iSight : Using iSight
As mentioned in the Title box - there are pages that were written a little while ago by EZ Jim, a poster on the Apple Discussions who contributed to iSight and iChat Discussions. The words the following pages are EZ Jim's
Use the the Information Column Menu for EZ Jim's pages
Using iSight
EZ Jim Topic:
Using iSight
Some iSight generalities and supporting information links about the External iSight.
Click THIS LINK for specifics related to the Built-In iSight in the new Macs.
iSight (Edit 2024: Wikipedia linked info) is Apple's WEBCAM that is designed and integrated to work with iChat AV capable Macs and a variety of software applications.
iChat AV is Apple's instant messenger APPLICATION that offers multi-party video chat capability. It is included with your Mac OS X operating system, so you need not buy additional application software. Using iSight with iChat AV and some of the other "EZ Jim Topics" at the right side of this page give more info on using iChat© AV.
Other instant messenger applications can be used on your Mac. However, NONE offers ALL the features that iChat AV does. See the Common PC Chat Applications and iChat topic for some info about Microsoft/MSN, Yahoo, Win, etc., Messengers.
Other apps, including other video chat and video conferencing applications, can be used with your iSight for a variety of purposes. See the Some Applications you can use with iSight topic. You can also use your iSight with your browser to connect to some video chat sites such as iVideoChat. (Edit 2024:- Diverts to Camfrog)
Other webcams can be used with iChat AV. See the iSight vs Camcorder or other web-cam topic for more info.
What does iSight NOT do well?
- iSight works well on Macs, but is not a good choice as a PC web cam. See the iSight and the PC topic.
- As stated in iSight: About Speech Recognition, (Edit 2024:- Link no longer works) iSight does not work with Mac's Speakable Items if you operate your Mac with Jaguar (Mac OS X versions 10.2.5 to 10.2.8). Use a different mic for Speakable Items or upgrade your Mac OS.
- iSight's mic reportedly does not give satisfactory results for music vocals with Apple's Garage Band versions earlier than GarageBand 3. ( EDIT 16 Mar 06: GarageBand 3 allows use of iSight's mics (and internal mics in Mac that have them) for podcast voice recordings, but that is different from using an external iSights mic for recording music vocal tracks.
The external iSight's mic works fine with GarageBand 3 podcasts provided you set the GarageBand > Preferences... > Audio/MIDI > Audio Input: Choices Bar to "iSight." (External iSights must be plugged in to see the "iSight" choice in the Choices Bar.) END 16 Mar 06 EDIT )
Some users report that they can use iSight by adding an adapter like Griffin iMic, but output quality is marginal for music. For best results, choose a dedicated microphone or Apple's recommended GarageBand Accessories.
- An external iSight is not a substitute for a camcorder. Based on reports posted in Apple Discussions, some users find that their iSight has stopped working during or after traveling (Edit 2024:- It was implied the case could be used to trasport with a laptop) or long storage.
I use a camcorder or the movie setting on my digital still camera for recording movie clips when I will be moving the camera. Although I have no technical data to quote that proves this, I believe that iSight is less protected against shock, vibration, dust, and humidity than my "walking-around" cameras.
- Also, it is not unusual for people who store their iSights for long periods, particularly inside iSight's plastic shipping case or in places like briefcases or desk drawers that move, to find that their iSight has stopped working. Based on these reports, I would not put my iSight back in its case for transport or long storage without a fresh desiccant pack.
Mac Video Chat with PCs may require more set-up and configuration than Mac to Mac connections via iChat.
For applications that use both iSight and the internet, connecting from different locations, such as remote work sites or lodging, can involve additional effort as a result of using different ISPs or different connection devices. Start as soon as possible so you can learn whether you want to undertake these challenges and how to deal with the issues related to traveling. Practice connecting from as many locations as possible.
Start with the info in your Mac's Help system. For additional info on iSight, see the relevant topics in this site. For more detailed information or problem solving suggestions, see the "Other Useful Links" on the right side of this page.
Practice, practice, practice ...
(before you want to try new uses or locations.)
Bill Gallagher suggested that I add this summary after I posted it in Apple Discussions. Thanks, Bill!
Made on a Mac®
© 2005, 2006 EZ Jim
© 2005 Ralph Johns: Edited 24/9/2005, 5/5/2006
Updated September 2006. Moved to Gargoyles Mar 2007. Major review October 2024 towards HTML5
Information Column
EZ Jim's iSight Stuff
Plain Text links to related Pages
For Screen Readers
EZJim Folder
EZJimindex Index of EZ Jim's iSight and Other InfoUsing iSight Using iSight
EZJim page2 Where to Find Help for iSight
EZJim page3 About the Built-In iSights
EZJim page4 How to Test your iSight is Functional
EZJim page5 Improving your (External) iSight's Picture
EZJim page6 Possible Conflicts with iSight an iChat
EZJim page7 Some Applications you can Use with an iSight
EZJim page8 iSight V DV Camcorder or other Web Cam
EZJim page9 Mounts for your External iSight
EZJim page10 iSight Versions (External)
EZJim page11 How to Turn your iSight Really Off
EZJim page12 iSight and the PC
EZJim page13 Common PC Applications and Chatting
EZJim page14 Mac Video Chat with PCs
EZJim page15 Using An iSight with iChat
EZJim page16 Help for iChat 3 Problems
EZJim page17 How to Get iChat working again
EZJim page18 Check your Broadband Speed
EZJim page19 OS X Maintenance
EZJim page20 Updating the OS
EZJim page21 Reinstalling the OS
EZJim page22 Macintosh System Stability
Made on a Mac®
