ISight Resolution...a final reply

I have a macbook unibody end 2008 and I want to know what's the resolution of the built-in iSight? because I read different parts that apple had increased the resolution of 1280x1024 but my webcam isght records at 640x480 ... Why?

cpptnow wrote:
if i record with Quick time x at the maximum quality , the video is still recorded at a resolution of 640x480 ... why?
Because applications control the resolution and other operating functions of your iSight.
Apparently QTX is checking system parameters. The original built-in iSights were 640x480. Some may still be. Are you certain that your iSight's native resolution is 1280x1024 rather than 640x480?
Although I do not know, processor power also may be a determinant. On my MacBook Pro, when saving a movie recorded with my iSight, the QTX File > Save As... menu command options are limited to HD 480p (640x480) maximum. This seems consistent with what you report. However, on my Mac Pro, the same save menu in the same (QTX) app allows HD 720p and HD 1080p in addition to HD 480p.
If you know that your iSight is capable of1280x1024, you could check some of the other apps that can record movie clips with your iSight to see if any of them can give you more resolution than QTX or iMovie. If you do not already have other candidates, you can start with apps from the Movie Capture section of this list:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage7.html
However, *be sure to test recording quality before doing anything important* to determine whether the higher resolutions overpowers your system's processor or disk storage capability and results in poor quality of recorded videos.
Finally, if you need more resolution and find no better solution, the best and least cost solution may be a compatible digital camcorder or still camera that offers HD movie modes.
you able to register in 1280?
Yes. My Mac Pro can record 1280 using the iSight built-into the Apple LED display that I use with it.
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 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

Similar Messages

Isight resolution and leopard

i have noticed on my MBP with the 1.3 MP isight, in imovie, i can no longer change the resolution of the camera when importing in imovie, if i switch to the higher res option the camera freezes, i seem to recall in tiger i was able to up the resolution... now i am not... any ideas or similar experience?

Try creating a new user account, log in there and see if the problem persists. You should be able to import from the camera at 2 resolutions without issue.

Problem with iSight resolution in iMovie 08

Every time I change the resolution for the iSight camera in iMovie 08 it freezes. It seems to work fine at vga resolution but not the higher resolution that it gives me as an option. It worked one time so far and don't ask me how. After it freezes and I quit iMovie the camera can't be used by any application including iMovie until the computer is restarted. Is anyone able to help me out with this problem? If any more details are needed I would be happy to give them. Thanks.

I've answered my own problem. It has to do with the "created" date; most of these clips came over from my PC, so they all have the same date. By modifying that, you resolve the problem and it reorders the clips.

Clip resolution vs Final Cut Resolution?

I'm using an older version of Final Cut Express (came with the computer when I got it, Dual G4 867Mhz) to try to edit and add a sound track to some video captures I've made using FRAPS on my PC. Fraps natively uses a raw DV format that seems to be some obscure component video type which is incompatible with everything.
What I've done is I've taken the raw DV and run it through Virtual Dub on the PC, taking 2-5 gigs of video (approx 10 minutes worth) and slimmed it down to a very crisp 90 megs of Mpeg4 (Xvid specifically). QT and Final Cut have no problem reading this. However the capture is in 640x512, a rather awkward resolution, but it's 1/2 the native resolution of my LCD. Now I go and import these into Final Cut Express and immediately run into a problem. Final Cut only wants to work in the native resolution of a NTSC Firewire camcorder, ~700x600 or so. So what happens is the captured video is floating on a black background. Any text I add to it is added in clips that are at the native final cut resolution.
When I try to export to mpeg4 or basic quicktime this ends up looking rather odd, and rather terrible. I go from a video that is crisp and sharp in Final Cut, and in that 90meg mpeg4, and end up with something resembling colored blobs with horrifically skipping sound.
Any idea how to make Final Cut size itself to the clip being worked on and not ruin it on export?

Maurukas
FCE works in DV only for NTSC or PAL.
There's no way to change that other than bringing in the correct format in the first place.
Different formats go in about the same as the square peg in the round hole scenario.
Al

ISight resolution in iChat

Have just got my new iMac and done my first video Chat. I was surprised by the low resolution. iChat 5 displays the resolution in Connection Doctor, and I only got 176 x 144 in and out, although I have a very fast cable modem connection.
The picture quality was visibly lower than on Chats with my old G5 and an external iSight.
Is there any way to control the resolution of the built-in iSight in iChat?

Michael Gordner wrote:
Have just got my new iMac and done my first video Chat. I was surprised by the low resolution. iChat 5 displays the resolution in Connection Doctor, and I only got 176 x 144 in and out, although I have a very fast cable modem connection.
The picture quality was visibly lower than on Chats with my old G5 and an external iSight.
Is there any way to control the resolution of the built-in iSight in iChat?
Hello Michael.
Whenever this happens to me, I shut down everything in the system.
Then I restart the modem and allow its self-test to run. (See users guide for help if needed.)
When the modem test is complete, I restart the router (if you use one) and let its self-test run.
When the router self-test finishes, restart your Mac.
With NO other apps running, launch iChat and verify that your performance is as it should be.
(If you like, you can run http://speedtest.net/ to see if your system is delivering all the speed you are buying.)
Another possibility - if your Mac is new, it may be working hard to index the startup disk, and, possibly, to make its initial Time Machine backup. Both these tasks are processor intensive. Let your Mac run until Spotlight (upper right corner) does not give you an "indexing" message and System Prefferences... > Time Machine does not show that it is making a backup. FYI only-When I first got Leopard, I let my previous Mac run overnight to do this. The process will be quicker with your fast i7.
Enjoy iChat,
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

ISight Resolution on Macbook Pro

I have a Unibody Macbook Pro from last summer (2.8ghz, 500gb HD, 4gb RAM). The iSight camera records in a 4:3 aspect ratio when I use it in Camtasia for Mac - is there any way to get it to record in 16:9, or does the built in camera have a native 4:3 resolution?
If not, maybe I'll need to start a thread about upgrades (just try not to tell me that the 27" Cinema Display would do exactly what I what I'm looking for with its built in iSight camera!).

neilcauldwell wrote:
I have a Unibody Macbook Pro from last summer (2.8ghz, 500gb HD, 4gb RAM). The iSight camera records in a 4:3 aspect ratio when I use it in Camtasia for Mac - is there any way to get it to record in 16:9, ...
No. It will record only 4:3. The only way to change that ratio is to edit it after recording.
... or does the built in camera have a native 4:3 resolution?
Yes.
If not, maybe I'll need to start a thread about upgrades (just try not to tell me that the 27" Cinema Display would do exactly what I what I'm looking for with its built in iSight camera!).
I don't use Camtasia for Mac, but after I have saved a recorded clip from my iSight using iMovie or QuickTime, I can crop the recorded clip to 16:9 in iMovie or resize the video to my desired aspect ration using QuickTime Pro. I would think that Camtasia for Mac would offer capabilities at least as flexible as those.
If your only question(s) is(are) about using Camtasia for Mac, see Camtasia for Mac support:
http://techsmith.custhelp.com/app/answers/list
or search or post for help in Camtasia for Mac's dedicated user community pages:
http://forums.techsmith.com/forumdisplay.php?f=36
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz Mac OS X (10.6.4); MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.4)
LED Cinema Display; G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11); iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9); External iSight; iPod touch 4.1

Integrated isight Resolution and Quality.

Hello,
I-ve just bought ( it arrived yesterday ) a brand new Mac Book Pro woth 2,8 Ghz 4 Mb of Ram and so on...
I've been playing around with it a bit just to know my new computer and i noticed the bad quality of the image of the webcam...
It only takes pictures at at the resolution of 640x420 pixel... ( I've also tryed with other program than photo Both )... when I go to check the hardware it says...
Built-in iSight:
Product ID: 0x8507
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Inc.)
Version: 4.19
Serial Number: 8H9C7007F6V23L00
Speed: Up to 480 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Inc.
Location ID: 0x24400000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 500
I've read on internet that the
Product ID: 0x8507
It's an old webcm.. is it possible on a brand new computer??
Shouldn't I have a 1.3 Mpx camera??
Thank you for your attention.
Message was edited by: Sp1ke85

Mark Cockram wrote:
I would like to add to this question. I purchased an MBP 13 2.53 manuf June 2009 and a MB manuf oct 2009. When I use skype i see people in gloriuous widescreen but everyone sees me in only 4;3 with black bars down either side. Can anyone explain why this is the case. Do I have an inferior camera?
Thanks
mark
It seems to me that you have found a software feature (limit?) of Skype for Mac, Mark.
This Skype Help page states, in part, that Skype's "High Quality Video will transmit video images at 640x480 resolution at up to 30 frames per second."
http://tinyurl.com/y89568y
640 x 480 is normal (4x3) screen format, not a widescreen one. Moreover, according to this Skype Help page:
http://tinyurl.com/yz8nezk
Skype's "Standard Video" offers a resolution of up to 320X240 pixels (QVGA) at 15 frames per second (fps). 320x240 is also a normal (4x3) screen format.
Based on this info directly from Skype, although your preview monitor image on your Mac may be showing your webcam's full widescreen capability, it appears that neither video quality level in Skype for Mac can transmit widescreen images to your contacts.
IF you have other Skype-specific questions, you may get better and faster help from Skype Help
http://www.skype.com/help/guides/
if you do not not get the answers you need here in this Apple forum. The users who post in the dedicated Skype Community Forums linked in the Skype Help pages may have already answered your Skype related questions for their own use.
See http://share.skype.com/sites/mac/video/ for some examples of more Mac related video info.
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

Lightroom CC HDR - changes resolution in final HDR image

OK running into this odd problem on using LR CC this morning. Yesterday performed two or three HDR combos and everything worked well. This morning, combining 7 NEF files from my D810 produces a final HDR image in low resolution - about 1000 pixels long side. I can find no menu setting that might affect this, so no idea how or why LR CC HDR is lowering the resolution in the combined image it creates.
Any thoughts?

Here are the two results. First is Lightroom resulting aspect, second is Photoshop and matches original ARW files.

IMac iSight resolution turned grainy

One of my friends recently downloaded Skype and after she used it, I went to PhotoBooth and the camera resolution was really bad. Really bad. I was wondering if the Skype app had anything to do with it considering the iSight doesn't have a video setting?
This is really upsetting because I am really anal when it comes to people messing with my stuff. Please help.
Here is a before & After pic. You can kind of tell on the white walls in the background.
Before:
After:

Check out http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 How to Troubleshoot iSight and also EZJim's Website for possible solutions to your grainy video.

Built in isight - resolution

Is there any way to change the resolution and or colors with the pictures taken from the built in isight? My pictures aren't up to par even in a well lit light source compares to others. I was just wondering if there was a way to fix the resolution or the colors. Does anyone also know how many MP the built in isight camera takes? Thanx!

thatgirl718 wrote:
Is there any way to change the resolution and or colors with the pictures taken from the built in isight? ... how many MP the built in isight camera takes?
Welcome to Discussions, thatgirl718
(1) _Camera resolution_ is a function of hardware and cannot be changed. If you do not know your iSight's resolution, you can find it by using QuickTime Pro.
If you don't have QT Pro, use the test explained in this page to find the native resolution of the iSight in your Mac.
If your iSight makes 640x480 images, it is a Ø.3 MP camera. If your images are 1280×1024, your iSight is a 1.3 MP camera.
(2) The _resolution of the images_ iSight can make is separately controlled by each software application used to operate the iSight. You can try some of the other applications from this list to see if they allow increased resolution:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage7.html
(3) As explained in this article, you should use good lighting for the best possible iSight picture:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3097
(4) You can change the _color of images you have already made_ with your Mac's Preview or iPhoto apps. For more controllable or complex adjustments, use image-editing software such as PhotoShop Elements or PhotoShop.
The easiest way to change the color of images that you will capture is by changing the color of the light on your subject. However, you can use iGlasses software to take manual control of several of iSight's functions, including color balance, that are normally automatically operated by the software being used to drive your iSight. If you are interested, see this page:
http://www.ecamm.com/mac/iglasses/
(Readers who are using Snow Leopard should check iGlasses' compatibility info.)
EZ Jim
“I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link."
G5 DP 1.8GHz w/Mac OS X (10.5.8) PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

Isight resolution

Ok i hsve ne questio that iwas ondering about.... in my macbook pros built in iSight is there any way to make the resolution better?

Actually, iGlasses plugs into the following programs:
iChat AV 2.0 or higher
iMovie 4.0 or higher
QuickTime Pro Player 7.0
Apple Photo Booth
BTV and BTV Pro
SecuritySpy
iSpQ 6.3.1 or higher
Yahoo! Messenger v2.5.3 and v3.0 Beta
QuickTime Broadcaster
EvoCam 3.5 Preview 1 or higher
GCam 1.2 or higher
iVisit
vChat
Web-based video chats via Safari
iCamShare
ohphoneX
ineen
WuffCam
Blog.Mac
Boinx iVeZeen
Boinx iStopMotion
MulleSight
aMSN
Mercury Messenger
SightSpeed
Skype 1.5 BETA (Video Preview) or higher
Journler
Gawker

ISight Resolution for VPN calls

Hi,
I am having issues with bandwidth when using iSight and Mac:Messenger and wondered if there is anyway of reducing the resolution of the camera to help with the bandwidth being used?
Thanks
Gavin

Then it would be an idea to post in their forum, if they have one as its their software that controls a cam.

IMac G5 iSight - Resolution problems when using s-video output.

Good afternoon all.
I have an iMac G5 and the only video output it has is a mini VGA socket. I have used this with a mini VGA to S-Video converter cable from Apple and am getting some odd results.
The Mac is running Leopard 1.5.7 and I'm outputting to a fairly old Panasonic CRT TV.
The problem I find is that when I plug in my mini VGA adaptor to the Mac it reduces the resolution on the Mac screen down to 1024x768 (stretched). The TV outputted TV image looks great, but I can't seem to keep my native resolution of 1440x900 on the Mac display.
If I do go and change the resolution in "displays" in the sys' prefs' then it just seems to keep the 1024x768 resolution on the Mac but this time without stretching it.
Does anyone know how I can keep my Mac at its native resolution of 1440x900 while still outputting to s-video to the TV?
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you again in advance.
Stuart

Hi
I have the same config as you: I have been using it for years to view on my tv dvds or videos from the web.
To my knowledge there is no way to acheive what you wish: when you plug the adaptor in the mac adjust to your output source and its main display (the g5 display) will reflect that with the result that it becomes very difficult to use.
Maybe there is a way to try changing the resolution in a middlle"configuration" which would give an acceptable viewing on the tv as well as on the g5.
Personally I keep plugging and unplugging the adaptor as needed.

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

Kisight:- How do I get my iSight working ?

kisight:- How do I get my iSight working ?
Trouble Shooting an iSight Camera.
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, Photobooth is another, iMovie (Version 4 or above), 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 and 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 form any other Firewire device and give the iSight it's Own Firewire port/socket on the Mac (exclude issues with other Firewire devices).
Use a firewire port on your Mac that you know works.
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.
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 recognize a FireWire or USB device).
If you have not resolved things at this stage it s going to be time for an Engineer with Apple credentials.
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/iSght 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.
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
First Draft.
Comment please.
9:59 PM Friday; May 15, 2009
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

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 Resolution...a final reply

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