Inbuilt isight camera problem

Hi,
Bought myself a new iMac 2Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo on Thursday. Tonight I sat down and thought I'd see what this iSight thing is all about. Then I realised that the green indicator light is on permanently and i think it should only be on when the inbuilt iSight camera is being used. Just tried to take a snapshot for iChat but was unable to do so. I looked under iChat preferences and it says "There is no camera attached to this compter". Similarly iMovie HD says "no camera attached". I went to System Profiler and under USB I can see no listing for iSight.
Would be grateful for any suggested solutions.
iMac 2Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Mac OS X (10.4.8)
iMac 450 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Hi, well after rebooting, unplugging resetting the smc or whatever it is called i made no progress so i reinstalled the Mac OS software. At least the built-in iSight camera is now recognised in system profiler, and the green light isn't on permanently. I have managed to get the camera working for no more than four minutes at a stetch. Then it freezes and on restarting delivers green or black images. I am unplugging and rebooting each time this happens. Currently it is not working at all.
Judging from what I can see all over these support forums the built-in iSight camera is next to useless and a source or irritation to most iMac owners. It also sounds like Apple haven't responded well to user requests for help. Well, in the morning I will phone the Apple Support people and see if they have any solutions. Otherwise it looks like I will have to get an external camera. I am assuming an external camera can be used with my iMac. Any suggestions for cameras would be greatly appreciated. I'm certainly not going to put up with this in-built camera hassle beyond this weekend.

Similar Messages

Inbuilt isight camera is detected in system profiler but no image is being detected only a black screen shows up. I have tried all of the troubleshooting instructions and it still wont work. The iMac im using is OS X 10.6 and was an ex-floor model

inbuilt isight camera is detected in system profiler but no image is being detected only a black screen shows up. I have tried all of the troubleshooting instructions and it still wont work. The iMac im using is OS X 10.6 and was an ex-floor model

Hi,
I would try a Safe Boot first. (This will take longer than a normal Boot and you will need to Restart afterwards).
If it were an older OS I would also suggest going to System Preferences > Displays and making sure the display is set to Millions. (My MacBook Pro does not have this option in Snow Leopard so I did presume Snow Leopard does not have it).
With some laptops there have been some issues with the cable up the back of the screen pulling loose with regular and frequent use of the lid, but this will not apply to you based on your specs. (it does take time to appear and is also somewhat rare). However it seems enough contact with the camera can make it appear in System Profiler and power it on but not give a pic.
If a Safe Boot does not work I would also try a PRAM reset.
Shut down the computer.
Restart it holding down Apple/CMD (or ⌘)+ALT( ⌥)+P+R Keys until you have heard three Start Up Bongs.
This is actually "less" destructive in that it clears less memory items than Safe Boot but they are different enough to warrant trying.
Do you have an older version of iGlasses installed ?
The one for Leopard does not work for Snow Leopard.
Do you have Web Browser open ?
This may point to Google Video Chat Plug-in and Flash Conflict. It would be rare to allow another app to access the camera even if not displayiong a Pic.
(Chrome Installs the Plug-in as does the standalone download).
Knowing what "any application" exactly you are trying might help us pin it down.
Any additional downloaded apps that can use the camera ?
Do you happen to have something balck in front of the camera ?
8:20 PM Sunday; October 9, 2011
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb( 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

Does apple hardware test on osx cd2 test for inbuilt isight camera? tks for

my intel imac mid 2010 version in built isight camera doesn't seem to be detected by system profiler.
May I ask the the cd2 on the macox apple hardware test is able to perform test on the inbuilt isight camera?
Running on 10.6.8
tks

have performed SMC reset on the imac as well..
But seem not helpful....
The inbuilt isight camera was working well 2 weeks back...

ISight Cam - - Problem and question (and an OS X Question)

I just recieved my Certified Reconditioned iMac G5 (17" 1.9 GHz). I am having one problem with my iSight camera that I noticed only on the third day of using it.
When I open an app like Photobooth, the picture from the camera is nice and colorful and bright, but if you watch it, it will grow darker and slightly blue-tinted. Is this an issue, from power or hardware???
Also, I would like to know if I could record videos without having to buy Quicktime Pro.
also, my mac came with OS 10.4.2, how do I upgrade it to 10.4.6?

The changing of the picture from the camera is most likely just the camera auto-adjusting to try and get the best possible image from the current light conditions. Most digital camera types have automatic modes that try to do things like that, and often they don't seem to be doing a very good job of it. Software intelligence isn't always the smartest thing in the world ...
As for upgrading 10.0.4.6, just run software update. You'll find it among the system preferences. (And you can always use Spotlight to search for it. Spotlight's smarter than the iSight fortunately

Isight camera problems

I recently opened up Skype and my iSight camera displayed my picture with a strange IR or thermal type of image of me. I have gone through some basic trouble shooting steps such as opening other programs to see if the behavior exist, and also checking the system profiler. The system profiler shows that the iSight camera is recognized and the image behavior does exists in other programs. I have no idea why this has happened since my iSight camera was working perfectly the other day. Since there could be several different issues causing my iSight camera to malfunction, I am a little hesitant in trying to replace the iSight cable since I am not sure if I have exhausted all trouble shooting ideas. My specific model is the A1260 early 2008. Thank you for any help that you guys can provide.

Welcome to Discussions, Cooper707
(1) If you are using the latest version of Skype, and if restarting your Mac does not correct the problem, you should first try to eliminate possible add-on software interference as Ralph suggested.
If you have never installed or used iGlasses, perhaps you have tried either
http://b-l-a-c-k-o-p.com/skype-video-effects-mac.html
- or -
http://allocinit.com/index.php?title=CamTwist
Both of them claim to be able to add effects to Skype. Perhaps one is causing your problem.
(2) If you can eliminate third party software add-ons, consider any of the following you have not tried:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
(3) Be sure to test more than one user account. I also suggest that you try to get the Apple apps that use iSight working first. By troubleshooting with the Apple apps, you eliminate third-party unknowns as a possible cause.
(4) Perhaps you can find Skype Help that will give you other ideas:
https://support.skype.com/
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

External iSight camera problem solved!

Hi all,
Hope this will help some of you.
My iSight camera works fine with G5 PPC but on my new Intel Mac Pro - nothing, not seen in System Profiler or Skype - I don't use iChat . I tried everything suggested here to no avail, until while looking on Amazon for something else I found a company selling 9 Pin to 6 Pin FW leads, who stated that often FW800/400 adaptors with FW400 leads do no work. They quote "Ours are guaranteed to work". I bought one plugged it in and success iSight now seen in both System Profiler and Skype.
It is supplied by Neet and its description is "Firewire 800 to 400 cable -(2M)- 9 Pin to 6 Pin - IEEE1394b(for Mac & PC) 2M FLX Pro lead. Cost £7.95 + £2.75 special P&P.
Many thanks to all on these forums for so much help
John Caswell

John Caswell wrote:
Hi all,
Hope this will help some of you.
My iSight camera works fine with G5 PPC but on my new Intel Mac Pro - nothing, not seen in System Profiler or Skype - I don't use iChat . I tried everything suggested here to no avail, until while looking on Amazon for something else I found a company selling 9 Pin to 6 Pin FW leads, who stated that often FW800/400 adaptors with FW400 leads do no work. They quote "Ours are guaranteed to work". I bought one plugged it in and success iSight now seen in both System Profiler and Skype.
It is supplied by Neet and its description is "Firewire 800 to 400 cable -(2M)- 9 Pin to 6 Pin - IEEE1394b(for Mac & PC) 2M FLX Pro lead. Cost £7.95 + £2.75 special P&P.
Many thanks to all on these forums for so much help
John Caswell
You're welcome, John.
Cheers for your solution for using your old external (Firewire) iSight with a new Mac.
I have gathered my personal experience and the successes of others who post here. To your recent success story, I add the options I know for 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
(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 use this one.)
http://tinyurl.com/cgll7o
http://www.sonnettech.com/product/fw_adapter.html
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz Mac OS X (10.6.5); MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.5)
LED Cinema Display; G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11); iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9); External iSight; iPod4touch4.2.1

ISight camera problem

My partners iSight camera on her iMac (2009) isn't working when apps like Skype and Photo Booth are launched. What could be possible causes and where within your system do you check or alter the settings for your camera?
Thanks

Hi, initially I would go the reset SMC route (pertinent to the specific model)
Then -> go into About this Mac -> More Info -> Then look under Hardware -> USB -> that should show you if the iSight is recognized! if not ~ Call AppleHelp (AppleCare?) or visit your local Apple Approved Service Agent...Hope this helps...L

Built in isight camera problem

I use isight with skype and until today with no problems. The image is out of focus and I assume that the problem arose since the latest software update. I tried ichat with the same result. I would appreciate any suggestions to resolve the problem.

You're welcome, dp0941
Note: In all cases below, I am discussing your iSight's focus of your image. If your problem is that the image from your video contacts is soft, you have a different problem.
If you have tried all the suggestions offered above, I can think of two remaining possibilities.
(1) First possibility: Your iSight's focus of your image looks good to you in Skype's and iChat's video previews before you connect with anyone, but it looks soft when you connect with a contact.
If this is the case, you both should Check your Broadband Speed. At least one of you may need more available bandwidth.
Also, if you are running more than one application when using video, you should quit all applications and launch ONLY your video chat application. Then start video and see if your results are better.
After you have found and corrected your problem, you can try launching another app after you have established your video connection to see if video degrades. If necessary, you can adjust your chat technique based on what you find.
(2) Another possibility: Your iSight video is soft even in video preview windows.
You can test to try to determine whether your Mac may have a problem.
First, make sure you have plenty of light. Best quality video requires more light than normal room lighting.
When you are ready to test, quit all applications. iSight can only be operated by software applications, but high-quality video is processor intensive. Therefore, to remove as many variables as possible, you should launch only the application you are using for the test.
Make a high-contrast focus target as suggested in the focus test section of How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional.
The actual testing method described in this link is for External iSights. External iSight has an auto-focus mechanism, while built-in iSight is a fixed-focus camera. Therefore, you will need to test differently. Here are the steps I suggest:(a) Mount or position the test target so that it holds very still in the field of view of your iSight at a distance of about one foot.
Carefully inspect the image in your video preview window and note how soft the focus appears.
(I would make video snapshots of the images at each test distance for comparison purposes, but you may be able to find your answers without the snapshots.)
(b) Move the test target out to about one-and-a-half feet from your iSight and repeat the careful image inspection.
(c) Repeat the process at two, two-and-a-half, and three feet.
(d) Repeat all the above with both iChat and Skype to see whether the problem is application dependent.
(e) If you have not already tested to determine whether the problem is user dependent, repeat the tests in a different user account.You should be able to find the optimum focus distance for your iSight with this test. To send the best picture to your video contacts, position yourself at approximately the optimum distance while you video chatting.
If all test results are similar and/or all are too soft, your Mac likely has a problem. In that case, unless you get better suggestions here, I think you should contact your Apple-Authorized Service Provider for a professional check.
Jim
Mac OS X (10.4.9) G5 DP 1.8 External iSight

Inbuilt isight camera, light fluctuating

Hi
I began using the inbuilt camera on my brand new imac and record for 1-6 minutes - but during that time the lighting level seems to fluctuate significantly and randomly. I am in evenly distributed artificial light but it seems like thunderclouds are passing over the room! Help appreciated.
Thanks, Eleanor

Hi Eleanor2,
I would guess that you are picking up fluctuations in the power at you location, similar to when you see TV or film shots of a video screen on the news or films on TV.
Your eyes are probably adjusting when it it happens about the computer is not and displaying it on play back.
I would use a closer non fluorescent bulb to try and eliminate this.
10:52 PM Wednesday; December 27, 2006
Happy Holidays

Blue Colour Cast in Photobooth/Inbuilt Isight

When using my inbuilt Isight cam..i keep getting a really blue cast.
I've even changed my desktop from the usual blue apple one to another which is orange..and STILL get the blue cast.
I have my colors setting at millions.
Any ideas people?
Thanks!

You can try iGlasses too. I love it.
http://www.ecamm.com/mac/iglasses/

Problem in inbuilt Web-camera using JMF

Hi,
I am using JavaTM Media Framework 2.1.1e downloaded from below link in my application.
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javasebusiness/downloads/java-archive-downloads-java-client-419417.html#7372-jmf-2.1.1e-oth-JPR .
Main functionality of my app is to use Web-camera.
My application is working fine on Windows XP and Windows 7 using external Web-Cam device.
However, the same application is giving problem in accessing in-built Webcam on Windows 7.
I tried to access in-built Web-Camera from JMStudio app(of JMF..File->Capture->check 'Use video device'-> Press 'Ok'), however JMStudio itself is not able to access in-built web-camera. Always I am getting the error 'Couldn't initialize the Capture Device!'.
Please note that JMF Registry Editor(JMStudio->Preferences->Capture Device->Detect Capture Devices')is able to detect the inbuilt web-cam device.
Is this the issue in JMF itself or I can resolve the issue from my application also?
Also, when I tried to do online JMF diagnostics, I am getting below error.
Online JMFDiagnostics URL: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/jmfdiagnostics-139189.html
Java Plug-in 1.6.0_26
Using JRE version 1.6.0_26-b03 Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM
User home directory = C:\Users\taipakai
c: clear console window
f: finalize objects on finalization queue
g: garbage collect
h: display this help message
l: dump classloader list
m: print memory usage
o: trigger logging
q: hide console
r: reload policy configuration
s: dump system and deployment properties
t: dump thread list
v: dump thread stack
x: clear classloader cache
0-5: set trace level to <n>
java.lang.ClassFormatError: Incompatible magic value 1008813135 in class file JMFDiagnostics
at java.lang.ClassLoader.defineClass1(Native Method)
at java.lang.ClassLoader.defineClassCond(Unknown Source)
at java.lang.ClassLoader.defineClass(Unknown Source)
at java.security.SecureClassLoader.defineClass(Unknown Source)
at sun.plugin2.applet.Applet2ClassLoader.findClass(Unknown Source)
at sun.plugin2.applet.Plugin2ClassLoader.loadClass0(Unknown Source)
at sun.plugin2.applet.Plugin2ClassLoader.loadClass(Unknown Source)
at sun.plugin2.applet.Plugin2ClassLoader.loadClass(Unknown Source)
at java.lang.ClassLoader.loadClass(Unknown Source)
at sun.plugin2.applet.Plugin2ClassLoader.loadCode(Unknown Source)
at sun.plugin2.applet.Plugin2Manager.createApplet(Unknown Source)
at sun.plugin2.applet.Plugin2Manager$AppletExecutionRunnable.run(Unknown Source)
at java.lang.Thread.run(Unknown Source)
Exception: java.lang.ClassFormatError: Incompatible magic value 1008813135 in class file JMFDiagnostics
Please suggest.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Yogesh

almightywiz wrote:
Well, I don't know if the JMF Studio works on a 64-bit system, but the base java libraries work just as well as on a 32-bit system. I currently use both Windows 7 64-bit and 32-bit version, and I am able to recognize all of my audio input devices.JMF wraps around and makes use of a bunch of native interfaces, all of which are precompiled for 32-bit systems. As such, anything relying upon those 32-bit libraries will not work, and that cuts the functionality down to, essentially, the cross-platform pack stuff.
JMF's sound infastructure is mostly a wrapper around JavaSound, so as long as JavaSound is working on the JRE, you'll be able to utilize the audio functionality.
As for device detection, I know at least some of that is native code. I'm not 100% sure, but I'd almost expect the Windows performance pack to never return any devices on a 64-bit system, but the cross-platform back to return audio devices. This is an assumption, but, that's what I would expect.
In any case, if you're using the Windows performance pack, you'd most likely get better results by switching to the cross-platform pack.

Anyone having problems with their iSight Camera and making calls from the desktop?

I upgraded our early 2008 MacPro with Yosemite with no problems the day it was released. I made a phone call through the desktop using my iPhone and it worked perfectly. For some reason, this feature does not always work. One minute the iSight camera works fine, the next minute FaceTime does not recognize it is on.
My iPhone was successfully paired with the desktop, but when I went to connect, I got a message, Connection Unsuccessful - our MacPro is not supported. Does the iPhone have to be paired with the desktop in order to make/receive calls? It was not paired when I successfully tested a couple of calls yesterday, but today it is not working.

Do you have email notifications activated? It may have been deactivated when the os updated.
Settings>notification centre mine is set not to show by default.

ISight Camera / Firewire Problems

Hello Everyone,
Over the past couple months I have been having trouble with my isight camera to shoot clear and smooth video in either photobooth or imovie. Many times the video I record comes back extremely choppy, or no sound is recorded (sometimes both). Ive tried to instead import videos via firewire with my camcorder, but the exact same thing happens. Is this a software problem or a hardware problem? (please note I have approx 99gbs of hard disk free and 300mb of ram free while recording).

Create a new user an try recording there. If the problem persists then we can eliminate something in your user causing problems. If the problem is solved then something in your user is causing issues. Let me know how that test goes.

ISight camera Disabled??

I never had much use for the ISight until now. Last year I began to have the mysterious "Green light problem" and remember doing a search on how to turn off the ISight camera. For the life of me, I cannot remember how to turn on the ISight camera again. I didn't remove it. I already cheked and its recognized.
I went into Photo Booth. Red camera icon present. Black screen. It does count down, snaps picture, but no picture to take cause of black screen.
I went into IMovie. Same thing, It will record video, but black screen.
I need help. Going on an extended business trip and want to use Skype to stay in touch with the family.
Where do I begin to look???????

Senorx wrote:
I never had much use for the ISight until now. Last year I began to have the mysterious "Green light problem" and remember doing a search on how to turn off the ISight camera. For the life of me, I cannot remember how to turn on the ISight camera again. I didn't remove it. I already cheked and its recognized.
I went into Photo Booth. Red camera icon present. Black screen. It does count down, snaps picture, but no picture to take cause of black screen.
I went into IMovie. Same thing, It will record video, but black screen.
I need help. Going on an extended business trip and want to use Skype to stay in touch with the family.
Where do I begin to look???????
iSight is controlled (turned on and off) by whatever application is using it. There is no separate "switch."
If you have not intentionally disabled your iSight in some way like one of those described here,
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=12392785&#12392785
try restarting and test again. Sometimes a restart is all that is required.
If the problems persist, try all relevant suggestions from:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
If your iSight problem still occurs in more than one app and more than one user account, the reset suggested there often restores proper function of inbuilt iSight.
If iSight is still not working in any app and in any user account but shows as a USB device in your Mac's System Profiler utility, when you post back for other ideas please confirm that you have tested with the latest compatible version of Skype for your Mac. Also let us know if you have added any third-party AV hardware (eyeTV, etc.) or software (Flip4Mac, GoogleTalk, etc.)
If necessary, we will offer more specific suggestions based on the details in your response.
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz Mac OS X (10.6.6); MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.6)
LED Cinema Display; G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11); iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9); External iSight; iPod4touch4.2.1

ISight camera not working on MacBook

When I turned on my MaBook the green light next to the iSight camera turns on and when I open PhotoBooth it shows a blank screen. I tried to restart but the green light stayed on. Any suggestions on how I can fix this?

radarina wrote:
When I turned on my MaBook the green light next to the iSight camera turns on and when I open PhotoBooth it shows a blank screen. I tried to restart but the green light stayed on. Any suggestions on how I can fix this?
Welcome to Discussions, radarina
The restart was a the best first step.
Next, try all relevant suggestions from:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
If your iSight problem still occurs in more than one app and more than one user account, the reset suggested there often restores proper function of inbuilt iSight.
However, if your built-in iSight still does not work after carefully following all the suggestions in the "How to Troubleshoot iSight" article, and if iSight does not show as a USB hardware device in your Mac's System Profiler, yours is most likely a hardware problem. In that case, contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service.
We will watch for your status update.
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

Inbuilt isight camera problem

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