Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: Iris R
Iris R Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

iPhoto does not detect Samsung Camera

Here's the info: The camera is a Samsung TL500 and I have a MacBook with OS X Leopard with the latest updates. When I plug in the camera into the USB, the camera recognizes that it is connected but no files from the camera appear on the computer when I turn it on, not in the hard drive, iPhoto, Image Capture or Aperture. Looking for it under any name on Spotlight does not work either because it does not show up as a device anywhere.

I have used my Nikon D40X with this computer and never had problems. I have tried every setting imaginable on the camera to get the computer to recognize it. I know it is a problem with my mac and not the camera because I plugged it into my friend's macbook which has the exact same operating system as mine and it worked. There must be something I can do so the computer detects the camera's SD card as a mass storage device.

Here is what I have tried:
Changed the preferences on Image Capture and iPhoto
Changed different SD cards, both SD and SDHC
Switching the camera settings (PC Software on, Connect Computer, etc.)
Deleting iPhoto, Image Capture and Aperture .plist files
Repairing disk preferences
Plugged in other USBs (I switched it to different USB ports and also plugged in devices that work, such as my iPod to test if it was the cord. It's not.)

There is no mac driver for the TL500 and the mac is supposed to automatically recognize it (as it easily did on my friend's). I called Samsung tech support and they said it must be a software issue or operating system problem on my mac, which I believe is what I've narrowed it down to also.

I know I can just get a card reader, but honestly one less thing to carry around would be nice and since I know it's possible for my mac to recognize my camera I would prefer it.

Do you have any suggestions for other things I can do on my Mac to figure this out? I have not encountered anyone else with a mac who has this problem with this camera.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8), iPhoto '08, Samsung TL500

Posted on Jun 13, 2010 9:47 PM

Reply
15 replies
User profile for user: MadisonP
MadisonP
User level: Level 5
4,832 points

Jun 15, 2010 9:41 AM in response to Iris R

Welcome to Apple Discussions Iris,

You have done some very thorough troubleshooting thus far. If neither iPhoto, nor Image Capture detect the camera but another Mac does (using the same cables and media card) then I can only see 2 possibilities:

1.) Hardware issue on the Mac.
__Test this by using a different camera in the same USB port and seeing if is detected. I understand that historically it has worked but things can change overnight. Test it now.
__If you don't have another camera to test with go to Apple > About this Mac > More Info > USB while the camera is plugged in. If the USB port, camera, and cable are all working you should see your camera listed here.

2.) Software issue on the Mac.
__ Safe Boot the computer and try iPhoto and Image capture again.
__If safeboot works you may have a startup item that is preventing detection of the camera. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Accounts > Login Items and remove everything here using the minus sign except 'iTunes Helper'.
__Before troubleshooting any further I would suggest testing in a new user: Creating a new user account

Hope that helps.
Reply
User profile for user: Alec D
Alec D
User level: Level 1
0 points

Aug 25, 2010 8:09 PM in response to MadisonP

Hi,

I'm having the exact same problem as indicated above, except I am using a brand new Samsung TL350.

I have found that 'Image Capture' will open and I can download and delete pictures from the camera only when I am booted into Safe Boot mode.

I have tried this camera under a new login name, deleted the start-up programs all to no avail.

This camera shows up in System Profiler under the USB High-Speed Bus subsection.

I'm at a complete loss as to why it will work in the Safe Boot mode, but not regular operating mode.
Reply
User profile for user: Yer_Man
Yer_Man
User level: Level 10
162,320 points

Aug 25, 2010 10:51 PM in response to Alec D

I'm at a complete loss as to why it will work in the Safe Boot mode, but not regular operating mode.


The usual reason for this type of thing is a software clash - another piece of software or a file is preventing it from showing up. As it works with SafeBoot we can surmise it's something that doesn't run under that setting.

Have you any 3rd party enhancements running on the Mac?

Regards

TD
Reply
User profile for user: Yer_Man
Yer_Man
User level: Level 10
162,320 points

Aug 26, 2010 5:13 AM in response to Alec D

What would be the difference between safe boot mode and regular boot mode that will let the camera show up in the system profiler but not in Image Capture or iPhoto, etc?


Safe Boot simply loads the bare essentials to get the Mac running. It leaves out all third party software that normally loads at start up. Hence my question.

A USB Card Reader will set you back about $10 - $15 for a basic one. Personally, I think they're muh better to use than a direct link to the camera for a number of reasons:

It’s safer: Less risk of your images being lost if your camera shuts down during transfer.

It saves the battery on your camera

It saves wear and tear on your camera ports

It’s almost always faster.

In this case, it would also allow us to eliminate the camera from the equation for troubleshooting purposes.

Regards

TD
Reply
User profile for user: Alec D
Alec D
User level: Level 1
0 points

Aug 26, 2010 5:58 AM in response to Yer_Man

Turns out, we actually had a card reader in our electronics bin - I have no clue where it came from (card reader fairy?).

Anyways, I pulled the card out and my Mac immediately recognized it and Image Capture opened up.

While a card reader is a good solution, I would prefer to get the camera working on my computer as well.

I don't immediately have another Mac to try the camera on, but I know that will be a good next step. What's the process for figuring out what is blocking the camera from showing up as a removable drive and in Image Capture?

Thanks for your help TD!
Reply
User profile for user: Alec D
Alec D
User level: Level 1
0 points

Aug 26, 2010 12:16 PM in response to Alec D

So I tried this camera on a different MacBook Pro and it worked just fine with no problems.

I did notice that on the system profiler on the other MBP, it had a lot of data/info about the camera show up. On my system profiler, it just shows a couple of lines of basic info.

Is there firmware for the USB High Speed BUS that can be updated?
Reply

iPhoto does not detect Samsung Camera

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.
Learn more Sign up