iSight camera install and set up

[cherokee2]

I just got an iSight camera and am wondering if there is software I am supposed to have to set it up. I plugged it in but it becomes active for Skype and FaceTime but it doesn't show up in my hardware, am I missing something?

 

[pm-r]

You're going to have to supply way more details on what "iSight camera" you have, and what Mac model and OS version it's using.

 

[TattooedMac]

I'm not sure why it wouldn't show up in the under Hardware.
I know that the iSight (if its the original 2004 iSight (Ohhh how I would love one)) will work on anything from 10.3 to 10.10 on the latest Mac Pro's, but if it is active and working, then I wouldn't really try to fix the 'Why' it isn't coming up under HardWare.
I have read there are fixes for it, but most are more trouble than they are worth, and only works with specific setups, but if its working with the Apps you have, then leave it be, is my suggestion.

 

[cherokee2]

iSight camera

Thanks everyone for the information, the iSight camera I have is probably the 2007-08 model (alum finish with perforations all around it). As I mentioned before it does not show up in my hardware but works with Skype and FaceTime but I would like to be able to see it in hardware and do some adjustments as well as be able to use it with some other apps. I currently am using in on a Mac Pro A1186 with 24 meg ram and Lion OS.

 

[chscag]

Check with Apple to see if there's a firmware update either for the camera itself or for your Mac Pro that would involve using the camera. Apple has issued several firmware updates which involve the iSight cameras on certain models. Not sure if any of them refer to the external model. Won't hurt to check.

 

[TattooedMac]

Check with Apple to see if there's a firmware update either for the camera itself or for your Mac Pro that would involve using the camera. Apple has issued several firmware updates which involve the iSight cameras on certain models. Not sure if any of them refer to the external model. Won't hurt to check.

I Agreee. But from what I looked at yesterday, these firmware were mostly for the built-in iSight cameras. If you are running Lion 10.7.x then the software to run the iSight, was shipped with the OS.
I would of thought if it works with Skype, and FaceTime, it would work equally as well, with other Apps too. Especially, PhotoBooth (Apple) . . .

 

[cherokee2]

isight camera

Thanks folks, I checked with Apple and most of the updates were for the built in cameras I guess I will live with what I have. It does make nice pictures.

 

[pm-r]

You can probably get some improved results and control with that iSight camera using iGlasses.

It still works with my 2011 27" iMac running Mavericks and various apps:
iGlasses for Mac - Effects and Adjustments for your Webcam, iSight, FaceTime Camera - Ecamm Network
iGlasses for Mac | MacUpdate

 

[TattooedMac]

Thanks folks, I checked with Apple and most of the updates were for the built in cameras I guess I will live with what I have. It does make nice pictures.

I'm still jealous. On Amazon, they want $227USD for one of the Originals now I have a cheapie, that does the job on my MBP, because when I isn't called my SSD in the Data Doubler in the Optical Drive bay, I accidentally, pulled the connection for the iSight off the Logic Board. I hardly ever use it now, but I would still love to have one, for atop my iMac, as eye candy

 

[pm-r]

I wouldn't get too envious and I dare say that the usually overpriced Apple aluminum iSight cameras may just become eye candy sitting on your Mac as they were quite unreliable and failed often.

There are lots of better and cheaper compatible webcams available. Logitech used to have several available the last time I checked.

 

[TattooedMac]

I wouldn't get too envious and I dare say that the usually overpriced Apple aluminum iSight cameras may just become eye candy sitting on your Mac as they were quite unreliable and failed often.

There are lots of better and cheaper compatible webcams available. Logitech used to have several available the last time I checked.

I am envious, because in all reality, I love the design and look of the Aluminium iSight Camera. Yes like all Technology, they had their issues, but most reviews out there, are positive. They are great in Low Light, and took sharp images.
As I posted above, I do have a 3rd party Web Cam, and for what it does, it works great, but at the end of the day, because the iSight Aluminium, still works on 10.10, I would love to have one.
I won't go spending $227 on one, but I can wish.

 

[pm-r]

OK, and here's a page you may want to save or turn it into a slide show for your Apple Aluminium iSight Camera viewing pleasure.
Apple iSight

My eldest son thought they were great as well several years ago now, but his impression faded when even the third Apple replacement failed!!! That was his limit.

 

[pigoo3]

I'm still jealous. On Amazon, they want $227USD for one of the Originals now

Hey Brent. If you want one of these that badly...check eBay US. Here's one for $7.99 (Buy It Now)...or "Make Offer":

Apple iSight Web Cam A1023 Firewire Webcam Camera Tested and Working | eBay

Even with the shipping to Australia...MUCH BETTER than that $227 Amazon price!

- Nick

p.s. Many more to choose from I'm sure (I saw a bunch).

 

[TattooedMac]

OK, and here's a page you may want to save or turn it into a slide show for your Apple Aluminium iSight Camera viewing pleasure.
Apple iSight

My eldest son thought they were great as well several years ago now, but his impression faded when even the third Apple replacement failed!!! That was his limit.

Yea, I get your point, but you telling me how bad they are, and this and that, still doesn't change the fact that I would love to have one, even if it is sitting atop my iMac.
I have posted twice now, that I have a Web Cam for my broken MBP iSight, but again, I love the look of these, but I wouldn't pay the amount Amazon was asking, and/or buy the Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter I would need for it too work on my MBP.
I'm envious and I would like one . . . Thats it !!!

From your link, its reasons like this,

What I find truly amazing is how the iSight has been manufactured. There are two incredible things happening here. 1) The aluminum housing is a completely seamless tube. 2) A large majority of the product is covered in perforation. Achieving just one of these is easy, but doing both simultaneously is not. As far as I can tell, Apple has extruded the tube and then added the perforation as a secondary process. It seems rather unbelievable considering the amount of time it would take to perform the latter. The Power Mac G5 and the subsequent Mac Pros had a similar aesthetic but they were relatively simple in comparison to manufacture: the holes could be punched out of an aluminum sheet and then bent.

and this,

Another thing worth noting is the absolutely gorgeous finish on the iSight. Judging by the delicate texture, I'm guessing that it's been chemically textured, as apposed to being bead blasted.

that I would like to have one in my stable. This is the beauty and brilliant design of the old Apple, and would be a awesome keepsake.
Just like my Indigo iMac DV+, and my Blue & White Tower G3 all with a working OS and Keyboards and Mouse. They are Keepsake, and apart of Apples History and amazing engineering. And they look good too. . . .

Hey Brent. If you want one of these that badly...check eBay US. Here's one for $7.99 (Buy It Now)...or "Make Offer":

Apple iSight Web Cam A1023 Firewire Webcam Camera Tested and Working | eBay

Even with the shipping to Australia...MUCH BETTER than that $227 Amazon price!

- Nick

Thanks Nick. I will keep a eye on eBay, as I didn't even think to look there. I didn't remember really until this thread came up, that I would like one, but because I have spent my allowance for the next few months on a few cool Kickstarter Campaigns I will hold out for now.
I did look further into eBay, because I want the stand and mounts to come with it, and I can pick one of them up for $30+Shipping.
But truly, have a look at the reviews here, and they all tell a story of how I feel about this iSight. It really is in a league of its own, even today. I wouldn't pay that price though