Questions on iSight camera specs on iMac 5K 2014

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Questions on iSight camera specs on iMac 5K 2014

I have the 2013 iMac 27", and just ordered the 5K Retina version. Question on the iSight camera and mike in old and new. Are they both the same resolution (720)? And, although both manuals state TWO mins...I only see one grill cover on the top right above the camera--is that somehow supposed to hold two mins (so close together, seems a bit pointless)? Finally, if I look through the glass on the 2013 iMac, I see the LED on the right (the one that glows green when you are using the camera), but there seems to be something on the left of the lens, too...is that another LED, and if so...what does it do?

Thanks.

iMac (27-inch, Late 2013), OS X Mavericks (10.9.3)

Posted on Oct 18, 2014 9:11 PM

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Answer 1

brenden dv

Community Specialist

Oct 21, 2014 2:26 PM in response to Gmouse1

Hi Gmouse1,

The dual microphones on the new Retina 5k iMac are described like this:

Dual microphones. Be heard loud and clear.

iMac has two built-in microphones that work together to home in on your voice and filter out the sounds around you. That means more accuracy when you’re using Dictation and better clarity during FaceTime video calls.

Apple - iMac with Retina 5K display - Features

Usually when dual microphones are used for noise cancellation, they are located in two different locations in order to determine the difference between what is being said and ambient noise.

Both the 2013 iMac 27" and the Retina 5K iMac are listed as having FaceTime HD cameras:

iMac (27-inch, Late 2013) - Technical Specifications

Apple - iMac with Retina 5K display - Tech Specs

What you are seeing to the left of the camera is most likely the Ambient Light Sensor, used for automatically adjusting screen backlighting.

Regards,

- Brenden

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