Q: Preview Signature does not let me switch Webcam?
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Oct 23, 2015 10:56 AMby EZ Jim,a brody wrote:... Is there any way to force Preview to see an alternate Webcam? ...
When my inbuilt camera is in use by another app, Preview automatically uses my ancient, Firewire connected, external iSights for capturing the signature by following the directions in Preview (El Capitan): Fill out and sign PDF forms.
Although Preview works for signatures with my Cinema Display's inbuilt USB cam, I cannot get Preview to recognize any of my external USB cams. Therefore, I can't offer any suggestion for your USB connected webcam.
If you have access to any Firewire connected cam, for example, an old tape-based miniDV camcorder, try that. My (very old) miniDV tape camcorders work exactly like my external iSight when connected via Firewire.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
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Oct 28, 2015 9:34 AMby EZ Jim,a brody wrote:...that's way out of my price range...
If you can't find one you can borrow, check the local used camera or electronics stores.
Perhaps you can find an old, used, tape-based mini DV camcorder whose camera and FireWire connection still works. Ones that do not function perfectly are not worth very much because they are so old that their manufacturers will not even service them anymore.
One of my Sony's tape mechanism is long broken, but the rest of the camera still works. I keep the old -timer because it still works as an external FireWire camera that offers the benefit of a high-quality lens with a big zoom and good low-light capability.
If you need an external FireWire connected cam, a successful search may be worth the effort.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
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Oct 29, 2015 12:44 PMby EZ Jim,YW.
Understood. I've been there.
If you need the signature, the last suggestion I can offer is that you check with your local Apple Store. Perhaps they can let you use their equipment to create a signature and copy or email it to your home iMac.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
