ISight works only with non-Apple applications

Question

So maybe this is a weird one. Since updating to 10.6.5, anything made by Apple isn't recognizing my iSight camera. Skype works, online Flash applications work...but no dice for the FaceTime beta, iChat, PhotoBooth, or iMovie. It simply states that the camera is not connected - but I know it is.
This happens on multiple accounts, and System Profiler shows that the camera is indeed connected. There are some permissions issues (currently being repaired), but none of them appear to be connected with the camera, based on location alone.
The next step is obviously resetting the SMC/PMU, but what if that doesn't work? Should I just attempt reinstalling only those applications, or is there some deeper issue going on here? (I do feel like I got a bum hard drive, which I need to have replaced while I'm still under warranty, but I don't think the two issues are connected.)
Thanks!

Answer 1

mermaidkween wrote:
So maybe this is a weird one. Since updating to 10.6.5, anything made by Apple isn't recognizing my iSight camera. Skype works, online Flash applications work...but no dice for the FaceTime beta, iChat, PhotoBooth, or iMovie. It simply states that the camera is not connected - but I know it is.
This happens on multiple accounts, and System Profiler shows that the camera is indeed connected. There are some permissions issues (currently being repaired), but none of them appear to be connected with the camera, based on location alone.
The next step is obviously resetting the SMC/PMU, but what if that doesn't work? Should I just attempt reinstalling only those applications, or is there some deeper issue going on here? (I do feel like I got a bum hard drive, which I need to have replaced while I'm still under warranty, but I don't think the two issues are connected.)
Thanks!
So my suggestions are:
(1) Backup your Mac and get an appointment to have your "bum hard drive" serviced ASAP.
You are correct that the hard drive may not have anything to do with your problem. However, getting the drive fixed before a complete crash will minimize chances of losing any of your valuable files. While they are performing the warranty work, the Service Technicians can easily transfer files to the new drive from your "bum" drive that requires replacement but is still working.
(2) If your iSight problem is the same when you get your Mac back from service, reset SMC/PMU.
(3) If resetting SMC/PMU does not help, download and apply the 10.6.5 Combo Update:
  http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1324
Repair permissions immediately before applying the update and again immediately following the restart that completes the Combo Update.
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