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external iSight camera?

Mr.Outside

Mr.Outside

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 24, 2011
410
0
United States
A local is selling an external iSight camera for $75 and I was wondering what you guys thought about them. I've never used one, but I'm using a Samsung external monitor for my MBP so I dont have access to the camera or mic.

So should I jump on it or is there a better camera/mic for around the same price?

Thanks in advance!
 
They're pretty good. Great in low light and have a good focus ability. But, they are only VGA and FireWire only. Still a great camera though.
 
Intell said:
They're pretty good. Great in low light and have a good focus ability. But, they are only VGA and FireWire only. Still a great camera though.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input! Do you think one would be worth $75? Firewire works for me because both my USB ports are occupied.
 
That's about their going price on eBay. Depending on what it comes with, stand(s), FireWire mounting bracket, case, box, etc. You could resell it for a slightly more.
 
I just noticed that the iSight connects via Firewire 400 but my MBP's port is is Firewire 800. Will it still connect? Or will I have to buy an adapter?
 
AdrianK said:
Or just buy a 400 to 800 lead.
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If using one of the iSight's mounts, you must use the included Apple branded FireWire cable. It is the only cable that has a properly shaped ends to accommodate the mounting bracket for the iSight.
 
Intell said:
If using one of the iSight's mounts, you must use the included Apple branded FireWire cable. It is the only cable that has a properly shaped ends to accommodate the mounting bracket for the iSight.
Click to expand...
Ah, thanks for the clarification :)
 
AdrianK said:
Or just buy a 400 to 800 lead.

Bear in mind that the microphone will not work in FaceTime under Lion.
Click to expand...

thats true but skype does so unless the o.p is heavily dependant on facetime he won't have any issues.
 
I guess I'm not sure why any one would recommend the old iSight cameras. Low Resolution, Firewire 400, no longer even sold by Apple, etc...

By the time you pay 75 and buy a Firewire 400 to 800 adapter, you might as well buy a really nice USB web cam and a hub. Then you are guaranteed for everything to work (including microphone) and you can plug all your USB peripherals into the HUB and only have one connector to hook to your MBP rather than 3 (two USB and Firewire).

Just my .02 worth.
 
Well that's good news. I was going off this support thread (and others) which claimed that audio didn't work (and appeared not to offer a resolution).
 
$75 is way too much for that webcam. You need to check eBay's COMPLETED listings. The ones that sell, sell for $30-$40.
 
And no one can recommend an alternative? I mean I'd rather have the Apple product, but if there is a better webcam with audio for around the same price I'm open to options!
 
Mr.Outside said:
And no one can recommend an alternative? I mean I'd rather have the Apple product, but if there is a better webcam with audio for around the same price I'm open to options!
Click to expand...

honestly any logitech camera is good like the c525 which costs 50usd as its now on sale on the logitech website www.logitech.com
 
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