External iSight not working on my intel iMac

I have a few reasons to want to use my external iSight instead of the built-in, sometimes using both at the same time. A few months ago I had tested it and it worked flawlessly and I could even write a small quartzcomposer application that used both.
But just a few weeks ago (and many system updates later) my iSight just stopped working. I tested the camera with a powerbook and it worked perfectly, so it does not seems a hardware fault.
When I plug it in, the light turns on for one second then turns off and the mac does not recognize the extra camera.
Any tips?
thanks

Have you looked here;
iMac G5 (iSight), iMac (Early 2006): Using an external video camera

Similar Messages

External iSight not working on iMac, works on Macbook despite same software

Hello!
I have an External iSight that when I plug into my Macbook (running latest Mac OS) works just fine with iChat AND Adobe Flash Webchats...
However, when I plug it into my new iMac, the green light will turn on, but the it doesn't show on ANY applications that there is an External iSight available.
The only difference is that I am connecting the iSight with an 4 to 8 pin adapter: When I plug it in, it acts the same as it does with the MacBook--the green light turns on, it makes a sound, and is ready for usage. However, I can't get it to work with any programs on my iMac.
My PRIMARY concern, is I need it to work with Adobe Flash Webchats. Help!

Hello, macboyme
Consider the following in any order you find relevant for your system:
(0) You write that you are using a 4pin to 8pin adapter. However, I think you mean 6pin to 9pin adapter.
External iSight is a Firewire device that uses a 6pin Firewire 400 connector.
Newer Macs have only 9pin Firewire 800 connectors, so it is common to use 6pin to 9pin adapters similar to the one I normally use:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/FIR1369AD/
The only 8 pin cables and adapters I could find were USB. They won't work on Firewire devices.
4pin Firewire is a mini connection that I have only seen in cameras. If you really are using a 4 and/or 8 pin cable, I suggest you try a different Firewire adapter method.
My suggestions below are based on using a 6pin to 9pin adapter like that mentioned above or cable like this one I have also successfully used:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TP320LL/A
(1) Test in another User Account on your iMac. Be sure to also consider all the other suggestions for external iSight from:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
You do not say which of your Macs has only FW800 ports that require a Firewire adapter. To remove as many variables as possible, test the same cables and Firewire 400-800 adapter on both Macs if it is possible to do so. If you only use the adapter on one Mac, it is possible that the adapter is the cause of your trouble. If one of your Macs has only FW400 and the other has only FW800, test with a different adapter or use a 6pin-9pin cable to test both your Firewire iSight. Also, test another Firewire 400 device to eliminate the possibility that your problem is caused by one of your connections.
(2) For additional ideas on how to test external iSight, consider the additional suggestions here:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
Unless the software and connected peripherals are EXACTLY the same on both your iMac and your MacBook, be sure to consider possible hardware or software conflicts with something else installed in or connected to your iMac. A link to more info about conflicts is included in the "How to test..." page.
(3) If you can rule out both possible conflicts and connection problems in the iMac, the problem must be either in your iMac's user account or in the system software used to operate your external iSight.
You can rule out problems with the user account by testing in several different accounts.
If the problem is EXACTLY the same in any user account you test on your iMac, your system software is suspect. Backup all your important files, repair permissions, and apply the 10.6.4 Combo Update:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1048
Follow the restart that completes the Combo Update with another permissions repair. Then test iSight again.
(4) Once your external iSight works correctly with your iMac's QuickTimeX, iChat, etc., it will work as well with Flash video websites as it does when you are running it from your MacBook.
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 not working with Macbook Pro early 2008

My external isight is not working with my Macbook Pro early 2008 (2.4 GHz, Intel Core 2 Duo, 6 GB RAM, OSX Lion). It goes warm when plugged into the firewire port but is not recognized in system prefs (lists as "unknown device" and also does not turn on (green light. I tried resetting PRAM and all the other stuff as suggested here but no luck. It used to work fine on a 1st generation Macbook and I remember that one of the first times I tried it with this machine here it turned on for a few secs (green light) but then it just simply stopped.
Unfortunately, I have no other firewire device to check the port.
Any ideas, dear community?

Our (old) external Firewire iSights can be sensitive to dust, shock, vibration, humidity, and other environmental factors in storage. (I store my spare in its original plastic shipping case with a new desiccant pack on a solid shelf - never in a desk drawer or other container that moves.)
You have tried several good things and may be finding that your old iSight needs work.
Here are the alternatives I can offer. Consider any you have not tried in any order you like:
(1) You can try Apple's suggestions from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
Test in more than one user account and with more than one Apple softwre application.
(2) My expanded suggestions here: http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
(3) Reset Firewire ports using the info from this old archived Apple article: http://web.archive.org/web/20090331211534/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1317
(4) If you have no local Apple Authorized service Provider who can help you, other service options are here: http://www.apple.com/support/isight/service/
(5) Consider a new USB cam with current warranty such as one of these: http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/
Message was edited by: EZ Jim

External Isight Not Working With Mac Mini

Hello
Thank You for taking the time to look at this for me , I have 2 external isight cameras and i can get neither one to work with my late 2009 mac mini running snow leopard , although they both work on the latest mac mini (running lion) , When connected they open Ichat Av but i cant get a video from them.
Thanks In Advance

27/10/2012 11:10:33
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
27/10/2012 11:11:02
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
27/10/2012 11:11:05
com.apple.WindowServer[79]
Sat Oct 27 11:11:05 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[79] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
27/10/2012 11:11:38
[0x0-0xa00a].SoftwareUpdateCheck[173]
SoftwareUpdateCheck: network unreachable
27/10/2012 11:11:38
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
([0x0-0xa00a].SoftwareUpdateCheck[173]) Exited with exit code: 3
27/10/2012 11:11:38
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.suhelperd[175]) Exited with exit code: 2
27/10/2012 11:11:43
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[190]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
27/10/2012 11:11:43
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[190]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
27/10/2012 11:11:43
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[187]) Exited with exit code: 1
27/10/2012 11:11:44
WitnessUserAgent[191]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
27/10/2012 11:11:54
WitnessUserAgent[191]
Connected to daemon: <BUDaemonServer: 0x10ea50>
27/10/2012 11:12:26
uclocator[192]
Core Location could not establish your current location
27/10/2012 11:12:26
uclocator[192]
Error Domain=kCLErrorDomain Code=0 "The operation couldn’t be completed. (kCLErrorDomain error 0.)"
27/10/2012 11:12:39
System Preferences[217]
.scriptSuite warning for result type of command 'timedLoad' in suite 'SystemPreferences': the type NSNumber ('long') doesn't match the result Apple event code ('doub').
27/10/2012 11:12:59
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[34]) Exited with exit code: 255
27/10/2012 11:13:11
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.AirPortBaseStationAgent[189]) Exited: Killed
30/10/2012 16:51:29
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
30/10/2012 16:51:55
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
30/10/2012 16:51:56
com.apple.WindowServer[87]
Tue Oct 30 16:51:56 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[87] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
30/10/2012 16:52:00
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[33]) Exited with exit code: 252
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[136]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[136]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
30/10/2012 16:53:35
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[196]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 16:53:35
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[196]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 16:53:36
WitnessUserAgent[197]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
30/10/2012 16:53:36
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[193]) Exited with exit code: 1
30/10/2012 16:53:50
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:50
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:52
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:52
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:52
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:53
WitnessUserAgent[197]
Connected to daemon: <BUDaemonServer: 0x401100>
30/10/2012 16:53:54
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:55
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:55
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:54:25
uclocator[198]
Core Location could not establish your current location
30/10/2012 16:54:25
uclocator[198]
Error Domain=kCLErrorDomain Code=0 "The operation couldn’t be completed. (kCLErrorDomain error 0.)"
30/10/2012 16:55:07
iChatAgent[225]
[Warning] [AIM] Could not change my visibility to 0
30/10/2012 17:01:48
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:01:48
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:01:49
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:01:49
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:04:01
iChat[222]
------ startPreview: previewing: 2
30/10/2012 17:04:23
iChat[222]
------ startPreview: previewing: 2
30/10/2012 20:38:13
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
30/10/2012 20:38:45
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
30/10/2012 20:38:48
com.apple.WindowServer[78]
Tue Oct 30 20:38:48 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[78] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
30/10/2012 20:38:48
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[33]) Exited with exit code: 252
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
30/10/2012 20:39:11
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[184]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:39:11
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[184]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:39:11
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[181]) Exited with exit code: 1
30/10/2012 20:39:11
WitnessUserAgent[185]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
30/10/2012 20:40:09
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
30/10/2012 20:40:35
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
30/10/2012 20:40:36
com.apple.WindowServer[87]
Tue Oct 30 20:40:36 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[87] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
30/10/2012 20:40:38
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[33]) Exited with exit code: 252
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[128]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[128]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
30/10/2012 20:40:50
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[182]) Exited with exit code: 1
30/10/2012 20:40:50
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[185]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:40:50
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[185]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:40:50
WitnessUserAgent[186]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
30/10/2012 20:40:52
WitnessUserAgent[186]
Connected to daemon: <BUDaemonServer: 0x10f390>
30/10/2012 20:41:30
uclocator[187]
Core Location could not establish your current location
30/10/2012 20:41:30
uclocator[187]
Error Domain=kCLErrorDomain Code=0 "The operation couldn’t be completed. (kCLErrorDomain error 0.)"
30/10/2012 20:42:21
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
([0x0-0x11011].com.apple.iChat[209]) Exited: Terminated
30/10/2012 20:44:07
iChatAgent[230]
[Warning] [AIM] Could not change my visibility to 0
30/10/2012 20:44:41
iChat[228]
------ startPreview: previewing: 2
30/10/2012 20:45:26
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
([0x0-0x18018].com.apple.iChat[228]) Exited: Killed

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 not working properly, please offer advice

I purchased an original iSight after having problems with my USB cam. I just did a clean install of Leopard on my mac pro. The USB cam would get errors in iChat such as "Camera in use by another application, etc).
I uninstalled the iChatUSBcam software, checked the Library/quicktime folder, etc.
I hooked up the iSight and it seemed to work, then the video went a bit haywire. I thought it was just a glitch, but when I tried to video chat, the other user could not hear my voice. I checked the System pref sound input and it was on the iSIght, but the meter was not responding properly.
I thought it may be a hardware issue, so I tested the iSight on my mac mini (G4) - It worked perfectly.
I have uninstalled iChat and reinstalled it from the Leopard disk. Still no go...
Does anyone have any thoughts?

Hello mlevack
You have tried a lot of things. Here are a few ideas you can consider.
(0) Check for possible hardware or software conflicts.
(1) With all unnecessary peripherals disconnected, try any suggestions you have not yet used from How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional.
(2) Try testing with some of the computer saavy human testers in Ralph John's list of Contact Testers. I know the page says for iChat 2.1 and 3.x, but you should be able to test with them. Ralph and some of the others also have iChat 4 if testing with that becomes necessary.
(3) If you are willing, post your chat name in your Biography or some other location in your Public Profile, and I will try to contact you for a test when I am on-line.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.10) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5) External iSight

Two BenQ external displays not working with new 27" iMac

I have a 27" iMac (newest model) and have been using it with a BenQ BL2710 monitor. It's connected with a mini display port to display port cable. It's been working great; I found that I had to uncheck the 'Displays have separate spaces' box in Mission Control, so I have the menu bar on the iMac'd display only.
Now, I have a 2nd BenQ BL2710 that I'm trying to hook up the same way, using the iMac's 2nd thunderbolt port. The display powers up and all 3 screens look perfect. The problem is getting the arrangement correct. I have the dock on one display, the menu bar on another, and the mouse will only work on one or two of the displays, depending on how I change the arrangement.
I want the dock and the menu bar to be on the iMac's display ply, which is in the center. Is there a trick to getting this done, or do I need a third party dock or other piece of hardware to get it to work?

I just answered my own question; apparently with two external displays connected, the dock has to be positioned on the bottom. I had it on the right of the main iMac display. Moving it to the bottom, and rearranging the position of the monitors in display preferences did the trick.
If anyone knows of a way to accomplish this without moving the dock to the bottom of the screen, I'd be interested. I'd prefer it on the right side, if possible.

External monitor not working on flat screen imac

I'm useing a new mini-VGA to VGA adapter part number M8639G/A and though I have tried two different displays, one mac, the other an old pc, neither worked. Any ideas? The mac help says it should just come on once I turn on the monitor. So I'm guessing that it's not like the old days where you had to pick which monitor was you first and which one was your second monitor.

Here is the specs that I found:
Studio Display (21" CRT, 19.8" VIS) studiodisp21
Physical     Power
Introduced:     1/5/1999
Discontinued:     n/a
Tube Size:     21"
Viewable Size:     19.8
Tube Type:     Trinitron
Weight (lbs):     77
Dimensions (in):     22.3 H x 20.1 W x 21.7 D
Max Watts:     180
Amps:     3.0
BTU per Hr:     615.6
Voltage:     90-132/198-264
Freq Range:     47-63 Hz
Modes
< TD>
Mode     Resolution     Vert
Rate     Horiz
Rate     DPI
VGA     640 x 480     60Hz     31.47kHz
Mac     640 x 480     67Hz     35.04kHz
VGA     640 x 480     85Hz     37.5kHz
VESA     800 x 600     85Hz     53.67kHz
Mac     832 x 624     75Hz     49.7kHz
Mac     1024 x 768     75Hz     60.02kHz
VESA     1024 x 768     85Hz     68.68kHz
Mac     1152 x 870     75Hz     68.70kHz
VESA     1280 x 1024     75Hz     79.98kHz
VESA     1280 x 1024     85Hz     91.15kHz
VESA     1600 x 1200     75Hz     93.75kHz
VESA     1600 x 1200     85Hz     106.25kHz
Do you know if these different modes are changed by pushing buttons on the monitor? And if I didn't have the right mode selected whould the screen still be black?

External isight wont work with imac g4

Hello,
I recently purchased a second hand isight camera using ebay.
I have an older imac g4 and the isight wont work with it at all.
I have scoured the forums on this topic and looked through all of EZ Jim's suggestions but I think my problem is a little bit different.
I'll explain exactly what happens and my troubleshooting so far...
The imac G4 is powered off, I plug in the external isight via firewire 400
The imac boots up into leopard 10.5.8 (using leopard assist)
In system profiler the isight is listed under the firewire tab.
( I can post system profiler info on this if its needed)
When I turn on the camera ichat launches, but then in the video tab it says no camera is connected.
Photobooth just has the no camera sign, but interestingly when ichat is opened photobooth says "camera off"
sometimes photobooth even lets me click the photo button, it counts down but then it doesnt take a picture... obviously!
Skype doesnt work.
I have an imac 24" running snow leopard 10.6.6 .... that also detects the camera but it won't work with any application such as skype or ichat.
I have tried (on my G4) unplugging my usb bluetooth module but nothing changes.
My G4 is connected via ethernet to an external router.
The firewire cable seems ok, I dont have any other firewire devices, but if it was a problem with the BUS or the cable then im guessing it wouldnt show in system profiler.
I am thinking the camera is probably damaged, but before I start a paypal enquiry I would like to see if it is just my computer or a setting i need to change.
(oh I used the application isight updater in core services but the install button is greyed out)
Any help would be amazing!!
Thanks!!!

Well, about all you can do would be to try a different and known good
FireWire cable, as a replacement for what may be a defective FW400
cable that came with the iSight camera. The cable can be defective
with one bad wire, yet sometimes appear available to the computer.
• How to Troubleshoot iSight (note external vs internal)
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2090
• iMac G5 (iSight), & Intel-based iMac: Using External video camera:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2819
If you know of someone with an older Mac without a built-in iSight
camera, to test that one on, this may be an OK idea. Not sure if you
could get any traction by taking the camera to an Apple Specialist
and ask if they could check it out for you; that may also cost you.
{And since your computer does not officially support Leopard 10.5,
the other avenues of support would probably not be open to you.
At least not with the old iMac G4 and an unsupported 10.5 install.}
I have an external iSight camera which was included with my G4 Mini
1.5GHz model, and that appeared to work OK with 10.5.8 at one point.
But I really have no need for it, since I don't use photobooth & so on.
And haven't tried that with my iMac G4 computers at all. No need to.
With a computer not equipped with an iSight camera, the Leopard 10.5
installation should still support the eventual addition of one; even if the
computer itself appears to not officially support a Leopard 10.5 install.
(You refer to Leopard Assist, a means to install in slower CPU Macs.)
The FW cable is about the most easy to consider at this point.
In the course of a year, I've found good replacement cables at
several places, even those at thrift stores in perfect shape, work
and I use them for FW external hard disk drives, primarily. To have
spares is nearly always a good idea. Test & keep known good ones.
I'm not certain how the external iSight FW camera may work on
a newer Intel-based 24" iMac with a built-in iSight camera, too.
Does your 24" computer have FireWire 400+800 ports? Can you
choose an external iSight camera and ignore the built-in one?
These secondary topics have probably been discussed in the other
forum area for Intel-based iMac computer models; if you chose to
try & use that camera with a model computer with one built-in...
• Apple - Support - Discussions: for Intel-based iMac
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=189
There is a possibility, if never tried and the iMac G4 computer was
acquired second-hand, that the FW port within it may be band; but
the cable is the first item since it is cheapest, in troubleshooting.
So, anyway, the hour is late here (1AM) so hopefully the matter
can be resolved with a known-good replacement FW400 cable.
You should not have to restart the iMac G4 (800?) model in order
to get a FireWire item to be recognized. It should appear in the
System Profiler's list under FireWire, such as things normally do.
Of course, the camera could be defective as well. Been some
time since they were available on sale, new from Apple...
You could ask around to find out if there is a way to use that
external iSight camera with your newer Intel-based 24" Mac
by someone having it ignore its own built-in camera; in a
way as to not affect its normal operation, that is.
Good luck & happy computing!
+{ edited 2x }+

Macbook internal isight not working

I purchased a new macbook two months ago. isight worked great with photobooth, imovie, ichat. Suddenly isight is gone, no green light. Photobooth, imovie, ichat tell be that no camera is attached. If anyone has any ideas please let me know?

My macbook had the same problem. It began after I installed bootcamp, which I have since updated to 1.1. Whenever I boot into windows xp and then back into Os X, the isight stops working. In photobooth I get a blank green screen with a few scribbling lines of static at the top, but in ichat I get the "in use by other application" error.
I tried a system X reinstall, a bootcamp reinstall, zapping the PRAM, etc. etc. What really killed me was that the isight camera continued to work FINE in windows, but not at all in Os X (I could almost hear Bill Gates snickering).
The solution turned out to be resetting the power management unit by unplugging, removing the battery and holding down the power button for 5 seconds. Works without having to zap PRAM after.
The annoying thing is that I have to do this EVERY TIME after I have booted into windows if I want the camera to work in Os X.
As other users have pointed out, bootcamp now includes a package that updates the isight firmware.
Interestingly, this does NOT happen on my intel iMac, only the macbook.
I'm hoping for a more elegant fix.
Anyone else?
Jason

ISight not working with Webex, GoToMeeting or Lync...BUT works with Skype, Facetime, Photobooth (June 2013 MBA)

Brand new MacBook Air (June 2013, 8MB RAM, 500GB SSD)
iSight not working with Cisco Webex, Citrix GoToMeeting or Microsoft Lync (error = webcam not detected); BUT iSight works with Skype, Facetime and Photobooth.
3 hours of phone support with Webex - no luck.
Tried SMC and PRAM reset - no luck.
Tried erasing disk and reinstalling OSX 10.8.4 and apps manually with latest versions - no luck.
Apple phone support says it's not Apple's problem because Apple apps work.
Exchanged at Apple Store for another new MacBook Air, again installed apps manually with latest version (not from time machine) - STILL NO LUCK!!!
Is there an update Apple or Cisco, Citrix and Microsoft need to put out for the new MBAs or do I just have 2 lemons???

You're welcome.
1wave wrote: ... an external webcam which might be a cheaper alternative ...
It will be interesting to see what the vendors say about using a Mac-compatible external webcam.
If not, some netbook or other Windows® device might offer compatibility at a much lower cost than a compatible Apple notebook.
We will watch for your update(s). What the vendors tell you will be very helpful to others who share this or similar issues with their new MBAs.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.8.4

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

Firewire iSight not working with 3rd party software on Leopard

I just installed OSX Leopard and not able to use firewire isight on any program other than ichat. I use 3rd party software for video conferencing (educational setting) and need an external iSight so as to position the camera on larger groups. Anyone have any suggestions?

My external iSight is working fine with QuickTime Pro, iMovie, Photo Booth (v2).
If http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93240 does not get things working, and especially if your problem is only with your 3rd party app, contact the developer to see if there are known issues with Leopard.
Jim Destin

My macbook pro external speaker not working! help please

My macbook pro external speaker not working! help please

1. Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup
    Audio Devices window
     Pllug in the speakers.
     Do they show up?
     Make sure that Mute is not enabled.
2. Reset SMC.     http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
    Choose the method for:
    "Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".
Best.

File sharing is not working from pc to imac os x 10.9.2

file sharing is not working from pc to imac os x 10.9.2

Hello there Karen,
It sounds like you are having to power cycle your modem to get internet back every single day. We can start by troubleshooting your Airport Express to help isolate the issue. I would first perform a Soft Reset, then test the issue again. If needed as a last resort I would then perform a Hard Reset:
Soft reset
Connect the device to power and wait for it to complete its start up process. To learn more about the start up process, please see All about Wi-Fi base station Status Lights (LED).
Press and hold the reset button with a pen, pencil, or straightened paperclip for 1 full second, then release it. The light (LED) will begin flashing amber, indicating that the device is in soft reset mode.
From the AirPort menu bar item, choose the network created by the device (the network name does not change).
Open AirPort Utility from Applications > Utilities.
Select the base station, then click Edit (The Edit window will indicate that the base station is in Soft Reset mode).
Move through the tabs to make changes to your passwords or other settings as needed, and click Update and Continue as required
Quit AirPort Utility.
Hard reset
Press and hold the reset button with a pen, pencil, or straightened paperclip until you see the status light (LED) start to flash amber rapidly, which should occur after about five seconds.
Release the button and the device will reset.
Wait about a minute for the base station to finish restarting, then open AirPort Utility from Applications > Utilities.
Select the base station from Other Wi-Fi Devices, then click Edit.
Select the Other Options button.
Select "Restore previous settings" and click Next until you get to the final window.
AirPort Utility will indicate that Setup is complete. Click Done.
Quit AirPort Utility.
Resetting an AirPort base station FAQ
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3728
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Cheers,
Sterling

External iSight not working on my intel iMac

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