I'd like to know if there is a way to adjust the field view of my built-in desktop camera. I can't find anything in System Preferences or when I do a Search. I'd like to narrow the field of what my camera sees or zoom in to keep out lots of distractions in the background.
I appreciate any help with this. Thank you.
iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.4)
The built-in desktop cameras in Macs are fixed focus, permanently mounted, single focal length devices. They do not pan or zoom.
In Macs, the individual software applications that you use for each particular camera function separately controls the camera. Therefore you will not find any systemwide averages that adjust the camera.
As a result, working only with what comes in the box of the Mac you bought, the only way to adjust the camera's field view is to move the Mac.
If you are willing to accept digital rather than optical camera adjustments, you can add third-party software like iGlasses. iGlasses lets you take manual control of some of the software functions (including digital pan and zoom) that normally automaticallyoperate Mac's camera.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
The built-in desktop cameras in Macs are fixed focus, permanently mounted, single focal length devices. They do not pan or zoom.
In Macs, the individual software applications that you use for each particular camera function separately controls the camera. Therefore you will not find any systemwide averages that adjust the camera.
As a result, working only with what comes in the box of the Mac you bought, the only way to adjust the camera's field view is to move the Mac.
If you are willing to accept digital rather than optical camera adjustments, you can add third-party software like iGlasses. iGlasses lets you take manual control of some of the software functions (including digital pan and zoom) that normally automaticallyoperate Mac's camera.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Hi Jim,
Thanks for your help. I think I messed up the ranking system of your help survey - the program sent me to re-sign in at which time it set the "Helpful (1) as if I had selected it. I apologize as I really do appreciate your help.
I have a new question about my camera - my iMAC drive crashed and I had to have a new drive installed. I noticed large suction marks on the screen so I am assuming they had to take it off to access the drive. My concern is that there is now a ding close to the camera lens. I'd like to test the camera out to make sure it's working ok. Is there a way to do this?
Thanks again for your help.
Susan 🙂
If there is a ding that was not there when you brought it in for service, was that fact documented when you picked up the Mac? It'll be a little difficult to prove that later - I would have certainly inspected it thoroughly in the store and brought up any problem. As for the camera, simply launch Photo Booth and take some pics. If it does not work, I'd really take it back and have a talk with them. And yes, they do need to use suction cups to remove the screen (that is the only way to access anything), but they should have cleaned the glass when finished.
What kind of place did you take it to?
Hi babowa,
Thanks for your help. I'll try that.
The nick wasn't noticeable until I got it home and the light hit it a certain way (that area is black) so no, I did not bring it to their attention.
How do I adjust my iMac built-in camera?
