Q: Facetime HD Camera not working on new 27inch iMac

Sorry to say but I would take it back and let them deal with it.

I have the same problem, received a new 27inch iMac Dec 23 and the camera didn't work out of the box. I am working with Apple support but they are saying it will need a repair. Any help would be appreciated.

Make sure you get a replacement and not a repair, it's new out the box, there shouldn't be anything wrong with it! My iMac 21,5inch 2012 had a buzzing problem and turning the cam on was the only thing that would stop it ... Hope you get it sorted!

Hello, Conor

Here are my best suggestions for your camera problem:

• If you've not already tried this, see if restarting Mac fixes it.

• If Apple's http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090

   suggestions do not help you, (the "reset" suggested there

   often restores normal function,) continue with the following.

• Use your Mac's Disk Utility to repair permissions and then

   download and apply the latest Combo Update, for your OS,

   the current one is at http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1581

   Repair permissions again immediately following the system restart

   that completes the Combo update.

Properly applying the Combo version of updates can sometimes correct software problems, but, if your trouble is caused by a hardware problem, there are no user serviceable parts of the camera.  For hardware help, contact an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service.

(Apple has changed the built-in camera's name on newer Macs from "iSight" to "FaceTime" and then to "FaceTime HD."  Regardless of the name of your built-in camera, the same info and troubleshooting applies.)

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.2

EZ Jim,

I've tried all that stuff on my mac mini, but does not work. I already have OSX 10.8.2 installed, and when I tried to run the Combo update, I got message saying the disk volume didn't meet the requirements for the Combo Update.

Still no camera. My old Logitech USB camera wont install either on the Mini.

daalias@mac.com wrote: ... I already have OSX 10.8.2 installed, and when I tried to run the Combo update, I got message saying the disk volume didn't meet the requirements for the Combo Update. ...

Because you already use 10.8.2, unless something is wrong, the requirements for the 10.8.2 update can obviously be met on your startup drive.

Check your startup disk's free space.  Unless your disk has too little free space for the 10.8.2 Combo, your software (or perhaps your disk hardware) may need repair.

If your disk is getting full, increase disk space.

Otherwise, restart Mac from Mountain Lion Recovery and use Mountain Lion Recovery's Disk Utility to repair your boot drive.

Restart normally and try installing the Combo Update again.

daalias@mac.com wrote: ... My old Logitech USB camera wont install either on the Mini.

If you mean that you are trying to install some kind of camera software, don't.  No software other than OS X is needed for any Mac-compatible cam.  Moreover, adding third-party camera drivers or other camera software apps can cause software conflicts.

If you mean that you have already installed some third-party camera software, follow its developer's instructions for uninstalling, and uninstall it immediately.  Then restart normally and try your camera again.

If you mean something else, please explain in different words.

daalias@mac.com wrote: ... I've tried all that stuff on my mac mini, but does not work...

If you're still having trouble, your problem deserves the individual attention it will get in its own thread.

Because your problem is not EXACTLY the same as the OP's here, if you need to write back for more help, please start a new topic here. 

To avoid getting recommendations you already know do not help you, list the specifics of all the "stuff" you have tried, including things suggested here.

We will offer relevant, distinct suggestions based on the details of the info in your posted topic.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.2

Same problem for me; green light on all the time and camera not working. Had my 27 inch 2012 iMac for 6 days. Tried all of the above. Apple support offered to repair or replace. I'm going to replace. Very disconcerting. First new iMac in 7 years.

Conor Marron wrote: ... thanks... having to bring it back in ...

You're welcome, Conor.

You are doing the right thing.  Please let us know how it goes.

Cheers,

EZ Jim

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.2

I want to thank you too, EZ Jim. At least I feel the problem has been fully explored. FYI, I cloned my drive and booted off the clone with the FaceTime Camera still not working. Disconnected everything; booted in safe mode, booted as a new user with no solution. I am getting my machine replaced.

(BTW, I had the same thing happen as daalias@mac.comwith the Combo updater not running even though I have terrabytes of space on my drive. I did verify the disc from the recovery partition.) Thanks again.

Well, FWIW I did a complete clean re-install of OSX 10.8.2 with no luck. My I-sight camera is not recognized by the firewire bus. It works fine on my old 2 Gz core-2 duo mac-mini. My usb Logitech camera also does not work.

Since I don't own any other firewire devices, I might get a firewire/usb adapter and see if I can read a memory stick through the firewire port. If that doesn't work I'm gonna take it to the genius bar. If they can't get my firewire camera to work, I'll see about a replacement mini.

BTW, my computer is a new 2.6Gz i7 mac mini with 16Gb memory and a 1.2 TB fusion drive.

That was the last thing I was going to try before returning the machine-wiping my drive and reinstalling the system. So thanks. FYI, my "About this Mac" shows the camera on the USB bus:

Keyboard Hub:

FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in):

  Product ID:          0x8511

  Vendor ID:          0x05ac  (Apple Inc.)

  Version:          72.29

  Serial Number:          CCGCBD0209F0TWF0

  Speed:          Up to 480 Mb/sec

  Manufacturer:          Apple Inc.

  Location ID:          0x1a110000 / 3

  Current Available (mA):          500

  Current Required (mA):          500

Are you talking about an external camera? You must be if you have a Mini-so that's not exactly the same situation as the built-in FaceTime camera that is being discussed on this thread.

nerval wrote: I want to thank you too, EZ Jim. ... Thanks again.

You're welcome, nerval.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.2

I took the steps yesterday to order a replacement. I'm not sure when I will get a new one but expecting it to be about a month. I would be interested to hear from others who have received a defective 27inch unit regarding how long it takes to get a replacement. It is a bit disappointing really given the cost and the fact that the machine works perfectly except for the camera and to be honest the camera really isn't that important to me and would help keep the kids away ;-) Having said that I don't want to be the proud owner of a $2700 lemon.