ISight cam is getting crazy?

Hi,
I installed xmeeting 0.3.4 (H.323 videoconferencing client) on my iMac.
xmeeting is showing me this camera picture:
http://www.highsider.de/test/xmeeting.jpg
Note - the picture seems to be distorted and squeezed or have a filter applied like in Photo Booth.
But - the camera picture look okay, when I check the camera picture in iChat or in Photo Booth - see the screenshot from Photo Booth:
http://www.highsider.de/test/photobooth.jpg
What could be the reason and how to fix the camera picture in xmeeting?
Thank you very much!
orish

Hello orish
I do not use XMeeting, but based on the fact that your iChat and Photo Booth picture is normal, it seems to me that your iSight is not the problem.
The good pictures you posted make me think that your XMeeting software is using the wrong video pixel aspect ratio. Is pixel (or video) aspect ratio perhaps adjustable in XMeeting > Preferences?
If not, unless you get better help here, I suggest you follow the suggestions on the XMeeting Help page:
http://xmeeting.sourceforge.net/pages/xmeeting_help.php
The XMeeting developer or XMeeting users who contribute there should give you the best help for your XMeeting-specific problem. You may even be able to help them by identifying a bug that they need to correct!
Cheers,
Jim

Similar Messages

ISight Camera Now Getting Laggy

Hi. I've had my MBP now for a few months and have been very happy with it. I do a video blog and use my iSight camera to record it. When I first started doing this, the video that iMovie recorded was fantastic. There was no lag what-so-ever with the picture stream. It was almost like it was coming from a decent video camera. Basically, there was no "webcam" effect.
Now, however, it's as if the frames per second have dropped dramatically. The audio of my speech and the video recorded look out of sync. It's not that it is truly out of sync, it's that the frames per second recorded from the iSight is just so low now that it looks horrible.
Is there anyone out there who is aware of this and is there any way to get the camera to perform the way it did when I first started using it?
Thanks in advance.

Thanks Jim, but I doubt that Apple are going to help with a problem on an early 2006 (obsolete so probably wouldn't even qualify for paid support) computer without charging me more than the computer is worth. I'm setting it up for someone who has no financial resources, who needs something simple to aid in their search for employment. Just in case anyone is wondering why I would bother trying to fix a ten years old computer (it still works very well).
There is an Apple Remote Desktop Unix command or an AppleScript out there somewhere. I used such to remedy this on many computers (up to 100) in a school environment three or four years ago. I cannot find the script since updating my school computer recently. I was just hoping another Mac user might have used the same and had the good sense to bookmark its location.

Kisight: How do I get my iSight working ? Trouble Shooting an iSight Camera. (Version 3)

Replacement for the second draft of this Thread   (To be removed if Published as Tip)
kisight: How do I get my iSight working ?
Trouble Shooting an iSight Camera. (Version 3)
Hi,     On many subjects Apple has Articles and Documents that can help.
In some case they are written by an Engineer or similar and can miss the mark for the average user.
In other cases they are crafted, detailed responses to an issue that has popped up many times in the Apple Discussions and take the best from many responses in those User-to-User Discussions, creating something that can not be surpassed.
This is the case of the Apple Article HT2090 on Trouble Shooting an iSight.
It lists steps and processes to go through for both Internal iSights and External ones.
However as with most things it does sometime pay to reword things differently so that people grasp the points in language they understand.
The info here is a reworking itself of two pages at ralphjohns.co.uk/EZ Jim pages namely EZ JIm's page 2 Where can I Find Help With My iSight ? and his page 4, How Can I Test My iSight is Completely Functional ? which were written several years ago and predate the Apple Article, being aimed at the External iSight. They have been updated since to address the Internal iSight as well but some of the comments are useful between the two types.
External First. For Internal iSights Start at 2b) (you will need to adjust some options/steps as the Internal is USB)
Steps
1) Pre Purchase
If buying an External iSight you should if you an get to see it in action.Apple no longer sells the External iSight so you will be buying it second hand.If you cannot get to see the device plugged in and working on Mac then check the smaller print of the seller and selling site as to nature of Returns and Faulty Goods.
2) Does it work ?
a) First of all Plug it in. It should come with a suitable mount (although there are variants on this) and a 6 pin to 6 pin Firewire cable.
Ideally it should have it's own Firewire port/socket on your computer. Connecting it "DaisyChained" to other devices can be a problem as they do not all use Firewire at the same Data speed.
It will then go through some checks as the OS powers it up and checks it's firmware.
Do not be concerned that the little green indicator light atop your iSight illuminates for a few seconds and then goes dark when you first connect your iSight or power on your Mac. Do not be concerned if you hear a soft whir as iSight attempt to focus either. Both these occurrences are normal. If your iSight passes the following tests, do not worry about this sound or the status of the green light.
There is no ON switch as such. It does have an iris mechanism that can be controlled by the User. The iris should be turned so you can see the Lens for the iSight to send pictures to an application.
b) Pick an Application to see the picture the iSight produces.iChat is one application you can use. Photobooth is another. iMovie (Version 4 or above for external iSight -- Version 6 or above for in-built iSight) and Comic Book (if bundled on your Mac) are yet more.
See this Users Tip for more applications Or this page for yet more.
Photo Booth is probably the simplest as it has no Preferences to choose a camera in the original version and is done from the Menu items in later versions (nor is there any setting in the OS) and Photo Booth will default to the External Camera if one is plugged in before the application is started.     If you see your self or what the camera is pointing at, It Works !!
3) If it does Not Work
a) Check Cables/leads. Re-seat the cable at both ends. DO this carefully as although Firewire cables are keyed to fit the right way it has been known to force them the wrong way.
Try another 6 pin to 6 pin firewire cable.
b) Unplug the cable from any other FireWire device and give the iSight it's Own FireWire port/socket on the Mac (exclude issues with other FireWire devices). It is important that this be a port/socket on your computer and that you know that it works. Do not use a port in a FireWire hub or another FireWire device or a FireWire port in an Apple Display for testing. (Also see d below if you have an 800 FIreWIre Computer)
c) Check System Profiler (Apple Icon menu top Left > About this Mac. > More Info Button)Open the Reveal Triangles to see the list and go to Hardware > FireWire. (Use USB for Internal Cameras)
If it appears here try booting or Logging in as another user on the Mac (Create a Test account if you don't have one) and try item 2b) above again.
d) With FireWire 800 computers you may have to change your FireWire 400 to 800 Adaptor or Cable to get full Audio functionality with Lion Apps
If it is not in the System Profiler you are almost certainly going to need the Trouble Shooting Article from Apple at this point. This Article may also be of help (number HT1317 What to do if your computer won't recognise a FireWire or USB device).
If you have not resolved things at this stage it is going to be time for an Engineer with Apple credentials.There are no user serviceable parts inside any iSight.
Other Items
Audio.
The External Camera has two mics inside.The volume it records at or plays through for iChat is controlled in System Preferences > Sound > Input tab (select device) and this should be set to get the blue response bar to at least half way (preferably three quarters) when you talk.The same applies to any other Mic, even the Internal one on laptops and some other Macs.
Firmware.
The System Profiler as detailed above should tell you the Firmware the iSight has. The current version is 1.0.3 and was updated in Panther. (Essentially it is an Audio compatibility update but does seem to help in other situations)
If your computer is running Panther (10.2.x) then use this Updater
If running Tiger (10.4.x) or Leopard (10.5.x) then navigate manually to your Hard Drive/System/Library/Core Services/iSight Updater and run the updater found there.
If an iSight is Plugged in on the Computer when you do an OS update and the firmware needs updating on the iSight this app is supposed to be triggered but it seem it may need a hand at times.
Focusing on the External iSight
Essentially the External iSight is self or Autofocusing.
If in doubt then try better lighting and strong colours as opposes to light or pastels.
(All built-in iSights are fixed focus. Therefore, unless a built-in iSight lens cover is dirty or smudged, any built-in iSight whose image is blurry needs service by an Engineer with Apple credentials.)
EZ Jim has these more specific recommendations for piece of mind.
Make a cross whose lines are about one-half inch or more wide on a plain background to use as a focus target. (I have even used black electrical tape.)
Turn on plenty of light and hold the target very still at about two or three feet from the lens. Watch iSight focus. (You may need to use a tripod or brace yourself to hold the target still enough.)
Then quickly move the target and hold it very still at about one foot away from the lens. Watch iSight focus.
Finally, move in to about six inches from iSight, and check focus there, too. (Holding the target still is more important as you get closer to iSight.)
This Users Tip by Ian Bickerstaff can give you clues for any application really "Look and sound good in iChat"
Other Info and Links
iSight Support info at Apple Links to Users Guide, Manual and many other topics on the External iSight.
Apple's iSight Firewire Connectivity FAQs
Apple's iSight Service FAQs
If you feel you have not understood or think you have not grasped something here or in the links so far try the iSight Discussion Forum
1:13 PM      Saturday; October 8, 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

Replacement for the second draft of this Thread   (To be removed if Published as Tip)
kisight: How do I get my iSight working ?
Trouble Shooting an iSight Camera. (Version 3)
Hi,     On many subjects Apple has Articles and Documents that can help.
In some case they are written by an Engineer or similar and can miss the mark for the average user.
In other cases they are crafted, detailed responses to an issue that has popped up many times in the Apple Discussions and take the best from many responses in those User-to-User Discussions, creating something that can not be surpassed.
This is the case of the Apple Article HT2090 on Trouble Shooting an iSight.
It lists steps and processes to go through for both Internal iSights and External ones.
However as with most things it does sometime pay to reword things differently so that people grasp the points in language they understand.
The info here is a reworking itself of two pages at ralphjohns.co.uk/EZ Jim pages namely EZ JIm's page 2 Where can I Find Help With My iSight ? and his page 4, How Can I Test My iSight is Completely Functional ? which were written several years ago and predate the Apple Article, being aimed at the External iSight. They have been updated since to address the Internal iSight as well but some of the comments are useful between the two types.
External First. For Internal iSights Start at 2b) (you will need to adjust some options/steps as the Internal is USB)
Steps
1) Pre Purchase
If buying an External iSight you should if you an get to see it in action.Apple no longer sells the External iSight so you will be buying it second hand.If you cannot get to see the device plugged in and working on Mac then check the smaller print of the seller and selling site as to nature of Returns and Faulty Goods.
2) Does it work ?
a) First of all Plug it in. It should come with a suitable mount (although there are variants on this) and a 6 pin to 6 pin Firewire cable.
Ideally it should have it's own Firewire port/socket on your computer. Connecting it "DaisyChained" to other devices can be a problem as they do not all use Firewire at the same Data speed.
It will then go through some checks as the OS powers it up and checks it's firmware.
Do not be concerned that the little green indicator light atop your iSight illuminates for a few seconds and then goes dark when you first connect your iSight or power on your Mac. Do not be concerned if you hear a soft whir as iSight attempt to focus either. Both these occurrences are normal. If your iSight passes the following tests, do not worry about this sound or the status of the green light.
There is no ON switch as such. It does have an iris mechanism that can be controlled by the User. The iris should be turned so you can see the Lens for the iSight to send pictures to an application.
b) Pick an Application to see the picture the iSight produces.iChat is one application you can use. Photobooth is another. iMovie (Version 4 or above for external iSight -- Version 6 or above for in-built iSight) and Comic Book (if bundled on your Mac) are yet more.
See this Users Tip for more applications Or this page for yet more.
Photo Booth is probably the simplest as it has no Preferences to choose a camera in the original version and is done from the Menu items in later versions (nor is there any setting in the OS) and Photo Booth will default to the External Camera if one is plugged in before the application is started.     If you see your self or what the camera is pointing at, It Works !!
3) If it does Not Work
a) Check Cables/leads. Re-seat the cable at both ends. DO this carefully as although Firewire cables are keyed to fit the right way it has been known to force them the wrong way.
Try another 6 pin to 6 pin firewire cable.
b) Unplug the cable from any other FireWire device and give the iSight it's Own FireWire port/socket on the Mac (exclude issues with other FireWire devices). It is important that this be a port/socket on your computer and that you know that it works. Do not use a port in a FireWire hub or another FireWire device or a FireWire port in an Apple Display for testing. (Also see d below if you have an 800 FIreWIre Computer)
c) Check System Profiler (Apple Icon menu top Left > About this Mac. > More Info Button)Open the Reveal Triangles to see the list and go to Hardware > FireWire. (Use USB for Internal Cameras)
If it appears here try booting or Logging in as another user on the Mac (Create a Test account if you don't have one) and try item 2b) above again.
d) With FireWire 800 computers you may have to change your FireWire 400 to 800 Adaptor or Cable to get full Audio functionality with Lion Apps
If it is not in the System Profiler you are almost certainly going to need the Trouble Shooting Article from Apple at this point. This Article may also be of help (number HT1317 What to do if your computer won't recognise a FireWire or USB device).
If you have not resolved things at this stage it is going to be time for an Engineer with Apple credentials.There are no user serviceable parts inside any iSight.
Other Items
Audio.
The External Camera has two mics inside.The volume it records at or plays through for iChat is controlled in System Preferences > Sound > Input tab (select device) and this should be set to get the blue response bar to at least half way (preferably three quarters) when you talk.The same applies to any other Mic, even the Internal one on laptops and some other Macs.
Firmware.
The System Profiler as detailed above should tell you the Firmware the iSight has. The current version is 1.0.3 and was updated in Panther. (Essentially it is an Audio compatibility update but does seem to help in other situations)
If your computer is running Panther (10.2.x) then use this Updater
If running Tiger (10.4.x) or Leopard (10.5.x) then navigate manually to your Hard Drive/System/Library/Core Services/iSight Updater and run the updater found there.
If an iSight is Plugged in on the Computer when you do an OS update and the firmware needs updating on the iSight this app is supposed to be triggered but it seem it may need a hand at times.
Focusing on the External iSight
Essentially the External iSight is self or Autofocusing.
If in doubt then try better lighting and strong colours as opposes to light or pastels.
(All built-in iSights are fixed focus. Therefore, unless a built-in iSight lens cover is dirty or smudged, any built-in iSight whose image is blurry needs service by an Engineer with Apple credentials.)
EZ Jim has these more specific recommendations for piece of mind.
Make a cross whose lines are about one-half inch or more wide on a plain background to use as a focus target. (I have even used black electrical tape.)
Turn on plenty of light and hold the target very still at about two or three feet from the lens. Watch iSight focus. (You may need to use a tripod or brace yourself to hold the target still enough.)
Then quickly move the target and hold it very still at about one foot away from the lens. Watch iSight focus.
Finally, move in to about six inches from iSight, and check focus there, too. (Holding the target still is more important as you get closer to iSight.)
This Users Tip by Ian Bickerstaff can give you clues for any application really "Look and sound good in iChat"
Other Info and Links
iSight Support info at Apple Links to Users Guide, Manual and many other topics on the External iSight.
Apple's iSight Firewire Connectivity FAQs
Apple's iSight Service FAQs
If you feel you have not understood or think you have not grasped something here or in the links so far try the iSight Discussion Forum
1:13 PM      Saturday; October 8, 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

After upgrading to Lion, my Macbook Air's built in iSight camera has disappeared. I'm not sure how to get it recognized again.

After upgrading to Lion, my Macbook Air's built in iSight camera has disappeared. I'm not sure how to get it recognized again. Help -Sami

Well, if you did then you may be able to track it, if you did not it's not possible.

Is it possible to get an iSight camera to work with Yahoo Messenger?

Totally new to PC here. Been a Macuser all my computer life, but needed a second computer for work. Not thrilled, but there it is.
So, I'm wondering if the isight camera is PC compatible, and if so, how and what drivers do I install? Or do I just go out and by a PC camera?
ML
gateway gt5436e Other OS running windows vista

Hello maurice493windows ML
Until Tony gets back with you, here is some info you can consider.
iSight does not need an installer CD because it was sold by Apple for use with Macs. All software for iSight is built into Mac OS X, so no separate installer CD was provided.
Apple's Boot Camp software that comes with the iNtel Macs has drivers for XP, but I am uncertain whether you have one of the iNtel Macs. If you do have access to an iNtel Mac and the software that came with it, you can extract the driver using the info Tony provided in this response to "Lennysapple" here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4207189&#4207189
This apparently will work with a PC running Windows XP, but I have not yet seen reports of it working properly with Windows Vista. You may, as Tony suggests, need to experiment to find out.
<hr width="75%">
I do not recommend iSight on a PC. If you have too much difficulty, a USB webcam that is compatible with YM for your PC may be a quicker and easier choice. Many of the PC compatible USB webcams are cheap, and they were designed to work with PCs.
This Google Search returned links, such as this one, which contains the following statement that may indicate more problems for you:
... Apple specific hardware will not work, such as the iSight, Bluetooth, etc. due to the fact that they're written for 32-bit Windows XP SP2.
I do not know whether that is still true, but it does support my suggestion that it may be easier to buy a PC compatible USB webcam.
Jim
Mac OS X (10.4.9) G5 DP 1.8 External iSight

Can't Get External iSight Camera to Work in XP Pro.

I just installed XP SP2 via Boot Camp on my Mac Pro. I had trouble getting the Boot Camp Drivers Wizard to complete. It would freeze.
After I disconnected my iSight Camera and Apple USB Modem, I was able to get the wizard to complete.
But on reboot I still see Found New Hardware Wizard.
I also still see question marks beside my iSight Camera in Device Manager.
I tried to run the Apple Booot Camp Driver Wizard again using the REPAIR option. Same problem..
Any Ideas?
Rob

It looks like Apple does NOT provide any Bootcamp drivers for EXTERNAL iSight cameras.
I am out of luck!! Pity!!
From wikipedia:
"Microsoft Windows XP and Vista will autodetect an external iSight camera as “1394 Desktop Video Camera”, but no specific iSight driver exists for Windows"
see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISight
If someone knows of a Windows driver that will work with an EXTERNAL iSight camera, please let me know.

How to get isight camera to work in windows live messenger

I'm on macbook using VMWare Fusion software, I have split HD into windows XP and Mac side. I'm trying to connect on windows side with my brother who has PC using the windows live messenger. I can't find out how to get my mac isight camera to work in windows live chat. Anyone know settings on win xp side for making mac built in camera work?
I tried mac side, but mac messenger doesn't have video capabilities!
Tks ahead for help!

I'm on macbook using VMWare Fusion software
Please post questions regarding Fusion on VMWare's own forums, as Apple discussions only provide support for Apple products:
http://communities.vmware.com/community/vmtn/desktop/fusion
I tried mac side, but mac messenger doesn't have video capabilities!''
Download and try aMSN: http://www.amsn-project.net/

Can't get DVD burner or Isight camera to work via FW

I can't get a DVD burner (FW) or an Isight camera to work. The DVD doesn't mont and the Isight camera just turns on then back off.......I did all the disc maintenance and reset the PRAM. At one time these devices did works. Sometimes the FW board shows up in the System Profiler and sometime it doesn't. Could it be a faulty FW board? Firmware?

A new PCI card and $39 fixed it. I got the firewire 400 since my DVD burner and iSight camera run on 400. The 800 would have been nice. And it was on sale as a discontinued item, $22 ($99). But there is a catch, 400 and 800 cables aren't the same. DAH!!! New cables would have cost around $68. Yes, I do have cable supplier here in town were I could have bought the same cables at pennies on the dollar. Another DAH!!! I didn't think of it till after I put the card in. All so my cable supplier is on the other side of town. I'm tried and lazy right now.
Here ends another happy story, and I thank you all.......

Where To get an external iSight camera

Where Could I get an external iSight camera?

For those considering buying iSights now .... (in case you need this)
If you consider buying an external iSight now from eBay or other internet seller, even if the external iSight you are considering is advertised as an NOS (new, old-stock) iSight, it may not be covered by Apple Warranty. If the seller is not providing you service guarantees or warranty, you may be want to check Apple's iSight Service: Frequently Asked Questions, especially if you cannot test the iSight before you buy to be sure it is working.
Moreover, if you buy an external iSight now, verify whether all connectors, cables, and iSight mounts that you need are included. If some items you need are missing but you still want to buy the iSight, this info may be of interest. (Note that Apple no longer offers the "iSight Accessory Kit, Part Number: M9314G/B" that is mentioned there.)
If you needs parts from the discontinued Kit or some part those listed in the iSight Service: Frequently Asked Questions page and cannot locate them in your area, I recently found that the kind people at http://www.synaptech.com will help users obtain those that are still available.
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

How do I get iMovie to recognise & allow me to use the built in iSight camera?

How do I get iMovie to recognise & allow me to use the built in iSight camera?

You do not mention what version of iMovie you are using, so I will assume it is the same as mine, iMovie '11, version 9.0.8
When you launch iMovie you should see, just above the Event Library, a camera icon. Click that.
Once you click it you will see a new window labeled "Import From: Built-in iSight." In the bottom right corner there will be a button labeled "Capture." Use that when you are ready to capture your video.
Best of luck.

ISight camera/iChat not working HELP! Also, how can I get PhotoBooth?

Hi,
A friend and I are tring to use iChatAV but it just does not seem to work.. I can see my picture and the mike on the camera works on my machine but neither of us can see or hear each other.
Text chat works fine.
We are both running wireless routers but our MAC are hard wired to the machines NIC so wireless is not a factor here. I am using a Linksys WRT54GS... I also have the firewall in OSX turned on. Are there ports I need to open to get this to work? If so how?
Also I bought the iSight camera and just assumed that Photobooth would come with it... It doesn't seem to have been included. My buddy sent me version 1 but I am not sure if it's compatible with the Intel MacPro... how do I get it?
Any ideas?

Hi
Goto the linksys setup page and then goto the Adminstration option you should find UPnP which you should turn on.
Restart ichat.
You have a Macbook Pro which should have a built in iSight and photobooth should be in you application's folder.
Tony

Built-in iSight cam randomly stopped working. All I get is a green screen!

I used it just yesterday with both Photobooth and iChat with no problems what so ever. Now all it shows is a green screen! Anybody know what the problem may be and how to fix it??? Thanks!
-Jonathon

Welcome to Discussions, -Jonathon
Here are the solutions that help most users who encounter green-screen problems. None are complicated, but the only way to find which one will work for you is to try them one-by-one until you find the one that fixes your Mac.
(1) Check your System Preferences as explained in this kbase article about Built-in iSight camera produces blue or green pictures.
(2) If your System Preferences are set correctly, try every suggestion re: Built-in iSight in the "How to Troubleshoot iSight" article.
Be sure to include the checks for whether the problem is "application-specific" and "user-specific".
If you need help creating a new user account to check whether your problem is "user-specific" during Troubleshooting, see this Help article.
(3) If resetting or the other suggestions do correct your problem, try the following:
• Backup your Home Folder, or at very least, your important files.
• Repair permissions. (Click here if you need help.)
• Then download and apply the Mac OS X 10.4.10 Combo Update v1.1 (iNtel).
• Finish with another Permissions Repair, and then check your iSight again.
Users have reported fixes to a variety of audio, video, connectivity, and software conflicts and unreliability issues after properly applying Combo Updates.
(4) A few iNtel Mac laptop users have also reported success after unplugging their Macs and leaving the battery out for half-an-hour to overnight.
(5) If none of these suggestions help, contact Apple or your Apple-Authorized Service Provider for a professional check.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz Mac OS X (10.4.10) G5 DP 1.8 External iSight

How to I get the built-in iSight camera to work?

My built-in iSight camera is working but the "capture" button is greyed out and I can't record.

Hi there,
You may want to take a look at some for the troubleshooting steps found in the article below, specifically the section titled "Built-in iSight cameras"
How to Troubleshoot iSight
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2090
Hope that helps,
Griff W.

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.)

IMovie 4 won't recognize isight camera

I have a MacBook Pro, bought it used a few months ago. I'm just now getting around to using the isight camera with iMovie. But iMovie does not recognize the iSight camera. I am able to use photobooth and iChat with the camera, so I don't think the problem is iSight. I am using Mac OSX 10.5.8
The iMovie version is iMovie 4, which surprises me since this is a relatively new MBP. But whatever, it should work. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

EdinMPLS wrote:
First of all, thanks for the responses.
You're welcome.
I just find it confusing that apple 1) makes a computer with a video camera ...
Perhaps understanding a few facts will reduce your confusion.
The Macs with the built-in camera are a fairly recent development. In fact, these Macs were introduced at (approximately) the same time Apple introduced iLife '06, which includes the iMovie version compatible with built-in iSight.
... 2) installs movie software that ...
iMovie is part of iLife, which is sold separately:
http://www.apple.com/ilife/ (current version)
The fact that iMovie and other iLife apps are bundled with current Macs is a bonus for the customer.
iLife was not bundled with some older Macs, but owners of older Macs that meet iLife system requirements can add the versions they need. Note that many requirements, not only camera compatibility, differ for different iLife versions.
If you consider adding the current iLife, check your MacBook Pro's specifications against iLife '09's system requirements:
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP515
... 3) doesn't work with the built-in camera. I know, I know, different versions, usb vs. FW, etc. Still seems crazy to me.
The software that came with the Mac you bought did work with the built-in camera.
It is important to consider system requirements for any software you add to your computer. As regards older software versions like iMovie 4 and built-in iSight, I think it impossible that any software could be made to be compatible with hardware that has not yet been developed as of the software release date.
Based on this information, I hope that this lack of compatibility no longer seems as "crazy" to you as it initially did.
Here's another question: I bought this used, and migrated my old data on to it. Now, did it transfer the "old" version of iMovie from my old computer (iBook) when it transferred the data?
The answer will depend on how you "migrated." If you migrated your files manually, only those things you personally moved will be transferred.
If you used Migration Assistant, the answer is likely yes. This article may be of interest:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1963
Is it possible this newer computer still has a newer version of iMovie hidden somewhere in its bones?
This answer, too, depends on what you did. If you erased the used disk before you began using it, a newer version of iMovie will only be there if you reinstalled it or "restored" your MBP using the disks that originally came with it.
If you did not erase, all iMovie versions that currently reside on your MBP should be in your Mac's "Applications" folder unless someone has moved them.
With Leopard (OS X 10.5) being comprised of hundreds of thousands of files, finding individual files manually is unlikely. At this time, your best choice is to look at the disks that came with your MBP. If you got an iLife DVD, you can install the version that came with your MBP now.
EZ Jim
MacPro QuadCore(Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/MacOSX (10.6.4)
MacBookPro(13inch,Mid2009) 2.26GHz(10.6.4)
LED Cinema Display G4PowerBook 1.67GHz(10.4.11)
iBookSE366MHz(10.3.9) External iSight

ISight cam is getting crazy?

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