ISight camera shouts automatically

Before few days I installed a collection from new app on my MacBook, after that iSight camera light (the green light beside the camera) turn on for one or two seconds then tern off I think it's take a picture. This strange behavior repeat hour or something like that as I remember.
So any one have any idea about this issue?? or why this green light appear then disappear??
I'm afraid to be some kind off spyware or others!!
BTW: I installed the following programs:
1- Lockdown.app
2- salling Clicker
3- Adium book
4- Oops! (Game)
5- zend studio for eclipse

I think lockdown is the one. You may want to try deleting that app and see. To be safe, you might want to delete all the apps first and see if anything let's up.

Similar Messages

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

RE: I need drivers for an external isight camera on windows 7 64-bit

IRT http://discussions.info.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=11515278#11515278
Are the drivers from boot camp only for the internal isight camera or should the drivers work with the external firewire camera?
I installed the drivers without a problem on Windows 7 64-bit. However, windows 7 didn't recognize the drivers (either automatically or when manually found). The installer placed them in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\
Of note, the camera does work. Using skype, the camera's LED lit up. However, the generic driver wouldn't allow the camera to "talk" with windows. The aperture opened to the max setting and "whited out" the video. Thanks!!

witkewoo wrote:
IRT http://discussions.info.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=11515278#11515278
Are the drivers from boot camp only for the internal isight camera or should the drivers work with the external firewire camera?
I installed the drivers without a problem on Windows 7 64-bit. However, windows 7 didn't recognize the drivers (either automatically or when manually found). The installer placed them in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\
Of note, the camera does work. Using skype, the camera's LED lit up. However, the generic driver wouldn't allow the camera to "talk" with windows. The aperture opened to the max setting and "whited out" the video. Thanks!!
(1) External iSight is, as you recognize, a Firewire webcam. It has its own built-in microphone.
Built-in iSight is a USB camera. It has no mic of its own.
Windows® video drivers for both iSights are included. However, as explained in the following link, there are no Windows® audio drivers for external (Firewire) iSight’s internal microphones:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISight#iSightonWindows
(2) If you can track your problems to your Boot Camp or Windows installation, see FAQs and troubleshooting here:
http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/
As reported by user mikkel_nielsen here:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=11953256#11953256
you may merely need to update and reinstall the drivers.
I do not use Windows®, but if you get no better help here, the best I have to offer is:
Check iSight with OS X apps and user accounts: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
If all works there, consider Boot Camp/Win7 FAQ & links: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3986
Also Boot Camp 3.0, Mac OS X 10.6 FAQ & links: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3777
If all else fails, this search in Boot Camp might give you some ideas or an idea for a new topic there:
http://tinyurl.com/39lu9fn
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.4) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.4)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

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 not functioning correctly

I tried to use my iSight camera on iChat recently using an AIM account.
I try to have a video conference and I get the following message.
"There was a communication error during your chat."
My friend accepts but gets a message saying "invite or request timed out"
I use a router, I'm not sure what kind since my landlord has it.
I can use the iSight camera with Photo Booth and some chartrooms online work, java and flash chat rooms. For other chat rooms it doesn't work. Doesn't work on AIM chat for example.
I changed the firewall, security settings and all that on the iChat preferences, sharing and security, based on what other forums suggested.
I need some help, please.

Hello swisswiz
Because your iSight works with some apps, your problem is likely not with iSight. To eliminate iSight as a possible contributer to your problem, you can try the suggestions in Apple's How to Troubleshoot iSight. If iMovie, Photo Booth and iChat > Video > Video Preview work for you, the problem is not iSight related.
For iChat video, first thing you should do is to check your Mac's System Preference... > QuickTime > Streaming setting to be sure your "Streaming Speed" is set to the approximate speed that your ISP provides. Do NOT leave it set to Automatic. Ask you landlord about your service if you do not know.
ONLY if your landlord uses Comcast Internet Service or has a T1 or faster internet service, you should also set your iChat > Preferences.... > Audio/Video > Bandwidth Limit to 500 kbps. Test iChat again. If the problem remains, try 200 kbps and even 100 kbps.
If you still have the problem, both you and your contact should try video chat with more than one other person to try to determine which end of the connection is the problem system. If your chat contact can video with everyone but you, but you cannot video with anyone, the problem is at your end.
If you can text chat but not audio or video, perhaps your landlord-supplied internet service does not meet Mac OS X 10.5: iChat System Requirementsminimum bandwidth (speed) requirements. You can test this by using http://www.speedtest.net/ when no other applications are running. Both you and your chat friend must have broadband in order for video to work.
If you can rule out possible bandwidth issues, ask your landlord to reboot his modem and router. Then test again. Whenever I have problem with video, the first thing I try is to reboot my modem, router, and Mac. That usually restores video capability.
If you still have problems, your landlord may be blocking at least some of the ports iChat needs. If so, ask him if he will change that. An easy way to test whether your landlord's system is the problem is for you to try video from a different location. If you cannot try from a friend's broadband internet outside your landlord's network, try from a computer store, library, internet cafe, etc. that offers broadband connections.
If none of these help you, when you post back, tell us what OS and chat app is used by your problem video contact.
Also confirm that you have tried the above suggestions and post back any salient details you learned when you tested including, uplink and downlink speeds, which tested contacts worked and which did not, and whether the problem was EXACTLY the same when you tried video using a different ISP than your home location.
Someone will likely be able to offer specific suggestions based on the details in your response.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.2) External iSight

Why did my isight camera come on by itself

My isight camera came on by itself. I admit that skype was running, but I was not talking to anyone.
The next day the isight cameara came on for less than a second and went off.
Why would this happen?

ArisB wrote: ... Why would this happen?
Because either:
(1) you (or someone else) have added software that turns the camera on and off automatically, or
(2) something is wrong with your Mac's hardware or software.
If you did not do the first and have given others access to your Mac, you can eliminate (1).
Here is how I would work the second possibility: Uninstall (follow Skype's uninstall instructions) Skype. Then restart Mac, use Disk Utility to repair permissions, and then test your camera again. Follow the suggestions inApple's http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 article.
If the camera works correctly now, reinstall the latest Skype that is compatible with your Mac. If the problem returns when you install Skype and goes away whenever you uninstall it, Skype must be causing a conflict that results in your camera's unexpected behavior. Search or post in Skype's dedicated support pages for help for this Skype-specific problem.
If the problem continues even when Skype is properly uninstalled, post back with as much info as you can provide on the latest behavior. Confirm that you have used the proper SMC/PMU reset from the Troubleshooting article, and tell us which (if any) apps and user accounts work properly and which do not. We will offer more specific suggestions based on the details in your reply.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.7.3

Isight camera turns on itself

The isight camera led (green) of my new Macbook Pro turns on by itself. When the lid is adjust, it temporarily turns off or flickers. Can anybody help please.

Thanks for the kind words, crampy!
crampy wrote: ... are there ways to do hardware tests?
Yes.
Users can test some portions of their Macs' hardware components by using Apple Hardware Test. Different Mac models have different ways of accessing AHT. See the User Guide manual that came with your Mac for specific instructions on how to use AHT for your particular Mac.
AHT can find some problems. However, in my experience, it often reports that all is well, even when the Mac is not working. Therefore, if AHT finds no problem, don't automatically conclude that all of your hardware is working.
Apple Authorized Service Providers have access to proprietary technical data, special tools, and much more robust testing equipment and software than AHT provides. Based on the description OP gave of his trouble, I think it almost impossibly unlikely that AHT would find anything that would help. That is why I did not include AHT info in my reply to OP.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.7.4

ISight Camera "in use"?

I have a G5 iMac running OSX.4.8 with the built in iSight camera. When I go to open PhotoBooth I get the message "PhotoBooth cannot open because the camera is in use by another application. Close the application using the camera, then try opening PhotoBooth again." I can't find any app using the camera.
A Mac Genius suggested checking the Widgets. I did and deleted the Mirror widget, the only thing I could find that might use the camera, but still have the problem. I can't identify anything using the camera. Any ideas on this?
Thanks,
John

Thank you Patrick, you solved my problem which even stumped the Mac Genius in the store! He tried resetting the SMU and that didn't work.
On your suggestion I turned off the automatic launch at startup of Classic and it freed up the camera. After that I was able to launch Classic manually and still use PhotoBooth.
Thanks again,
John
I had a similar problem and found two possible fixes
I discovered an apparent conflict between the
OS9/classic environment and iSight. If OS9 is or has
been active, I have to reboot my computer to use
iSight, otherwise I get a "in use by another
applicaton" or "no camera connected" message when I
try to use Skype/Photobooth/iChat. (haven't seen a
fix for this bug on apple's web site) I've also read
about some bugs in the newest version of skype that
may give a similar message. Again, rebooting should
fix this.
If this doesn't work, try resetting the SMU (see
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301733)
to see if this fixes it.
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Change preferences for built-in isight camera?

I have a MacBook Air Rev C, 120GB, and it has a built-in isight camera. I wanted to change the video settings as I look really dark on camera and looked for isight in Applications and couldn't find it. Is that because you can't change any settings for isight camera?

applecore_eater wrote:
... I look really dark on camera ...
Add light to the room is the best fix: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3097
iSight apps adjust automatically when your video area is bright enough.
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

Is there any way to change the settings for the built in isight camera?

I'm sure someone else has probably already asked this, but is there any way to change the settings for the built in isight camera? The resolution is horrible.

Welcome to  Discussions, Prissymissysays
The last Apple-published resolution data I saw said that iSight's resolution is 640x480 VGA. I do not know of any way to change iSight's resolution, but that level is plenty of quality for my webcam needs.
The software you use to operate your iSight controls it, so specific answers will depend on what software you are using when you need more resolution. Check Help in that application to see if it can change iSight's resolution.
Some software, such as Apple's QuickTime 7 Pro allow you to change iSight's video quality and compression level with its QuickTime Player > Preferences > Recording > Quality: setting. You can add iGlasses software to manually override some iSight settings that are otherwise controlled automatically by the software using iSight. However, I do not think either of these options really changes iSight's resolution.
Check whether your iSight's lens cover has fingerprints or smudges on it. Then check iSight's image quality of your face in full sunlight about two feet from the lens. Best image quality requires more light than what most people would consider normal room lighting.
If you are still having problems, consider the applicable suggestions from How to Troubleshoot iSight.
If you need better resolution than iSight can deliver for some special imaging requirement such as close-up or high-accuracy images, you may need to consider using a different camera that better meets your special needs.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz Mac OS X (10.4.10) G5 DP 1.8 External iSight

Isight camera poor quality photos

I have an ipad3 which used to take great pictures. Recently though, the iSight camera (that's the one facing OUT, correct?) Has been taking photos that are too bright, with uneven lighting and blurry pics. I get this result wherever the photo is taken, the problem seems to be with the camera or lens?
FaceTime camera (the one facing the user) photos look fine!
I'd appreciate any suggestions as to what might be the problem and solution.
Thanks

Hello there, Neil.
The following Knowledge Base article provides a practical checklist of steps to try for troubleshooting issues with undesired image quality:
iPhone: Hardware troubleshooting
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2802
Camera isn't functioning or has undesired image quality
If the screen shows a closed lens or black image, force quit the Camera app.
If you do not see the Camera app on the Home screen, try searching for it in Spotlight. If the camera does not show up in the search, check to make sure that Restrictions are not turned on by tappingSettings > General > Restrictions.
Ensure the camera lens is clean and free from any obstructions. Use a microfiber polishing cloth to clean the lens.
Cases can interfere with the camera and the flash. Try gently cleaning the lens with a clean dry cloth or removing the case if you see image or color-quality issues with photos.
Try turning iPhone off and then back on.
Tap to focus the camera on the subject. The image may pulse or briefly go in and out of focus as it adjusts.
Try to remain steady while focusing:
Still images: Remain steady while taking the picture. If you move too far in any direction, the camera automatically refocuses to the center.
Note: If you take a picture with iPhone turned sideways, it is automatically saved in landscape orientation.
Video: Adjust focus before you begin recording. You can also tap to readjust focus while recording. Exiting the Camera application while recording will stop recording and will save the video to the Camera Roll.
Note: Video-recording features are not available on original iPhone or iPhone 3G.
If your iPhone has a front and rear camera, try switching between them to verify if the issue persists on both.
My issue is still not resolved. What do I do next?
Contact Apple Support.
Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.
Cheers,
Pedro.

Isight camera control

I notice that my isight camera is on as I can see the green light on. I am not sure which application is running it.
How do I turn the camera off?
Is there a place where I can control the isight hardware?
Is there anyway to tell what application is using the isight camera?
Thanks in advance for any information,
Paul

bechard wrote:
I notice that my isight camera is on as I can see the green light on. I am not sure which application is running it.
Look in the Dock to see if any apps that use iSight have the little mark by them. The mark indicates that a particular application is running, but it does not tell you anything about iSight. The green light is the only indicator that iSight is active. Note that even when you have quit all other apps, the Finder will still have the mark because Finder is always on (when you are using OS X.)
Also check System Preferences > Accounts > Login Items for any that might be launched automatically at every startup.
Finally, check Widgets to see if any that use iSight (Mirror, etc) are running. Restart your Mac (but not the widget) if you cannot make a running iSight widget stop any other way.
How do I turn the camera off?
Quit all apps that use iSight. In normal operation, individual apps control your iSight for optimal performance with each app. You stop (or start) the iSight when you stop (or start) the apps that operate it.
If your problem persists, restarting the Mac may resolve unusual behavior.
If the problem is still there, consider http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
Is there a place where I can control the isight hardware?
Unless you have added third-party add-on software, the answer above applies. If you have added software that gives manual iSight control (such as iGlasses) rather than allowing the apps to control you iSight in the normal fashion, see the add-on's documentation for instructions on how to use the add-on or uninstall it if you continue to have difficulty with it.
Is there anyway to tell what application is using the isight camera?
Yes - as explained in the responses above.
Thanks in advance for any information,
You're welcome.
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.3) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.3)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook EZ Jim 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

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

IMovie '08: Built-in iSight camera not recognized in Yosemite

On this page
http://support.apple.com/en-us/TS2472
iMovie '08: Built-in iSight camera not recognized
it says:
In Finder, navigate to /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/
Select the file com.apple.mio.VDCAssistant.plist and delete.
Restart your system.
You should now be able to use your iSight camera with iMovie.
However, in Yosemite, it only has this file name
com.apple.cmio.VDCAssistant.plist
and I don't want to delete it as instructed without someone who knows telling me it won't hurt my newly installed and thus far working well OS 10.10.1, with iMovie 7.1.4 on my iMac 24 inch, Early 2008, 2.8 GHz Intel Dore 2 Duo, 2 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM. It worked with Leopard, and I don't recall having to use the above mentioned support page.

Contact Apple. I believe you have a hardware issue there if it's not showing up in your System profiler.
Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Macsimum News Associate Editor  Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support'

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!

ISight camera shouts automatically

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