My Built-in camera on my IMac is not working after I upgraded to El Capitan

Your camera should work with EC. The built-in cameras in all my Macs work with all my Apple camera apps plus QuickTime Player.

(Note that the video chat feature of Messages has not worked properly since Mavericks. The camera works in Messages' A/V Preferences ..., just not the video chat connection.)

Other than the current Messages Video Chat connection problem, one of the following will fix your problem:

(1) If restarting your Mac doesn't fix the problem,

(2) use Apple's http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090.

(BTW - The Troubleshooting article calls the camera an "iSight". However, after the article was published, Apple has changed the built-in camera's name on newer Macs from "iSight" to "FaceTime" and then to "FaceTime HD." Regardless of the name of your built-in camera, the same info and troubleshooting applies.)

Be sure to test more than one Apple app (Photo Booth, FaceTime, iMovie, QuickTime Player, etc.) in more than one user account. Do NOT use the "Guest" account for this test. If you do not have more than one user account for the testing, create a new one now. If you need help, how to do it is explained in http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201754.

A "Standard" user account is all you need for testing.

(3) If your cam won't work properly even with Apple apps, use OS X Recovery to completely reinstall your Mac OS from the Recovery System stored on your startup drive. Don't bother testing Skype or other third-party apps until you have your camera working with Apple apps.

(4) If none of the above suggestions resolve your trouble, contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider to have your Mac professionally serviced. Be sure to backup your Mac and deauthorize iTunes before tendering it for service.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.11.1

I had the same problem - fortunately my camera started working again after restarting my Mac.

Xascha wrote: ... my camera started working again after restarting my Mac.

That's always number (1) on the list of fixes to try. Well done!

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.11.1

... One day later: the camera is dead again ! I restart the Mac (which I bought end of 2012) and - the camera's green light goes on again, the camera is working. I close and open photobooth and faceTime a few times with longer intervals - the last time, the camera takes at least a minute to open! Apparently, there IS a problem ! How about updating EC ???

Hello, Xascha,

Xascha wrote: ... I close and open photobooth and faceTime a few times ...

(1) Why do you do this?

(2) Does the problem occur even if you do not close and open photobooth and faceTime repeatedly?

Xascha wrote:... How about updating EC ???

I cannot comment because I don't know what "EC" you mean. Please explain.

Perhaps someone here can give you specific suggestions based on the details in your reply.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.11.1

Thanks for your answer... Just wondering: are you a real person ??

- I close and open Photobooth and faceTime because I'm wondering opening/closing has an effect on the camera...

- With EC I mean "El Capitan" ! This camera problem apparently came up with the upgrading to El Capitan?!

- I also turned off the automatic luminosity button on the System preferences (sorry if I don't use the right terms, but I'm a French speaking user translating from French). Camera seems to be working well now.

Xascha wrote:... Just wondering: are you a real person ??

Incertain. Cette question est encore débattue. 😉

(As you can see, your English is much better than my French.)

Xascha wrote:... EC I mean "El Capitan" ...

D'Oh! Merci.

My previous recommendation (3), using OS X Recovery to completely reinstall your Mac OS from the Recovery System stored on your startup drive, will automatically apply the latest version of "EC" to your El Capitan Mac.

Xascha wrote:... Camera seems to be working well now.

Thank you for letting us know your problem is resolved.

Because your problem no longer exists, you don't need to update El Capitan at this time. However you may wish to consider a reinstall if you have problems in the future.

Best Regards,

EZ Jim

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.11.1