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

Similar Messages

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

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

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

  • Isight camera problems

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

    Welcome to Discussions, Cooper707
    (1) If you are using the latest version of Skype, and if restarting your Mac does not correct the problem, you should first try to eliminate possible add-on software interference as Ralph suggested.
    If you have never installed or used iGlasses, perhaps you have tried either
      http://b-l-a-c-k-o-p.com/skype-video-effects-mac.html
        - or -
      http://allocinit.com/index.php?title=CamTwist
    Both of them claim to be able to add effects to Skype. Perhaps one is causing your problem.
    (2) If you can eliminate third party software add-ons, consider any of the following you have not tried:
      http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
    (3) Be sure to test more than one user account. I also suggest that you try to get the Apple apps that use iSight working first. By troubleshooting with the Apple apps, you eliminate third-party unknowns as a possible cause.
    (4) Perhaps you can find Skype Help that will give you other ideas:
      https://support.skype.com/
    EZ Jim
    Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.2)  MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.2)
    LED Cinema Display  G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11)  iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9)  External iSight

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Built in isight camera problem

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

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

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

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

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

  • ISight Camera / Firewire Problems

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

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

  • 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!

  • IMovie 6.0.3 does not recognize built in iSight Camera on new iMac

    New iMac, Intel, OS 10.5.4, QT 7.5.
    Built in Camera works with Photo Booth, the new iMovie 7.1.3 and iChat.
    iMovie HD 6.0.3 or 6.0.4 does not recognize the camera. Opening a new project results in a No Camera Connected error. I have tried selecting various options in the video format drop down when creating a new project. I have repaired permissions, tried it under various users, removed the imovie plist, reinstalled imovie (both 6.0.3 and 6.0.4) without success. All 10 of the new computers are exhibiting this problem.
    Any help would be appreciated.

    That is not an option that I can select on the imac's. On my iBook under 10.5.4 with iMovie HD 6.0.3 or 6.0.4 I can click on the triangle next to the camera icon and select the built in iSight camera. On the new iMacs that does not work. The built in iSight is not listed as an option.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Built-in iSight camera doesn't work all the time...?

    This started on iChat... When starting a video conference I see a black picture, the green light turns on but my buddy only see's a video of herself and is still able to hear me. I tried opening the audio/video preferences and the preview is still black. I also tried opening photobooth and it shows a black picture as well. This only happens on occassions, it works most of the time but this problem seems to be occurring more often. I've tried all the troubleshooting listed but nothing seems to work..?

    "I've tried all the troubleshooting listed but nothing seems to work..? "
    Please list them. This will avoid the +"been there, done that"+ scenarios when users try to provide you with troubleshooting solutions.
    Otherwise, +"since you've tried all the troubleshooting listed"+ then send your computer to your local AASP or contact AppleCare if you are still under warranty.
    Tried everything in Article http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 How to Troubleshoot iSight and this thread my isight camera is not working-not recognised with photo booth or ichat?

  • 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

  • Built in iSight camera no longer showing up or recognized by iMac

    Hello there - I have a white 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo iMac with a built in iSight camera, and the camera is no longer showing up, or is not recognized by the computer any longer. Very strange! The little green LED by the camera is not lit any longer, and the camera is not recognized any longer by Photo Booth, iChat AV, or any of the other apps that would use the camera. This is a real pain, because I am leaving for France in a couple days and am taking my MacBook Pro with me, and am hoping that I can use iChat AV to talk to my kids at home on the iMac. I do have an extra iSight camera that I have hooked up to the iMac and can use in a pinch, but I really want to use the built in camera on the iMac. Any hints / ideas / suggestions on what to do for this problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

    No, unfortunately that did not help. I did the following...
    1. See if the issue is application-specific. - Nope. Camera is not recognized in any of the apps that it should be recognized in, I tested iChat AV, PhotoBooth, ImageCapture, and iMovie.
    2. See if the issue is user-specific. - There's only one user account on this Mac, so I couldn't do that.
    3. Find out if the computer recognizes the iSight. I went into System Profiler and checked the USB profiler, and the camera does not show up.
    4. Reset SMC or PMU. These just looked like different ways of restarting, which I did multiple times.
    I have also run my Software Updates (on OS 10.5, which I did with a clean install from an OS 10.5 DVD by the way) and still no camera. This problem started happening with the original OS 10.4 (which it came with) and I was hoping a clean install of the OS would help, but no.
    I'm wondering if resetting the PRAM might help, but I can't remember those keys you hold down while restarting (was it Apple-Option-P-R ?) or if that is just reaching waaaaay back to the pre OSX days.
    Here's the kicker though - if I plug in a FireWire iSight camera, all is well. I'm really hoping that the camera isn't jsut dead, but it's starting to look that way. Would Disk First Aid or maybe DiskWarrior help?

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