daveyewman

Q: Is it possible to use an old Firewire isight with newer imac?

I just dug out an old, old iSight camera from my very first desklamp iMac. Wondering if there's a software app or a way to make it work with either my AirBook or newer iMac?

iOS 7.0.3

Posted on Nov 7, 2013 8:12 PM

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Q: Is it possible to use an old Firewire isight with newer imac?

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  • by EZ Jim,Solvedanswer

    EZ Jim EZ Jim Nov 8, 2013 8:25 AM in response to daveyewman
    Level 7 (22,547 points)
    Nov 8, 2013 8:25 AM in response to daveyewman

    daveyewman wrote: ... Wondering if there's a software app...

     

    You don't need additional apps unless you are looking for some specific and unique camera functions.  All software needed for external iSight functionality is automatically installed with every version of Mac OS X after 10.4.8.

     

    You can use the same OS X built-in camera software you use with your Mac computer’s built-in cameraYou can also use other Mac OS X compatible software from the Mac  > App Store... or third party developers.

     

    Apps that allow you to choose among multiple cameras, including external iSights, have their own menu command(s) that allows you to select among multiple, connected, compatible, cameras and mics.  These menu choices are not normally visible when only one camera is recognized by your system.  Different apps work differently.  If you have trouble, search each problem app's Help for specific assistance.  If you want some further details on camera selection, see http://discussions.apple.com/message/23259872.

     

     

    daveyewman wrote: ... Wondering if there's a ... way to make it work with either my AirBook or newer iMac?

     

    Yes, it is possibleIf the old external iSight you have still works, it should work with the newer Macs.  You can test an external iSight using the suggestions in this link.

     

    To use your old external (Firewire 400) iSight with a Mac that offers only FW800 or Thunderbolt ports, you will need the appropriate cable or adapter to connect the FW400 external iSight.  If you don't already have such, Apple these possibilities:  FireWire Adapter - Apple Store (U.S.)  There are also 9 pin to 6 pin Firewire adapters like this one if you need such.  Your local computer store may have other alternatives.

     

    If you have problems, I'd recommend a new compatible USB cam that offers a current manufacturer's warranty instead of any external iSight.  Some examples of current compatible cams are described at   http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/

     

    If you want to read more, start at http://discussions.apple.com/thread/3983993 (BTW, unlike the case when this old thread was current, FaceTime software now work with external iSight's mic.)

     

     

     

     

    Message was edited by: EZ Jim

     

     

    Mac OSX 10.9

  • by daveyewman,

    daveyewman daveyewman Nov 10, 2013 9:44 PM in response to daveyewman
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 10, 2013 9:44 PM in response to daveyewman

    That's perfect. Thanks so much. Impressive that such an old device just plugs into the newer Mac and with one click I have an option to use it or the built-in iSight. Appreciate the sage advice.

  • by EZ Jim,

    EZ Jim EZ Jim Nov 11, 2013 12:30 PM in response to daveyewman
    Level 7 (22,547 points)
    Nov 11, 2013 12:30 PM in response to daveyewman

    You're most welcome!

     

     

     

     

    Message was edited by: EZ Jim

     

     

    Mac OSX 10.9