Photobooth unable to use camera

This thread seems to have originated around Nov 15, 2020. In trying to track down the problem, I had Apple "support" on the line for about 1:30 total. No help or explanations, seemed totally unclear about issue (which must have originated with the BigS OS). When I finally found the solution of "subbing" the app-copy for the original, I recontacted Apple and gave them a detailed description of the fix. He sounded quite surprised, and promised me he would push it up the ladder of tech support for a permanent fix. So here we are at the end of January 2021, no response from Apple. They must have some really BIG problems to fix with this OS, since we don't rate even a response.

Thank you for this simple solution, it worked for me, well done IrishCanadian! I have done several reboots and it continued to work so I hope the fix holds as I've been disappointed in the past with previous fixes that stopped working after a short while.

I am glad it worked for you, too, Johndore. I sent the fix to Apple, but I am note sure they will read it and pass it on. There has to be a clue there for them to permanently fix the issue. I wonder if I might help them fix the Display issue as well. Stay well!!!

I am glad my solution worked for you, as it has for others. I am wondering if the "Force Quit" solution might offer a clue to Apple concerning the Display issues so many people are experiencing. I am no techie, but.

BTW, I sometimes have to Force Quit Apps twice to get PhotoBooth to work.

I also have this problem. I hope they will have a fix for this soon.. Hoping for a patch for the new os. Also my battery drains quickly.

I have the identical problem on both my MacBook Air and iMac.

I had the same problem. it seems incredible, but throwing away the copy, the original starts working!!! 😃

After this latest macOS upgrade, PB worked correctly ONLY after first launch but not thereafter. Problem remains: not displaying camera output.

And I just updated Apple Support on this strange issue- they said thanks! So anyone have a cure for COVID while we’re on a roll?

Am I the only one still having a problem with Photo Booth?

How do I get the original?

I also found the option-drag method works. both copy and original of PB fully operational now.

So frustrating. Can no longer get it to work on this system— neither the copy nor...

How do I do this? Please help

I have had the same problem and have tried all of the suggestions without success. Glad to find it's not just me - seems a problem since the Big Sur upgrade. Hope Apple can fix it soon.