What is the best way to connect my old external iSight camera to my MacBook Air

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What is the best way to connect my old external iSight camera to my MacBook Air

Hi- I have an older iSight camera that connects via FireWire 400. I'd like to use it with my current MacBook Air, which has 2 USB 2.0 ports and a Thunderbolt port. I would like to be able to use the camera while the laptop is open OR when laptop is closed and connected to external monitor via Thunderbolt. If I need to connect monitor via USB (if possible?) to free up the Thunderbolt port for the camera, I would consider that.

Version of the camera: a1023 emc 1950

Version of laptop: MacBook Air 13" Mid 2011

Thanks!

-az

MacBook Air

Posted on Sep 9, 2013 9:29 AM

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Answer 1

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

Sep 9, 2013 10:25 AM in response to Aaron Zwas

Connect your Apple Thunderbolt Display using your MBA's Thunderbolt port.

Then connect your old Firewire iSight to one of the Firewire 800 ports on the display. If you don't already have one that works, you will need a FW400-800 adapter or cable.

Be aware of Possible Conflicts with Firewire iSight. If you encounter such problems with your MBA system and cannot resolve them, you can workaround the Firewire issues by using a Mac compatible USB external camera.

Message was edited by: EZ Ji m

Mac OSX 10.8.4

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Answer 2

Aaron Zwas Author

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Sep 9, 2013 12:42 PM in response to EZ Jim

Hi EZ-

Thanks for your quick response! Unfortunately, my external monitor is not a Thunderbolt Display. It is a simple Acer monitor thatI connect to from my MBA's Thunderbolt port.

Any other thoughts for use with a non-Apple monitor? Thanks again...

-az

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Answer 3

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

Sep 10, 2013 12:32 PM in response to Aaron Zwas

You're welcome, -az.

Aaron Zwas wrote: ...Any other thoughts for use with a non-Apple monitor? ...

If your "non-Apple monitor" has no Firewire output port(s), all I can suggest is to use a compatible USB cam connected to your MBA's USB port.

Message was edited by: EZ Ji m

Mac OSX 10.8.4

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