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Can I use my built-in camera as a webcam?

I am trying to set up a webcam using the built-in camera on my MacBook Pro. However, when I set up a webcam site, I get no video from the computer. I have noticed that when I open iChat it says there is no camera hooked up. However, in the past I have been able to video chat with a friend. Can I use the built-in for a video webcam? If so, how? Do I have to activate it somehow? Or do I need extra software? A new external video camera? I want to use this simply to check in on pets while away so I do not need high quality video. Thank you.

MacBook Pro 15", Mac OS X (10.6.3)

Posted on Jun 4, 2010 8:42 AM

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2 replies

Jun 4, 2010 9:54 PM in response to zadnor1

zadnor1 wrote:
I am trying to set up a webcam using the built-in camera on my MacBook Pro. However, when I set up a webcam site, I get no video from the computer. I have noticed that when I open iChat it says there is no camera hooked up.


http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090



However, in the past I have been able to video chat with a friend. Can I use the built-in for a video webcam?


Yes.



If so, how?


Software runs iSight. Use webcam applications for webcam functions - other apps for other functions. Check each app of interest for functions offered and system requirements. To use a chosen app, follow the instructions and Help suggestions.

Some usable apps: http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage7.html



Do I have to activate it somehow?


Yes. You must launch the software to use it. Then follow the instructions and Help suggestions.



Or do I need extra software?


Not unless you want functions not provided by the iSight capable apps that came with your Mac OS (including iChat, QuickTime X, Photo Booth, etc.)



A new external video camera?


Only if you cannot make your iSight work or want features offered by an external cam but not by your inbuilt iSight.



I want to use this simply to check in on pets while away so I do not need high quality video. Thank you.


Choose from the *Webcam Apps* or iSight as a surveillance or Nanny cam: sections of this page, being certain your system supports the minimum requirements of the app whose features you want:

http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage7.html



Thank you.


You're welcome.




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

Jun 5, 2010 7:00 AM in response to zadnor1

Just in case... (I forgot this info last night):

zadnor1 wrote:
... external video camera?


If you decide that you need an external camera, you have lots of choices:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2018211

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

Can I use my built-in camera as a webcam?

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