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.

Similar Messages

External iSight camera (FireWire) acting flakey with Skype

My once reliable & rock-solid Apple iSight camera just started acting strange, sometimes it will provide picture perfect video and now suddenly when using Skype the picture has a venetian-blind effect with the video inverted upside down (interlacing on steroids). I am using the latest, greatest version of Skype, funny thing is when I go into the Prefs and check video the picture is perfect like in iChat, but when I connect with my parents their video comes through perfect but mine is scrambled. The camera maybe gets a maximum of 25 hours per year of use, but is now about 7 years old. Checked FW connections and rebooted, PRAM reset, etc. Any suggestions? Time to get a cheap USB webcam? Want to use iChat but no good for our connection (broadband) and Tiger/Leopard OS problems.

Hi,
I use a Advent 1.3Mp Int camera that I bought form the UK version of PC World
The Int bit stands for Interchangable fronts. It has a Mic as well.
It has a fold out bit to hook on to the top of laptops (it's not deep enough for a current iMac).
The cable fits into the base which makes it difficult to use as a free standing item.
The X-box 360 Camera works as it is UVC compliant as well but has no Mic.
With some older Macs that have USB 2.0 (Needed for UVC compliant cameras) on the computer/tower do not have USB 2.0 ports on the keyboard.
I have a USB 2.0 card added to my G4 tower.
Others http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/
Generally speaking most USB cameras will be USB 2.0
In most cases but not all these will be UVC compliant (USB Video Class)
Vista in Windows onwards and Mac OS 10.4.9 onwards have UVC drivers so a "PC" camera does not need Mac Drivers.
The ones that are USB 2.0 only will need Drivers and these then get difficult to find (there were third party options for USB 1.1 cameras and you needed and Add on Utility for iChat)
Pay attention to the pixel descriptions.
Mine is 1.3 Megapixels (1280 X 960 pixels)
USB cameras seem to be mentioning 5Mp at present.
However iChat can only use 0.3 (640 X 480 pixels) max as can Photo Booth.
having said that Quicktime Pro (for your 10.5.8) and imovie could use the higher pixel format if you were going to do more with it with those apps.
Summary
UVC compliant is an absolute for a Mac nowadays.
This will need you to have a USB 2.0 port on the computer rather than the keyboard with slightly older Macs (Some Intels are included in this).
Any Camera that is marked "Vista Certified" or UVC compliant may not have the same features on a Mac that they advertise for a PC.
There is a wide variety out there with different pixel rates and you need to pick one to suit where you will use it most.
iChat and Photo Booth will use the pic at a sample rate of 640 X 480 (0.3Mp) (Not sure about Comic Book if it was Bundled with your Mac although it will see the camera).
Other apps mentioned above will see the full spec of the camera.
Hope this helps.
8:08 PM Wednesday; May 12, 2010
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

ISight Camera Video Problem

I record a video in PhotoBooth and lets say the video was 4 minutes long. When I stop the video, and go to watch it. It had only recorded a portion of the video. LIke the first 30 seconds or first minute of the video.
How can I fix this?
Jenny

Is the little green light on?
Open Console in Utilities & see if there are any clues or repeating messages when trying one of those Apps.

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

Firewire isight camera

Hi All
I have two firewire isight camera's. I plug both of them into the firewire port of the dual powermac g5 and the macbook pro.
Both cameras green light come on for about five seconds and then go off.
The cameras are not recognised by both machines in ichat, skype, system profiler.
Is this a common problem, or can they be repaired easily.
Joseph

Welcome to Discussions, Joseph
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.
iSight can be picky about sharing your Mac's Firewire, so be sure you have *only one external iSight connected* and *NO other Firewire devices connected* when you test. (You can test the second iSight after you finish checking and have disconnected the first.)
Then test using the suggestions and links here:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
It may be necessary to reset your Firewire: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1317
If none of the applicable troubleshooting suggestions corrects your problem, and if your Mac's System Profiler does not recognize your external iSight (one at a time) as a Firewire device, you will need to decide whether to use a different webcam or to try to get your iSights repaired.
If you want to pursue iSight repair, Apple service is the only option I suggest. There are no user serviceable parts inside iSight. Contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for service on your iSight.
If you have no local access to Apple Service, Apple Support's contact info is here:
http://www.apple.com/support/contact/phone_contacts.html
If you want to pursue service via Apple's website, see: http://www.apple.com/support/isight/service/
(Apple no longer offers the "iSight Accessory Kit, Part Number: M9314G/B" that is mentioned in the link immediately above.) If your local Apple service pro needs parts from the discontinued Kit or some part those listed in the iSight Service: Frequently Asked Questions page, the kind people at http://www.synaptech.com may be able to help obtain some iSight parts.
EZ Jim
G5 DP 1.8GHz w/Mac OS X (10.5.7) PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

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 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

Connecting a FireWire iSight camera

I want to use an older iSight camera with my new MacBook Pro. The MBP has USB3 but no FireWire input. Can I get an adapter to facilitate this? I know my MBP has a built in camera but I want to have the camera level with my head when I am delivering a lecture. There are limits to what I can expect my audience to put up with in terms of looking up my nose and counting my double chins? Please be specific about any adapters that may be available. Thank you.

Does your MBP have ThunderBolt?
If so there are adapters from ThunderBolt to FireWire.
Allan

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

Facetime and external firewire iSight camera

Hi,
I bought Facetime yesterday. When I start it, it says that there is no camera. I turn on my iSight, nothing happens.
I close Facetime, turn on my iSight, then start Facetime: instant crash.
So, basically, Facetime doesn't work for me. Anybody experienced something similar? Any idea?
My external iSight camera is version 1.0.3.
I run OS X 10.6.6 on my Mac Pro 1.1.

Edouard Boily wrote:
Hi,
I bought Facetime yesterday. When I start it, it says that there is no camera. I turn on my iSight, nothing happens.
I close Facetime, turn on my iSight, then start Facetime: instant crash.
Because you "turn on" your iSight, you must be using your external.
Test your external iSight with other apps using the suggestions here:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
*If external iSight doesn't work with any app*, try creating a new user account and test there.
*If external iSight doesn't work with anything in any user account*, it may be repairable. If you don't have local access to an Apple Service Technician, other options are shown here:
http://www.apple.com/support/isight/service/
*If your external iSight is not economically repairable*, you may want to consider a new camera. Several alternatives are included in the discussion here:
http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/
*If your iSight works with apps* (QT, iMovie, iChat, Photo Booth, etc.) *other than FaceTime*, you may merely need to restart the Mac, repair permissions, and reinstall FaceTime.
So, basically, Facetime doesn't work for me. Anybody experienced something similar?
Not I.
Any idea? ...
Several. You do not say which display you use. As shown in this image using my Mac Pro and LED Cinema Display:
when your Mac recognizes more than one camera, you can select the one you want by clicking the appropriate item in the FaceTime > Video menu item.
(1) *If either camera works*, your FaceTime software is working.
(2) *If you have only one webcam that can connect to your Mac Pro*, try resetting the FaceTime preferences. If you need help, here is how:
• Restart Mac
• Navigate to the "com.apple.FaceTime.plist" file in your Home ( ) > Library > Preferences folder.
(Be sure you are in the "Home" Folder preferences folder, not your System's.)
• Move the "com.apple.FaceTime.plist" file to Trash
• Connect external iSight, launch FaceTime, and test again.
(3) *If the FaceTime problem persists,* apply the 10.6.6 Combo Update as follows:
• Backup your Mac and turn off Time Machine
• Disconnect peripherals and restart Mac
• Use Disk Utility to repair permissions
• Download and install http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1349
• Repair permissions again immediately following the restart that finishes the update.
• Test FaceTime again
(• Turn Time Machine on again when you are satisfied that the Combo update worked.)
(4) *If FaceTime still does not work on your Mac Pro*, test with your other Mac. Leave external iSight disconnected from your MacBook Pro and test FaceTime using its inbuilt iSight. If FaceTime works on your MBP with its inbuilt iSight, you know that the software you downloaded is good.
(5) *If you’re new FaceTime doesn't work with either of your Macs*, click "Support" in the App Store Quick Links (upper right quadrant) section and ask if you should download another copy to test whether the one you have is bad.
EZ Jim
Message was edited by: 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 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

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.

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

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!

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

ISight Camera / Firewire Problems

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