External isight camera with imovie on maverick?

Can someone please recommend an external iSight (or other) Camera to use which can record video directly into iMove on Maverick?
When trying to import a video, a drop down window shows the built-in iSight camera, as if options could possibly be available. If so, what might they be?
Thanks for any and all help!

You're welcome, Bill.
Bill Cruise wrote: ... camera ... compatible with iMovie ...
Use built-in iSight camera or a tape-based camera or camcorder: iMovie '11: Record video directly into iMovie.
If you have access to an old tape-based mini-DV camcorder with Firewire connection capability, you can use it. For example, my old Sony DCR-TRV17 and DCR-TRV70 camcorders work great with iMovie, both for import and, when connected via Firewire cable, for recording directly into iMovie. Both give better resolution than my old external Firewire iSights, and the camcorders offer the possibility of manual focus and zoom controls when needed.
As an alternative to recording directly into iMovie, record video and save movie files using QuickTimeX and a camera built into your Apple display or Mac, a DV camera connected via FireWire, and some USB webcams. Then Import the movie files into iMovie for editing.
Bill Cruise wrote: ... Apple iSight camera ... is no longer sold or supported by Apple... I may go ahead and buy one...
My external iSights (I have two) are great webcams, but they are getting old as consumer electronics go. Both of mine still work as well as they did when they were new. However, some previously owned or even NOS (new, old stock) iSights may have been damaged by rough treatment or improper storage.
An honest seller may offer you return or exchange privileges. If not, and if you don't want to spend the money to have your external iSight serviced, consider a new, Mac-compatible USB cam instead.
A new cam will include a current manufacturer's warranty, and a USB cam is not subject to the possible conflicts that can cause difficulties with the old Firewire-connected iSights.
Bill Cruise wrote:...Wonder why this info is so far to find? ...
It should not be. Let us know the specifics, and we will try to guide you to any other info you still need.
Bill Cruise wrote: ... better alternatives...using external cameras, and then importing the movie....works, but seems like quite a bit of extra hassle versus direct input to iMovie.
When your Mac recognizes more than one connected compatible camera, the others will also show in your a drop down window that shows the built-in iSight camera.
In fact the best alternative I have found for recording directly into iMovie is to use the built-in iSight camera in my MacBook Pros and my Apple LED Display. The resolution of any of these built-ins is better than the 640x480 of the old external Firewire iSights. The built-ins are also higher resolution than my old Sony camcorders.
As for your "extra hassle" comments, once you try using QuickTimeX and importing into iMovie, I doubt that you will find it a problem unless recording video is your primary use of your Mac. It is very easy to do, and you can use the QuickTime file as a good backup for your original source material that is easy to offload to a different disk for safekeeping.

Similar Messages

Using external isight camera with imac intel

is there a procedure to use my 'old' portable isight camera with my new imac intel?

i did some tests and here's how is is done:
plug in the FW external isight camera; open SKYPE and prior to calling on SKYPE; go to preferences.; go to 'video' and there NOW two selections 'built-in isight' and 'isight'; select 'isight' and that will be the camera you will using once you make the SKYPE call; HOWEVER if you want to switch back to the 'built-in isight' you have to 'hang up'; go back to preferences and select 'built-in isight' and re-make the call. BTW Apple care in the far far east was next to no help. maybe apple care will read this post and then THEY TOO will have the answer.

Built-in iSight Camera with iMovie

Since my upgrade to Mavericks, I've never been able to use the camera from my Macbook in iMovie. Because when I wanna import video (or record), it says "No Device Connected." Is this a problem? Thank you in advance.

You're welcome,bimmerfan
I understand your frustration, but with the software changing and improving so much all the time, such problems are not uncommon. If you have one, in addition to importing video recorded on the camcorder, you can use a Mac-compatible DV camcorder that connects via Firewire as your direct recording source with iMovie HD 5.
Another alternative cheaper than upgrading your iLife would be to record with the latest QuickTime Pro and then import the QT file into iMovie HD 5 for easy editing.
BTW, Thanks for the !
Cheers,
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

ISight Camera with iMovie HD 6.0.3

I have a dy unibody MacBook Pro 15-inch released in June 2009. iMovie HD is not recognizing my iSight Camera. I have the latest version of Snow Leopard. Does the program just not recognize the cameras on the new computers/new OS?

icantwaitformyiphone wrote:
Yup I tried everything and it is the same with all user accounts. It is ONLY in iMovie HD. The other iMovie works fine as do other apps.
Thanks. The next thing I would try is to backup the Mac and then reinstall the iMovie app that is giving problems.
I suggest repairing permissions before AND after reinstalling. Then use your Mac's Software Update... menu command to ensure you have the latest version. If you need an update, do another permissions repair after the update is completed.
I am not certain of this, but *I think it is possible that doing the IM6.x reinstall may necessitate reinstalling iM8.x* (the one from iLife '09.) Therefore, carefully consider whether you want to reinstall IM6.x now. One possible workaround is to use QuickTimeX or the working iMovie version to capture your iSight video clips. You can then import the captured into IM6.x for editing.
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.3) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.3)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

External isight camera used with boot camp

I'm trying to set up my EXTERNAL isight camera with windows vista under bootcamp. I want to be connected to skype (version 5.1) when I'm working on the pc side of my Mac Pro under boot camp. I've upgraded boot camp to the latest version (3.2) but it seems that the only drivers supplied are for built-in isight cameras and these don't work with my camera. I've checked the downloads section of the apple site with out luck. Is there a driver for the external isight camera or is there a way of making the built-in isight drivers work with my camera?

I do not run Windows®, so I do not have a specific suggestion for you. If you do not get the answer you need here, consider the following:
• You may find your answers at http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/
• User satcomer claims external iSight works with Windows®7 Professional 64bit here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=13135622&#13135622
• This search may help you: http://tinyurl.com/5v6s2tt
• Search or post here: http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=1244
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz Mac OS X (10.6.7); MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.7)
LED Cinema Display; G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11); iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9); External iSight; iPod4touch4.3.1

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

Using External iSight camera instead of built-in with iMovie

I have a MacBook Pro with built in iSight as well as an external iSight camera. I want to shoot some instructional knitting videos with the external camera, holding it over the shoulder of the knitting instructor while she discusses what she is doing. When I go to iMovie, I only see the option of using my built-in iSight. How can I work around this and use the external camera? Thanks for your help with this!

Judith Augustine1 wrote:
I have a MacBook Pro with built in iSight as well as an external iSight camera. I want to shoot some instructional knitting videos with the external camera, holding it over the shoulder of the knitting instructor while she discusses what she is doing. When I go to iMovie, I only see the option of using my built-in iSight. How can I work around this and use the external camera? Thanks for your help with this!
Welcome to Discussions,
Your external iSight must be connected and turned on before it can work with iMovie.
You can test whether your external iSight is working by using the suggestions here:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
When your external iSight is working, you can select it as explained in this iMovie Help article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iMovie/8.0/en/10172.html
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.4) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.4)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

External iSight cam not working with iChat

I've got an external iSight cam that was working fine in 10.5.8 with iChat - I'm using 10.6.1 now. Now when I open iChat, the camera stays off (no green light) and iChat video preview says that another application is using the camera so it's not available, which of course, is not true.
I've tried everything I know, but can't get it to work. The camera works with Skype, so I know it's functioning properly.
When I checked the Connection Doctor, under Network, it says that there's something in my network setup that is preventing video chats, but I haven't changed anything since upgrading to SL. I have a direct ethernet cable to my DSL modem/router - Covad. My wife's iChat works fine with her new LogiTech camera, and she's on the same home network/router.
Message was edited by: Macaroni108

Opps,
My head read that as MacBook Pro. Sorry.
Try Restarting the computer whilst Holding done the Apple (CMD)+ALT (OPTION)PR Keys until you have heard three start up Bongs.
Chax is an iChat Add-on.
Different version have done different things in the different iChat Versions.
There is only a Alpha test version of the one for Snow Leopard.
The iChat 4 version does not work in Snow Leopard/iChat 5 and that was why I was asking.
7:43 PM Monday; September 14, 2009
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

External iSight Camera - Will it work with a PC?

I have an older, external iSight Camera that I no longer need because all my Macs now have iSight built in. I'd like to give my old iSight to a friend, who owns a PC, so we can video chat. Is there software available so the iSight will operate with a Windows XP Operating system? Thanks!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISight#iSightonWindows

Anyone know how to get external iSight camera sound to function on 2011 Mac mini with Lion?

I recently helped my Mom upgrade from an older Mac mini to a 2011 model, and the external iSight camera shows video but has no sound. She can see and hear me through both iChat and FaceTime, but I can only see her.
I have checked the source for the mic in FaceTime and iChat preferences as well as the System Preferences, and I can see the monitor responding to input, but it is not sending the sound.

(1) You're welcome! We will be eager to see how it works for you.
(2) If iChat can't access your external iSight, there is something wrong.
• If Apple's http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
   suggestions do not help you, continue with the following.
• Use Disk Utility to repair permissions and then
   download and apply the 10.7.2 Combo Update:
     http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1459
• Repair permissions again immediately following the system restart
   that completes the Combo update.
(3) If your mini does not have a Firewire 400 port, also check
     your connections. Options I know for ways to connect
     a FW400 external iSight to a FW800 Mac port:
• This Firewire 400-800 cable can work: http://store.apple.com/us/product/TU942LL/A (I use this one.)
• Some report that this low-priced alternative cable works:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812189097
• To use your FW400 6pin-6pin cable, you can use
    a 6pin-9pin adapter like one of these: http://tinyurl.com/ydsbb6m
   (I successfully use this one, too.)

HT3103 Is external iSight camera compatable with the intel chip?

Is the external iSight camera compatable with the intel chip

stewartmevans wrote:
Is the external iSight camera compatable with the intel chip
yes
However, if your Mac has only Firewire 800 ports, you need an adapter such as one of the following to connect your FW400 external iSight:
• This Firewire 400-800 cable can work: http://store.apple.com/us/product/H7041ZM/A (I use this one.)
• Some report that this low-priced alternative cable works:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812189097
• To use your iSight's FW400 6pin-6pin cable, you can use a 6pin-9pin adapter like one of these:
http://tinyurl.com/ydsbb6m (I successfully use this one, too.)
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early09) 2.93Ghz OSX 10.7.2 24" LED Cinema Display
iPad2 iOS 5.0.1 5th Gen AEBS
MBP 15" i7 (Early'11) OSX 10.7.2 External iSights
13" MBP (Mid'09) 2.26GHz OSX 10.7.2 iBook SE 366MHz OSX 10.3.9

SIMPLE QUESTION - EXTERNAL iSIGHT CAMERA

I just have a simple question...
I was using an older iMac G5 with an external iSight camera and just upgraded to a new 24" iMac. Can the external iSight camera still be used on an iMac with a built-in camera?
The cable with the external camera allows for more flexible viewing capability.

Hello rgarros50
The second part of your question is not quite so simple.
Plug your external iSight in and turn it on. If you like, you can use the suggestions from How to test your (external) iSight to ensure it is functional to be sure it is working with your new iMac.
The answer to your question about the "default camera" depends on which application you are using to operate your iSight. Here is how camera selection works in a few example:
(1) For iChat, you can choose which iSight you use in the "Camera:" choices bar in iChat > Preferences... > Audio/Video that appears when more than one compatible camera is connected. Although your camera choices will be different, the choices bar will look something similar to the Preferences settings shown here:
Most other applications also have settings that allow you to choose which camera to use. However, they do not all work the same way.
(2) For instance, iMovie's camera choice is NOT set via Preferences. When you have more than one compatible camera connected, iMovie uses a drop-down menu choice something like this (depending on which version of iMovie you use):
Note: Because I have no built-in iSight, when my external iSight is disconnected, the drop-down menu shows only "Time Lapse." Because your iMac has a built-in iSight, your built-in iSight will show in the drop-down menu even when no other camera is connected. Connecting your external iSight should allow you to choose either camera.
(3) Photo Booth is such a simple, basic app that it offers no menu selectable choice. Unless you make your built-in iSight the camera being used by some open application before you launch Photo Booth, Photo Booth will use ONLY your built-in iSight.
However, you can use the trick from ¶ 4 of http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302781 to let Photo Booth use your Firewire external iSight:
• Connect your external iSight and turn it on.
• Quit Photo Booth (PB) if it is running.
• Launch any app with a user-selectable camera "Preferences..." menu command.
(The "tip" suggests that you use iChat, but others should work as well.)
• Open "Preferences..." and set the camera "Preference" to use your built-in iSight.
• Now launch PB. PB should now use the external iSight
because your built-in camera is in use by the other application.
(4) For apps other than those above, see their Help or other documentation.
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

HT2090 External iSight camera quit working after upgrade.

My external iSight camera quite working after OS upgrade. It appears the Firewire port is dead. Camera doesn't turn on, no green light. The camera is not recognized by any software.

Restart your Mac and troubleshoot using http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 suggestions.
Be sure to test more than one Apple app in more than one user account. Do NOT use the "Guest" account for this test. If you do not have more than one user account for the testing, create a new one now. (A "Standard" account is all you need for testing.)
If your trouble persists, when you post back here tell us:
   (1) what version of OS X you use.
        (You can find this with your Mac's  > About This Mac menu command.)
   (2) Whether the "upgrade" you mean was an OS X upgrade, an iOS upgrade, or both,
   (3) whether your external iSight works with Apple apps like Photo Booth, iMovie, etc.
        If not, confirm that the symptoms are EXACTLY the same in every user account.
We will offer more specific suggestions based on the details you provide in your response.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.8.2

Original external iSight camera crashes video apps on Mountain Lion

I had another discussion going about some firewire issues I was having. I figured I would start a new on with just the iSight issue and tracking down the problem.
I bought a new Macbook Pro 13 with OSX 10.8.2 installed. I checked for updates and found there was 10.8.2 Update 2. Installed that and Garage Band, iMovie, iPhoto and updates for Safari and iTunes.
Eventually, I got around to trying my external iSight camera. Plugged it in, started up Photo Booth, got the spinning ball of death, and then the app crashed. Every Apple app with video input that I tried crashed.
System Information listed the camera under firewire, so the cable was good.
I decided to reinstall OSX on a separate partition and go step my step to see what was killing the iSight.
Got the the base system installed as it came from the Apple store and tried the iSight. By the way, the iSight is connected via a FW400>FW800. Worked.
Next was to download the 10.8.2. Update 2. Installed the update and connected up the iSight. Worked.
Next I updated Safari to 6.0.2. Connected the iSight. Worked.
Next I updated iTunes to 11.0.1. Connected the iSight. Worked
Next I installed iPhoto 11 ver 9.4.2. Connected the iSight. Spinning ball of death. Crashed app.
Appearently there is a conflict with iPhoto and the iSight.
I might try another reinstall of OSX and install the apps without doing the 10.8.2 Update 2 and see what happens.

pwrg4 wrote: ... Does iMovie need to install before iPhoto? ...
No.
pwrg4 wrote: ... Do I have to reinstall everything 2-3 times before it works? ...
No. The following method works first time for me every time:
I ALWAYS use the Combo version of updates.
• Use your Mac's Disk Utility to repair permissions and then
   download and apply the latest Combo Update, for ML Mac OS,
   the current one is at: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1581
• Repair permissions again immediately following the system restart
   that completes the Combo update.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.8.2

HT2090 External iSight camera video feed working fine but mic is not working Mac Pro 2009 and Mountain Lion 10.8.4

Finally I decided to move forward and installed Mountain Lion 10.8.4 (with all the updates). Now I am facing a dilemma, my external iSight Camera is working fine regarding the video fee but the Mic is useless. I am using a Mac Pro 2009 and a Apple Cinema Display 30". I checked all the trends about iSight External devices but no one has a really specific solution for my problem. Firewire is not longer supported with Mountain Lion? By the way my iSight was working perfectly before. So I am wondering if something wrong happened with the OS and the support for this kind of device?   I reset the PRAM, the SMC, even I reinstalled the MAC OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4) from scratch. So I am wondering if the problem is that ML is not longer supporting this device or what is the issue here.
Hope someone can help me with it!
Thanks
Jalcom

Jalcom wrote:... Firewire is not longer supported with Mountain Lion?...
Not true. External iSight works fine with my '09 Mac Pro and 10.8.4.
Jalcom wrote:... So I am wondering if something wrong happened ...
So it must have.
Jalcom wrote: ... help me with it!...
You have tried several good things, but there may be other suggestions from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 that you have not yet considered. Be sure to check more than one Apple app in more than one user account to help you pinpoint the cause of your trouble. Then you will know what to fix.
In addition to the Apple troubleshooting, check your  > System Preferences... > Sound > Input to verify that your iSight's mic is selected, not muted, and that its volume setting is properly adjusted. You may need to check this again after restarting Mac or changing apps that use the mic.
Also, be certain that the apps you are testing are configured to use iSight's mic. Different apps select the mic in different ways. For example, QuickTime X allow selection among various microphone alternatives via one of its preferences as shown in the image below:
(I was using my Display microphone and did not have my external iSight connected when I made this image. Therefore, there is no iSight mic shown in my list of mic choices above. If your iSight's mic is properly connected, turned on, and recognized by your Mac, iSight will show in your QTX microphone preference choice list.)
If you are trying to use your iSight with a Flash based web site, also check your Mac's  > System Preferences... > Flash Player > Camera and Mic settings to verify that your Flash system preferences are not blocking your mic.
Some other apps may offer mic and or camera selection via their application menus. If you have trouble finding out how to select the iSight internal mic in other apps, check each apps' Help or post back the name of the app whose selector you cannot locate here so we can try to help.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early09) 2.93Ghz OSX 10.8.4 24" LED Cinema Display          External iSights

External isight camera with imovie on maverick?

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