ISight came on I wasn't using it - help!

This is scary. I was just sitting here at the computer browsing the internet - I'd logged onto FB earlier but then was off, was looking up some articles in some online newspapers and listening to an internet radio station. Then I noticed that the iSight camera was on! I've never used it and I wish I could get a MacBook without it but it's there - I suspect (since I don't use it) that it may have been turned on remotely (the only times I know I've turned it on myself is when I accidentally click the PhotoBooth icon, but then I always turn it off).
I covered up the camera and disconnected from the internet, and the light went off, I got back on and immediately navigated to here.
I am using Safari 5.0.2.
Thanks,
Lizzy
PS I won't be responding to any responses for several hours because I have to pick up my son and we'll be doing other things this afternoon but thanks in advance for any help anyone might suggest!

Lizzy Scott wrote:
This is scary. I was just sitting here at the computer browsing the internet - I'd logged onto FB earlier but then was off, was looking up some articles in some online newspapers and listening to an internet radio station. Then I noticed that the iSight camera was on! I've never used it and I wish I could get a MacBook without it but it's there - I suspect (since I don't use it) that it may have been turned on remotely (the only times I know I've turned it on myself is when I accidentally click the PhotoBooth icon, but then I always turn it off).
I covered up the camera and disconnected from the internet, and the light went off, I got back on and immediately navigated to here.
I am using Safari 5.0.2.
Thanks,
Lizzy
PS I won't be responding to any responses for several hours because I have to pick up my son and we'll be doing other things this afternoon but thanks in advance for any help anyone might suggest!
Consider the following in addition to the good responses you have already received.
Check for forgotten items someone who has physical access to your Mac may have added:
• camera-capable System Preferences.... > Accounts > Login Items,
• camera-capable widgets in the Dashboard, and
• camera-capable applications open in the Dock.
• camera-capable apps running in a fast user switching account
If you don't have any of the above and have not installed, activated, and authorized Apple Remote Desktop or some other software specifically designed to allow remote operation of your Mac, you can be confident that your webcam is not being used without your permission.
If you still see the green light occasionally, consider the reset suggested in
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
You might also want to test another user account to see if the unexplained green light is user account specific.
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz 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; iPod touch 4.1

Similar Messages

Ok so I have a free standing iSight Cam, is it possible to use it with my white MacBook ? and if so how do I go about it ? I've tried researching for updates, drives but need help.

Ok so I have a free standing iSight Cam, is it possible to use it with my white MacBook ? and if so how do I go about it ? I've tried researching for updates, drives but need help. Can someone give me some direction ?

jpatricio787 wrote: ... is it possible to use it with my white MacBook ?...
OK so yes, but if, and only if:
(1) your MacBook has a Firewire port (not all do)
- and -
(2) your old external iSight camera works (not all do)
- and -
(3) your MacBook is working properly.
If you are not certain whether your MacBook model has Firewire, you can search MacBook Technical Specifications for your model. Alternatively, check the User Guide Manual that came with your MacBook for the information you need to be certain.
If you are not certain that your old external iSight camera works, you can test it using the suggestions in this link.
jpatricio787 wrote: ... if so how do I go about it ? ...
Follow the instructions in your iSight User's Guide to connect and turn on the iSight. Then launch the Apple app you want to use with your iSight. If you need more information about using an app, search for "camera" (without the quote marks) in the Help menu choice for the app.
jpatricio787 wrote:... Can someone give me some direction ?
If you need more direction, post back the specifics of what you still need. We will offer further direction based on the details of your reply.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.9.3

SL with VMFusion & WinXP-how to use iSight cam in Winxp

I was trying to follow directions for how to make isight camera work on windows side and got stuck where it talks about putting in(*it says Leopard, but I've updated from d/l to SL) CD as I did a DOWNLOAD/install of SL so where are the files kept? Here's the list and I wonder how to continue if file someplace on a download-see my questions next to[*]:
Insert the MacOS X Leopard disc in the DVD drive.
Open VMware Fusion.
Select the virtual machine running Windows and click Play.
Ensure that the CD drive is connected to the virtual machine.
From the Fusion application menu, click Virtual Machine > CD/DVD > Connect CD/DVD.
[*I started here]Connect the camera to the virtual machine. Click Virtual Machine > USB > Connect Apple Built-in iSight.
[*I did this]When the Found New Hardware wizard appears in Windows, click Cancel.
From the Windows desktop, open My Computer.
[*stuck here, D is CD drive, so where can I find the next DRIVERS from download?] Ctrl-click WindowsSupport (D:), then click Explore.
[*where is this on d/l?] Navigate to D:/Boot Camp/Drivers/Apple.
Double-click AppleiSightInstaller.exe.
Follow the onscreen prompts.
Click Finished. The Apple iSight camera is now ready for use.
----or if all of this makes no sense, does anyone having same hardware know how to make VMwareFuison(vs. 2.0.5-older vs)/winxp see my isight camera?
Thanks ahead for ALL help!
p.s.Reason: trying to find some program to do video chat from macbook to person on pc. I tried ichat, and have only visual(I can see and hear them, they can only see me), for some reason after snowL.upgrade sound doesn't work in ichat.(all volumes up, sound settings checked);I tried AIM on windows side thru VMWareFusion/winxp and can't find my isight cam.

The Boot Camp drivers are located on the SL DVD, but they are only accessible from within Windows. If you open Boot Camp Assistant and print out the documentation that may help you get an idea of what's required for Windows when booted directly rather than through the VM. And you might reread whatever information you were using to be sure you got the instructions right.
But the Apple Discussions is a user-to-user help site for Apple products. There is no help forum here for VM Fusion. There is a forum for Windows and for Boot Camp. But your question is unrelated to OS X and unrelated to Installation and Setup of OS X. Therefore, you should either post in the Windows forum here or go back to the VMWare site to look for help.

Old iSight camera

Can I use my old iSight camera with my MacBook Pro?
Any help gratefully received
Galen Strawson

You should be able to have access to your firewire iSight as soon as you plug it in. For example, Photo Booth automatically recognizes and set it as your default one.
You can also try through the change of video source in Yahoo Messenger (current version 3.0 Beta 1). Once you change the source to "iSight" from "Built-in iSight", you can close Yahoo Messenger. Now when you turn on Photo Booth, your external firewire iSight is set to the default.
Hope it helps.
Shingo

Will an original iSight camera (peripheral) work with newer versions of Mac OS X (Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion)?

Hi there,
I'm thinking about purchasin a used iSight camera so I can skype using my TV (which I now use as a monitor). Will this older legacy product work with my MacBook Pro (2011)?
Thanks,
Alex

It can work, but I'd recommend a new compatible USB cam instead.
More info here: http://discussions.apple.com/thread/3983993

Can't capture video using iSight camera in QuickTime 7.4 (92)

OK, I see that there are plenty of "bugs" with Quicktime Version 7.4 (92), but I don't see the problem I am having, posted anywhere. Here goes...
I cannot capture video using my [Firewire] iSight camera on my CoreDuo MacMini. I definitely used to be able to do this. When I go to File>New Movie Recording, I get a back/blank Movie Recording window and that's it. I click on the Red/Record button and nothing happens. The timer doesn't even advance. Just sits there. When I try to stop the recording, I get the following message:
*"Recording failed because no data was received.*
*Make sure that the media input source is turned on and playing."*
I can still capture audio, although had some problems and had to "downgrade" to version 7.3.x and subsequently reinstalled 7.4. Now the audio works but still no video.
A few things:
1. YES, the iSight camera works - I can use it in iMovie, iChat, Photobooth, etc. - for both video and audio.
2. As I mentioned, I tried "downgrading" (using "Pacifist") but still no video.
3. I re-installed Version 7.4 and the audio problems cleared up, but again, still unable to capture video.
3. All software updates installed.
Any ideas???
Thanks!

"As I mentioned, I tried "downgrading" (using "Pacifist") but still no video."
See QuickTimeKirk’s posting in the following thread:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1357579&tstart=0
Try the following:
Trash com.apple.LaunchServices.plist
It's located in your account:
HD/Library/Preferences/com.apple.LaunchServices.plist
Delete the file, restart (a new .plist will be created) and quicktime hopefully will work again w/o doing an Archive & Install.
+If you want to do an A&I:+
Do an archive and install of your OS from the OS disc. Stop at the QT upgrade you need.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301270 Scroll down to "Archive and Install”
IMPORTANT: Maker sure you select "preserve user preferences and data" when you performed the A&I?
Good luck!

How do I use my isight camera live?

I have a 27 inch Imac. How do I use my Isight camera as a web cam? I have flashplayer 10, but it still won't work. Help?

Software always operates webcams, so you need to find software applications that does what you want.
Use your Mac's  > App Store... menu command to search for "webcam"
(without quotation marks).
You can also search for other terms like "video chat", "video conferencing", "video surveillance", etc.
If you need other functions, some of the older apps in the list in this link are also still available:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage7.html
BTW, Flash 10 is out of date for OS X 10.7.2.
• You can find the latest Flash version that works with you system using this page:
      http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
If you update, use your Mac's Disk Utility to repair permissions. Then follow Adobe's instructions here: http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/908/cpsid_90893.html
Be sure to uninstall your current Flash player before installing the new one.
Repair permissions again immediately following installation of the updated Flash player.
• Be aware that the current Flash Player Preferences can be configured in your Lion Mac's  > System Preferences...    These settings may be blocking Flash on a system-wide basis.
• Individual Flash settings are still configured in the same way as older versions:
      http://tinyurl.com/5kjv3
Message was edited by: EZ Jim

ISight camera "in use by another application"

Hello. I'm having trouble using my built-in iSight camera in my brand new MacBook Pro. I can get the thing to work while using iMovie 08, but it won't work with Photo Booth, iChat, or iMovie HD. The very first day I had the computer, it worked with Photo Booth, so I'm fairly certain it's a software problem. I've loaded a ton of software.
The error message I get for iChat and Photo Booth is "Photo Booth cannot open because no camera is attached or the camera is in use by another application." It isn't. I swear.
After reading through a bunch of posts, here's what I've tried:
1. Reinstalling QuickTime
2. Updating the OS
3. Rebooting
4. Repairing permissions
5. Deleting the Photo Booth preferences
6. Zapping the PRAM
7. Resetting the CMU
8. Logging in through a brand-new user account
9. Checking to make sure the camera shows up under the About This Mac/More Info section
10. Trashing everything I can find related to the HP Scanner software (though I'll need that again in the future)
11. Getting rid of other devices listed under the Image Capture folder in my Library
12. Re-installing Photo Booth
13. Calling Apple Support. They gave up and told me to "archive and reinstall," but after spending several weeks installing software, I don't want to do that. Archiving and reinstalling is a pain in the butt. They also offered to "escalate" the issue, but after 1.5 hours on the phone, I decided to try back another day.
In the meantime, I wanted to see if anyone else had some advice.
It feels like the old days of OS 9 extensions conflicts. But I'm just not sure how to problem solve these things. Like, for example, if it IS a problem with HP scanner software, how do I get rid of all of it? Might it be a problem with having both iMovie HD and iMovie 08 on the same computer...? How can I systematically problem-solve this thing?

Welcome to Apple Discussions, schmargle
I think you are on the right track. The fact that you have "loaded a ton of software" makes me think possible conflicts.
For your HP issue, parkersal's solution at http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=4246676#4246676 might help you. In addition to some more details about parkersal's tip, you can find some other users' suggestions in Shelia Addison's sightless iSight ... thread.
If HP is not your only problem, your quickest fix may to be an Erase (your entire startup disk) and Install (of the OS.) Update to the latest version, and test your iSight before you install anything else to be sure it works. Then install the additional software you need one-by-one, testing iSight between each one to make certain you know which one is breaking it.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.1) External iSight

How can I use the built-in Isight camera with an external camera (usb/firewire) at the same time?

How can I use the built-in Isight camera and an external video camera at the same time?
I'm wanting to stream over Oovoo/Skype/etc. using 2 cameras.
Thanks

Simple question with a not so simple answer.
(a) If you mean that you want to run multiple apps simultaneously using a different camera with each app, you may encounter computing power limitations. Digital video is processor intensive. The only way to know if your Mac can do this it to try it. If the video does not work together but each app works when it it the only app running, you are likely overloading your Mac's ability to process and/or move all the required data in your data bus. You can get a better indication of whether this is the case by watching your Activity Monitor utility while running the apps you want to use.
(b) If you mean that you want to have more than one compatible camera connected to your Mac simultaneously for ease of changing between video sources, some, but not necessarily all, apps you are using to operate your camera(s) allow you to select between your cameras.
How you select among connected cameras depends on which application you are using. Here is how camera selection works in a few examples:
(1) For iChat, you can choose which iSight you use in the "Camera:" choices bar in iChat > Preferences... > Audio/Video that appears when more than one compatible camera is connected. Although your camera choices will be different, the choices bar will look something similar to the Preferences settings shown here:
If you cannot see the "Camera" choices bar, your Mac is recognizing only one (or none) of your cameras. In that case, consider the suggestions fromhttp://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 for iSight problems or refer to your other camera's documentation for help.
This particular choices bar solution applies ONLY to iChat. Most other applications also have settings that allow you to choose which camera to use. However, they do not all work the same way.
(2) For instance, iMovie HD's camera choice is NOT set via Preferences. When you have more than one compatible camera connected, iMovie6 HD uses a drop-down menu choice something like this (depending on which version of iMovie you use):
Note: Because I had no built-in iSight connected when I made this example, and because my external iSight was not connected, the drop-down menu showed only "Time Lapse." Because your Mac has a built-in iSight, your built-in iSight would show in the drop-down menu even when no other camera is connected. Connecting an additional Mac compatible webcam should allow you to choose either camera.
Other iMovie versions work slightly differently.
iMovie 9 (from iLife '11) uses a different camera choice button shown in this article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iMovie/9.0/en/mov39f84285.html
iMovie 8 (from iLife '09) is slightly different as explained in this article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iMovie/8.0/en/10172.html
In general, you can use your Mac's help for the application in use to find out how to select among more than one connected camera.
(3) Photo Booth in Snow Leopard 10.6.x and later uses the Photo Booth > Camera menu command to select which camera to use.
Note for readers with older Mac OS X: The previous version of Photo Booth that came with Tiger (10.4.x) is such a simple, basic app that it offers no menu selectable choice. Unless your built-in iSight is already occupied as the camera being used by some open application before you launch Photo Booth, Photo Booth will use ONLY your built-in iSight.
However, you can use the trick from ¶ 4 of http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302781 to let Photo Booth use an external camera.
(If you have an external Firewire camera connected, it may be used in preference to any USB webcam. If that is a problem for you, merely disconnect the problem Firewire device.)
(4) For FaceTime, launch the app and click the Video menu item.
If your Mac recognizes more than one connected compatible camera, a "Camera" section listing the cameras from which you can choose will appear there. Clicking on the desired camera name will let you select the one you want as shown in this image from my Mac Pro and LED Cinema Display:
If your Mac recognizes only one compatible camera, the "Camera" section will not appear in the Video menu, but FaceTime will automatically use the connected camera that is recognized by OS X.
(5) I do not use Skype oir Oovoo. For those or other apps, see Help for each app for info on how to select your desired camera.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim

How do I use my iSight camera through msn messanger rather than iChat?

How do I use my iSight camera through msn messanger rather than iChat?

Hi
MSN for mac any version does not do video.
aMSN and Mercury do video but no audio.
if you are trying to video with a PC you will be better off using Skype
Mac version http://www.skype.com/download/skype/macosx/index.html
PC version http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/helloagain.html
Tony

How can i use isight camera to broadcast to web with Mac OS 10.4?

I am using an iBook G4 running OS 10.4 as a printer server. I have to do this to be able to print on my HP DeskJet 882c printer from computers running OS 10.6 and above (although I have not been able to get it to work with 10.8).
I can connect an iSight camera to the iBook via FireWire. Can I set that up to broadcast a video feed to a web site so I can visually monitor the area near the laptop and printer?

jrmnewtonma wrote: How can i use isight camera to broadcast to web with Mac OS 10.4?
You could use compatible older versions of QuickTime professional extensions for your Mac OS X version.
This professional quality software is very powerful, and it will certainly stream any video you need. However, it is not simple to use, so be prepared to do some research and study to get it configured and working.
To use your iBook with its OS X 10.4, you will need QuickTime Broadcaster 1.5.3
and Darwin Streaming Server (v5.5.5) (if you need streaming server functions.)
Although I have never used it, QuickTime Streaming Server 4.1.1 might be a useable substitute for Darwin.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.8.3

What format do I use for to edit with footage from Isight camera (Mpeg-4)

I've been having trouble with the rendering of clips in the timeline. I'm using 3 video tracks and all of them were recorded on my Isight camera, making all of them mpeg 4 files so when I first imported them, every time I changed one little thing on the timeline, it all had to be rendered again but it took forever. So I went to easy setup and changed the format a few times to see if any would work since I haven't had this problem before but this is the first time I'm using clips from my isight camera. Does anyone know what format to use or do I need to convert the files?
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

You need to convert the media into a format that's natively editable in FCE. You can use MPEG Streamclip to do that.

Can't use LINE IN audio with iSight Camera on iMovie 08

I want to record a video, using the internal iSight camera of my iMac, but I want to use the "line in" audio instead of the internal microphone of my iMac. I have tried for hours, and done the obvious things (selecting "line in" under System Preferences). I can record audio perfectly using Sound Studio or other programs, so it's not like the Mac isn't getting the audio. The problem is convincing iMovie to accept the audio of the Line In rather than the internal microphone of the iSight camera.
Thanks to all who would reply.

I've had the same problem, and it seems that this is simply not possible in iMovie... Disappointed!
Instead, having set 'line in' as input under System Preferences, fire up Quicktime Player and choose New Movie Recording under the File menu.
The movie will be recorded using system sound input, i.e. line in. It can then be opened / imported in iMovie for editing et c.
This works for me with the built in iSight on an intel Penryn Macbook Pro.
hth,
/m

Disable iSight camera and use external USA webcam

We have a macbook and use a large monitor for managing brochures etc. I would like to mount an external USB webcam on the monitor and use it with Skype. However, whenever I open Skype it turns on the iSight camera (which is facing a wall). Is there any way to have the external webcam be the active camera and disable the iSight camera?
Thanks

Frodo 51 wrote:
We have a macbook and use a large monitor for managing brochures etc. I would like to mount an external USB webcam on the monitor and use it with Skype. However, whenever I open Skype it turns on the iSight camera (which is facing a wall). Is there any way to have the external webcam be the active camera and disable the iSight camera?
Thanks
I no longer use Skype, so I cannot test Skype's claims, but http://www.skype.com/go/help should best be able to help you use their product with your system.
I found this page http://www.skype.com/help/guides/skypeformac/skypefeatures/video.html that seems to address your specific question. The picture on that page shows that you should be able to select among connected cameras from the "Camera:" choices bar in Skype > Preferences > Video:
Of course, if you have only one compatible camera connected, only the one choice will show.
Use the latest version of Skype that is compatible with your system. If camera selection works as explained in the Skype Help page, there should be no need to "disable the iSight camera."
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

HT3964 Hello, my isight camer is not working properly, i was using photo booth and suddenly the image was black or too dark and also ichat and facetime are too dark as well, please helpme out i can not find any solution.

Hello, my isight camer is not working properly, i was using photo booth and suddenly the image was black or too dark and also ichat and facetime are too dark as well, please helpme out i can not find any solution.

read this and see if it helps: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2090

ISight came on I wasn't using it - help!

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for