built in video camera is very dark on Skype. It there a way to adjust contrasts and brightness please?

Try troubleshooting the built in iSight camera > How to Troubleshoot iSight

arnieom wrote:... same dark out of contrast and out of brightness video... Are there any controls for brightness and contrast I can adjust please?

First check to be sure that there is no dirt or smudges covering your Mac's camera. If you see dirt, dampen the cloth that came with your iMac (or another clean, soft, lint-free cloth) with water only and gently wipe the dirt away. (Do not spray liquid directly on the screen.)

If your Mac's lens cover is not dirty, and if your Mac is working properly, your Macs will automatically increase brightness and contrast when you add lots of light to your subject. You will see best results from your Mac's camera in bright light.

If you cannot add light to your area,iGlasses for Mac add-on software will let manually adjust several of your Mac's camera parameters in a wide variety of camera-enabled apps.

If your trouble persists after considering all of the above, make a current backup of your Mac's startup disk. Then contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.4

You're welcome.

arnieom wrote:... IGlasses for Mac is in trial for two weeks. It is working real well so far.

Yes it is. The free trial is a great feature that lets you verify whether the app solves your problem before you buy.

iGlasses is a well-respected app for those who need the features it offers. Thanks for letting us know that it resolved your problem.

If you decide not to buy it, you should follow ecamm's instructions to uninstall it before the end of the trial period. Although you may not experience any conflict, as I recall, some users from years past who tried to continue to use earlier trial versions of the iGlasses software beyond the free period reported crashes with their video apps. The problem was completely resolved as soon as theiGlassestrial software was properly uninstalled.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.4

arnieom wrote: Thank you for letting me know about that....

You're most welcome.

arnieom wrote:... Just wonder reason Apple does not have IGlasses or other adjustment controls already in their iMac?

Apple does have adjustment controls. They are automatic and are written into your Mac's software. iGlasses simply gives you reliable manual override capability for many of those adjustments. Users who buy iGlasses report that it is reliable and helpful software that meets a real need for them.

Although I have tested iGlasses and found it to be good software before suggesting that other users consider it, I note that neither I nor any of my Mac user friends has need of the capabilities that iGlasses offers. We merely use our cameras in well lighted conditions and let the software automatically adjust the image without need for manual configuration actions (or additional, althought quite reasonable, cost) on our part.

By the way, you will not get an authoritative response as to "reason" here because ¶ 2.1.2 of Apple Support Communities - Terms of Use prohibit speculation on why Apple decides the things it does. However, you can always send your comments or suggestions directly to Apple via Product Feedback.  You will not likely get a direct answer, but you can be confident that Apple will see your input for consideration in future product offerings or updates.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.4