 0.3MP (640x480) cameras. How this additonal resolution is used depends on the software application that is running the camera. When using iChat, I do not notice the resolution difference, but a printed image or one an image made with some other application might give a different answer. iChat's software image sharpening, contrast, and color balance of the 1.3MP iSights seem to be about the same as they were for the earlier built-ins.
Depending on your intended use for your images, you can use "The Test App" from this article to test which built-in iSight you have. However, the best test will likely be how the images made with the software you use looks to you for the purposes you intend.
My old "Rev A" external iSight still works as well as it did new for video chat and an occasional quick video clip for emailing. It is good enough for me.
Please let me know if I missed anything. ;-)
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

External iSight Powers Up (Gets Green Light) Then Stops

I have one of the first iSights I can confirm worked up until two years ago. At that point I unplugged it and never plugged it back in. It stayed mounted on the computer. Today, I decided to re-plug it back in but I can't get it to stay on. I've followed all the step in the troubleshooting guide (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090) and I've even plugged it into three other Macs. Same results:
The device turns one
Green light comes on
Then there's a quick noise
Green light goes off
Device is not recognized by the machine.
Is it simply old and unusable now?

Jonathan Healey wrote:
... I can't get it to stay on.
Green light comes on
Then there's a quick noise
Green light goes off
Do not be concerned that the little green indicator light atop your iSight illuminates for a few seconds and then goes dark when you first connect your iSight or power on your Mac. Neither should you be concerned that you hear a soft whir as iSight attempt to focus either. Both these occurrences are normal.
On its own, the fact that the green light goes out will NOT prevent your iSight's proper function with applications that can use your iSight. (Test with only one app at a time.)
Note that iSight can be picky about sharing your Mac's Firewire, so be sure you have NO other Firewire devices connected while you are trying to get iSight working. Also disconnect any other A/V devices you might have such as game boxes, TV, audio, or video converters, etc., while you are troubleshooting iSight.
... followed all the step in the troubleshooting ... plugged it into three other Macs.
... Device is not recognized by the machine.
You have done some great troubleshooting. Failures on other Macs is particularly informative.
If you have considered all of the suggestions I offer for testing your external iSight in
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html but your external iSight is still not recognized as a Firewire device in System Profiler, you almost certainly have hardware trouble. However, your problem may be repairable.
Is it simply old and unusable now?
An Apple Authorized Service Provider may be able to repair your iSight. Some local, phone, web, and third party repair possibilities are identified here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9530142&#9530142
If you need or want to use a different camera, some alternatives are discussed in Ralph's user tip:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2018211
EZ Jim
G5 DP 1.8GHz w/Mac OS X (10.5.8) PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

Just got an external isight-

Been trying it out and I was wondering if the image quality is better than the more recent built in cameras on the mac. Its certainly better than the USB cameras that my buddies have.
If I could only figure out version I have....

Hello Zband
... if the image quality is better than ... built in cameras on the mac.
Given normal webcam distance from the lens and adequate light (video takes more light that normal room lighting), I think the image quality is approximately equal.
External iSight has auto-focus so it can offer better images at widely different distances to the subject. It is also easier to attach filters and accessory lenses, but this difference is not really an image quality difference.
If your only use for iSight is video chat, your image quality question can best be answered by your video chat partner, who is the one who sees the image your iSight sends. Here is a comparison video test I made some time back with a chat partner who has both internal and external iSights.
My chat buddy changed NOTHING between the two pictures except which iSight he was using. I see differences in the amount of software image sharpening, contrast, and color balance. However, I do not see any significant difference in image quality between the two.
If you want to compare the quality of snapshot still images for email or posting on the web, the best way to critically examine image quality is to make a print of the same subject made with both cameras. I have not done this kind of test using my iSight because, although I occasionally make an iSight snapshot to email, I almost always use my digital still cameras for images I want to have enough quality to print or post.
Rather than accept my assessment, you can do a comparison and judge for yourself. Capture an image of your face with both your iSight and a different Mac that has a built-in iSight. It is best if you do this as near as possible to the same time, same size, and in the same light. Then print both images and look for image quality differences that are important to you.
If I could only figure out version I have....
Look on your iSight's Packaging. The version/model number is printed on the outside of the box near the serial number.
If you did not get the original packaging with your iSight, look in System Profiler. (System Profiler's model identifier is different from the model number printed on iSight's packaging.) To find your "Model:" information, your iSight must be connected. Launch System Profiler, and click the items shown below to see the info about your iSight:
Your Service Tech can find out, too, but he only needs iSight version information in case he needs parts. However, from a user point of view, all external iSights work alike.
My old Rev A works just as well as exactly like the last ones made. The only iSight model ("version") difference important to users is which mounting hardware was furnished. My Rev A came with adhesive mounts, while Rev B and C came with Magnetic mounts for the aluminum framed Apple Displays. All versions had a reasonably good mount for your PowerBook.
Cheers,
Jim
Mac OS X (10.4.9) G5 DP 1.8 External iSight

External iSight not working on Powerbook G4

Hi,
I have had an external isight for awhile, however recently it has not been working. When I plug the camera into the firewire port the green light at the top lights up, then the camera makes a shuttering noise and then the light goes off. Twisting the lens to try to turn the camera on or off does nothing. The trouble shooting does not seem to work either. When I look to see if the firewire cable fuctions properly I go to the system profiler while the cable is inserted and all it says is, firewire bus speed 800mb/sec Speed. Should it tell me if a firewire cable is plugged in or not?
So I was wondering if i need a new cable, my firewire port is defective or if it is the camera.
Thanks
Ckwillia

Welcome to Apple Discussions, Ckwillia
You have done some good troubleshooting. The other suggestions in How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional should help you track down your problem with external iSight.
The fact that your iSight does not show as a Firewire device in System Profiler is a problem. Rule out the easy-to-fix possibilities like cables, ports, or connections. If necessary, try resetting the Firewire ports, and check your ports with another Firewire device if you have one or check your iSight on another OS X Mac.
When you get things working, with a working external iSight connected, your System Profiler should show iSight info like that in the following partial screenshot:
If it turns out to be the camera, you will need the services of an Apple Service Technician. There are no user serviceable parts in iSight.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz Mac OS X (10.4.10) G5 DP 1.8 External iSight

External isight auto focus noise

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