Connect external webcam to Macbook Pro

Question

Level 1

29 points

Connect external webcam to Macbook Pro

I am trying to connect an endoscope (which functions like a webcam) to my MacBook Pro. I would like then to use Photo Booth to view the images.

The endoscope shows up in the drop-down list of cameras on Photo Booth/ Camera menu, but I cannot select it.

The manufacturer specifies that it should work with Mac, and that no drivers or downloads are needed. I am using mid 2012 Macbook Pro with Mavericks.

The endoscope functions ok if I connect it to a Windows machine.

Anybody got any suggestions?

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.3), Thunderbolt

Posted on Jul 29, 2014 12:44 AM

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Answer 1

Richatom Author

Level 1

29 points

Jul 29, 2014 1:36 AM in response to Richatom

Having spent some time working on this, I have discovered that I can switch to the endoscope using FaceTime, but then as soon as I launch Photo Booth, it defaults back to the inbuilt camera (but FaceTime remains connected to the endoscope).

I have tried an SMC reset - did not help.

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Answer 2

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

Jul 31, 2014 7:43 AM in response to Richatom

It sounds like FaceTime is still using your camera while you are launching Photo Booth.

Quit all camera apps, including FaceTime, before launching Photo Booth.

It may be necessary to restart Mac to get this working right. Be sure you do not have

Login Items that are automatically starting your camera when you start your Mac.

BTW, you show that you are using OS X Mavericks (10.9.3). You should restart Mac and then

download and install OS X Mavericks 10.9.4 Update (Combo) so you have the current version.

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