External iSight, very fuzzy focus... new issue

I recently used the iSight external camera just last week, with no problems. The only thing done is to upgrade OS software as apple pushes it out.
Now I simply fire up the iSight camera and the image is extremely out of focus - the autofocus 'works' - i can hear it - but the camera image remains totally out of focus.
the only thing that may have 'changed' is any software updates....
thoughts?
Powermac G5 - current OS - all software current, external firewire camera.

Hi Rory:
Sorry to hear about your issues.
Try unplugging your iSight Camera, shut down your mac completly. Wait a minute, power up, start iChatAV, then replug in your iSight.
Also, do you have proper lighting? Improper lighting can make things appear out of focus or blurry.
Let us know if that helps out.

Similar Messages

  • 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.

  • 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 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

  • 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 }+

  • 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

  • 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:
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    DualCore 2.0Ghz
    2.6GB RAM
    OS X Tiger 10.4.6
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    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.

  • Thumbnails not showing or very fuzzy after migration to new Photos app with 10.10.3

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  • Poor focus on external isight

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    The iglasses web site says this:
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    John

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    Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help, and unmark the answers if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Support, contact [email protected]

  • External iSight - New mac pro

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    Some ways to connect your FW400 external iSight to a FW800 Mac port:
    • This Firewire 400-800 cable can work: http://store.apple.com/us/product/TP320LL/A
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    • Some report that this low-priced alternative cable works:
      http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812189097"
    • To use a FW400 6pin-6pin cable, you can use a 6pin-9pin adapter like one of these:
      http://tinyurl.com/ydsbb6m  (I use this one.)
      http://tinyurl.com/cgll7o
      http://www.sonnettech.com/product/fw_adapter.html
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    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

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  • External isight issues.

    Hello, I recently downloaded the shareware version of Delicious Library and and connected my external isight to use as a barcode scanner. However, Delicious Library does not seem to recognize the device. Any help would be appreciated.
    thanks

    the_consumer wrote:
    Hello, I recently downloaded the shareware version of Delicious Library and and connected my external isight to use as a barcode scanner. However, Delicious Library does not seem to recognize the device. Any help would be appreciated.
    thanks
    Welcome to Discussions, the_consumer
    You can test your external iSight using these suggestions to make sure it works with other apps:
      http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
    In the years I have been posting here, some users reported that plug-ins installed by Delicious Library cause conflicts with external iSight. DL works for some, but I do no recall a reliable and universal fix for external iSight users who encounter a problem with this app. If you like, you can see if any of the info from this search of Discussions helps you:
      http://tinyurl.com/ylcsfth
    If a known fix exists for DL, it should be available from the DL developer or the DL users who post in DL's dedicated forums. Therefore, if your problem is ONLY with DL and you do not get an answer here, search and post here next:
      http://www.delicious-monster.com/help.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

  • Intel iMac Core Duo: iSight/iChatAV 3 Focus Problems

    My dad and I have matching Intel iMac's with same RAM etc. What I am finding with iChatAV in a 1-on-1 video chat is that in the little window that shows me what I look like, my video looks awesome, yet my dad's video looks quite out of focus. He experiences the same thing on his end. He looks fine, and I am out of focus. We are both trying iGlasses as well because the iSight is just too dang dark on its own.
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    Thank you, I had looked there and musta missed the 480Mb/s rating. So yes that is USB 2.0.
    There is a article at CNet comparing the two cameras:
    "In summary:
    1) The external isight camera is very good (Firewire, F2.8 glass lens, auto-focus, CCD, 30 fps).
    2) The internal isight is quite poor in comparison (USB, plastic lens, fixed-focus, CMOS sensor)."
    I tried a few chats with other people using new iMac's today, with the same poor results. It is an inferior camera, hands down.

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