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{{Short description|Brand name used for webcams by Apple}}
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{{distinguish|InSight}}
{{For|the GPS system from RFTrax|iSight GPS}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{lowercase|title=iSight}}
{{Refimprove|date=March 2010}}
{{Refimprove|date=March 2010}}
{{lowercase|title=iSight}}

{{Infobox camera
{{Infobox camera
| camera_model = iSight
| camera_model = iSight
| image = Apple iSight logo.png
| image = Apple iSight logo.png
| image_size = 120px
| manufacturer = [[Apple Inc.]]
| manufacturer = [[Apple Inc.]]
| camera_type = Motion picture camera
| camera_type = Motion picture camera
Line 18: Line 18:
| f_numbers = 2.8
| f_numbers = 2.8
}}
}}
'''iSight''' is a brand name used by [[Apple Inc.]] to refer to webcams on various devices. The name was originally used for the external iSight [[webcam]], which retailed for US$149, connected to a computer via a [[FireWire]] cable, and came with a set of mounts to place it atop any then current Apple display, laptop computer, [[All-in-one PC|all-in-one]] desktop computer, or round surface.


Apple introduced iSight at the 2003 [[Worldwide Developers Conference]], and It was intended to be used with [[iChat AV]], Apple's video-conferencing client. [[iMovie]] (version 4 and later) could also be used to capture video from the device. In April 2005, Apple released a [[firmware]] update for the iSight to improve [[sound reproduction|audio]] performance. As of October 13, 2008, the external iSight was no longer for sale in the Apple online store or in retail locations.
'''iSight''' is a brand name used by [[Apple Inc.]] to refer to cameras on various devices. The name was originally used for the external iSight [[webcam]], which retailed for US$149, connected to a computer via a [[FireWire]] cable, and came with a set of mounts to place it atop any then current Apple display, laptop computer, all-in-one desktop computer, or flat surface.


Meanwhile, Apple began using the term to refer to the camera built into Apple's [[iMac (Intel-based)|iMac]], [[MacBook]], [[MacBook Air]], and [[MacBook Pro]] computers, [[Apple Thunderbolt Display|Thunderbolt Display]], and [[Cinema Display]]. In November 2010, Apple began calling them "[[FaceTime]] cameras". However, the term was not retired, as the [[iPhone 4]] and later, [[iPod Touch]] (fifth generation and later), [[iPad]] (third generation and later), iPad Mini, and iPad Pro all incorporate an “iSight” rear camera in addition to a front-facing “FaceTime” or “FaceTime [[High-definition video|HD]]” camera.
Apple introduced iSight at the 2003 [[Worldwide Developers Conference]], It was intended to be used with [[iChat AV]], Apple's video-conferencing client. [[iMovie]] (version 4 and later) could also be used to capture video from the device. In April 2005, Apple released a [[firmware]] update for the iSight to improve [[sound reproduction|audio]] performance. As of October 13, 2008, the external iSight was no longer for sale in the Apple online store or in retail locations.

Meanwhile, Apple began using the term to refer to the camera built into Apple's [[iMac (Intel-based)|iMac]], [[MacBook]], [[MacBook Air]], and [[MacBook Pro]] computers, Thunderbolt Display, and [[Cinema Display]]. In November 2010, Apple began calling them "[[FaceTime]] cameras". However, the term was not retired, as the third-generation [[iPad]], fourth generation iPad, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro, iPad Mini, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4, the fifth-generation [[iPod Touch]], the sixth-generation iPod Touch, the iPhone 7, the [[iPhone 6S]], the [[iPhone 6]], the [[iPhone SE]], the [[iPhone 5S]], the [[iPhone 5C]], [[iPhone 5]], the [[iPhone 4S]], and the [[iPhone 4]] all incorporate an “iSight” rear camera in addition to a front-facing “FaceTime” or “FaceTime [[High-definition video|HD]]” camera.


==Design==
==Design==
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The iSight incorporates internal [[microphone]]s with dual-element [[noise suppression]]. The actual camera only takes up one-quarter of the unit; the remaining space is primarily occupied by its two microphones and mounting socket.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}
The iSight incorporates internal [[microphone]]s with dual-element [[noise suppression]]. The actual camera only takes up one-quarter of the unit; the remaining space is primarily occupied by its two microphones and mounting socket.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}


The iSight camera weighs 2.3&nbsp;ounces (63.8&nbsp;grams). It uses a single FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) cable (included) for audio, video and power.
The iSight camera weighs 2.3&nbsp;ounces (63.8&nbsp;grams). It uses a single FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) cable (included) for audio, video, and power.


[[Image:iSights.jpg|thumb|left|170px|Apple iSight webcam]]
[[Image:iSights.jpg|thumb|left|170px|Apple iSight webcam]]
Four camera mounts, a plastic tube carrying case and a FireWire camera mount adapter are also included. The user can select the mounting bracket most appropriate for their monitor or other mounting surface. It is fully compatible with its [[Native mode|native]] [[Mac OS X]], as well as partially compatible with the [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[Linux]] operating systems.
Four camera mounts, a plastic tube carrying case, and a FireWire camera mount adapter are also included. The user can select the mounting bracket most appropriate for their monitor or other mounting surface. It is fully compatible with its [[Native mode|native]] [[macOS]], as well as partially compatible with the [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[Linux]] operating systems.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}


The iSight has a small green [[Light-emitting diode|LED]] that illuminates when the camera is in use. It also has an iris that closes by twisting the front of the camera.
The iSight has a small green [[Light-emitting diode|LED]] that illuminates when the camera is in use. It also has an iris that closes by twisting the front of the camera.
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[[Image:MacBook iSight.jpg|thumb|A built-in iSight on a White MacBook.]]
[[Image:MacBook iSight.jpg|thumb|A built-in iSight on a White MacBook.]]


Although external and internal iSights have significant differences, Apple has used the "iSight" name to brand its built-in video camera found in their [[MacBook]] (Includes [[MacBook (Retina)|Redesigned MacBook]]), [[MacBook Air]] and [[MacBook Pro]] notebook computers, [[iMac]] desktop computers produced since late 2005 and the [[LED]] [[Cinema Display]]. While the external iSight is similar to the built-in iSight, the built-in iSight uses an internal [[USB]] 2.0 interface and not the FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) interface used by the external iSight camera.<ref>[http://developer.apple.com/documentation/HardwareDrivers/Conceptual/MacBookPro_0601/Articles/MacBookPro_0601.html Apple Developer Connection, "15-inch MacBook Pro Developer Note"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010192847/http://developer.apple.com/documentation/HardwareDrivers/Conceptual/MacBookPro_0601/Articles/MacBookPro_0601.html |date=October 10, 2008 }}, Last updated: May 9, 2006.</ref> Further, the built-in iSight has a plastic lens, is fixed-focus, and uses a CMOS [[active pixel sensor]], rather than the [[Charge-coupled device|CCD]] used in the external iSight. With the LED-Backlit MacBook Pros, Apple has moved to using a sensor capable of 1280x1024 pixels. The built-in iSight can also be used in the [[Photo Booth]] application on [[OS X]] and [[iOS]]. The FaceTime cameras included with the 2011 versions of the MacBook Pro and iMac can output [[high-definition video]]. A [[panorama]] feature is also incorporated on the [[iPhone 4S]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Apple - iPhone - iPhone 4s Technical Specifications|url=https://www.apple.com/au/iphone-4s/specs/|website=Apple Inc.|accessdate=1 October 2014}}</ref> [[iPhone 5]],<ref name=iPhone5iSight>{{cite web|title=iPhone 5 - Technical Specifications|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/sp655|website=Apple Inc.|accessdate=1 October 2014}}</ref> [[iPhone 5S]], [[iPhone 5C]], [[iPhone 6]], and [[iPhone 6 Plus]],<ref name=iSightPanorama>{{cite web|title=Apple - iPhone - Compare Models|url=https://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/|website=Apple Inc.|accessdate=1 October 2014}}</ref> along with the [[iPod Touch (5th generation)]].<ref name=iPodPanorama>{{cite web|title=Apple - iPod touch - Technical Specifications|url=https://www.apple.com/ipod-touch/specs.html|website=Apple Inc.|accessdate=1 October 2014}}</ref>
Although external and internal iSights have significant differences, Apple has used the "iSight" name to brand its built-in video camera found in their [[MacBook]] (includes [[MacBook (Retina)|Retina MacBook]] (2015-2019)), [[MacBook Air]] and [[MacBook Pro]] notebook computers, [[iMac]] desktop computers produced since late 2005 and the [[LED]] [[Cinema Display]]. While the external iSight is similar to the built-in iSight, the built-in iSight uses an internal [[USB]] 2.0 interface and not the FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) interface used by the external iSight camera.<ref>[https://developer.apple.com/documentation/HardwareDrivers/Conceptual/MacBookPro_0601/Articles/MacBookPro_0601.html Apple Developer Connection, "15-inch MacBook Pro Developer Note"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010192847/http://developer.apple.com/documentation/HardwareDrivers/Conceptual/MacBookPro_0601/Articles/MacBookPro_0601.html |date=October 10, 2008 }}, Last updated: May 9, 2006.</ref> Further, the built-in iSight has a plastic lens, is fixed-focus, and uses a [[CMOS]] [[active pixel sensor]], rather than the [[Charge-coupled device|CCD]] used in the external iSight. With the LED-Backlit MacBook Pros, Apple has moved to using a sensor capable of 1280x1024 pixels. The built-in iSight can also be used in the [[Photo Booth]] application on [[macOS]] and [[iOS]].

In 2011, the iSight branding on cameras built-in to displays on the MacBook Pro and iMac was renamed to FaceTime camera. The FaceTime HD cameras included with the 2011 and later models of the MacBook Pro and iMac can output [[720p]] [[high-definition video]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201300|title=Identify your MacBook Pro model|website=Apple Support|language=en|access-date=2020-02-11}}</ref> The [[iMac Pro]], released in December 2017, introduced a newer generation FaceTime HD camera which now outputs [[1080p]] video. This newer generation camera was later built into the 2020 27-inch iMac model in August 2020.


===Security concerns===
===Security concerns===


Some MacBooks are affected by the [[iSeeYou]] vulnerability, potentially allowing their iSight cameras to record the user without the user's knowledge.<ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2013/12/18/research-shows-how-macbook-webcams-can-spy-on-their-users-without-warning/</ref><ref>http://techland.time.com/2013/12/20/apple-please-give-us-a-fix-a-guarantee-that-our-isight-webcams-are-safe/</ref>
Some MacBooks are affected by the [[iSeeYou]] vulnerability, potentially allowing their iSight cameras to record the user without the user's knowledge.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2013/12/18/research-shows-how-macbook-webcams-can-spy-on-their-users-without-warning/|title=Research shows how MacBook Webcams can spy on their users without warning|first1=Ashkan|last1=Soltani|first2=Timothy B.|last2=Lee|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://techland.time.com/2013/12/20/apple-please-give-us-a-fix-a-guarantee-that-our-isight-webcams-are-safe/|title=Apple, Please Give Us a Fix — a Guarantee — that Our iSight Webcams Are Safe|first=Matt|last=Peckham|magazine=Time |date=December 20, 2013|via=techland.time.com}}</ref>


==iSight on Linux==
==iSight on Linux==
[[Linux kernel]] 3.0+ internally contains the driver for the iSight camera.<ref>[http://kernelnewbies.org/Linux_3.0 Linux 3.0 - Linux Kernel Newbies]</ref>
[[Linux kernel]] 3.0+ internally contains the driver for the iSight camera.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kernelnewbies.org/Linux_3.0|title=Linux_3.0 - Linux Kernel Newbies|website=kernelnewbies.org}}</ref>


For previous versions of the kernel, one has to manually take out the firmware from Apple's driver through a specific program. This is because the Apple driver cannot be deployed inside a Linux distribution, the cause being legal issues.<ref>https://help.ubuntu.com/community/MactelSupportTeam/AppleiSight?action=show&redirect=AppleiSight</ref> This lack of native support in the kernel for iSight persists on MacBook 2,1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://h-node.org/notebooks/view/en/1463/MacBook-2-1|title=MacBook 2,1|publisher=h-node.org|accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref>
For previous versions of the kernel, one has to manually take out the firmware from Apple's driver through a specific program. This is because the Apple driver cannot be deployed inside a Linux distribution, the cause being legal issues.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://help.ubuntu.com/community/MactelSupportTeam/AppleiSight?action=show&redirect=AppleiSight|title=MactelSupportTeam/AppleiSight - Community Help Wiki|website=help.ubuntu.com}}</ref> This lack of native support in the kernel for iSight persists on MacBook 2.1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://h-node.org/notebooks/view/en/1463/MacBook-2-1|title=MacBook 2,1|publisher=h-node.org|access-date=April 25, 2015}}</ref>


==iSight vs. FaceTime==
==iSight Camera vs. FaceTime Camera==
The June 2010 release of the iPhone 4, where Apple introduced the FaceTime communication platform, also involved them naming the integrated front-facing camera on the device to be called a "FaceTime Camera". Subsequent devices released, including later iOS products and all OS X devices following from the October 2010 release of the new MacBook Air (which like previous models, still feature a front-facing webcam integrated into their screens), also had the camera on them similarly named.
The June 2010 release of the iPhone 4, where Apple introduced the [[FaceTime]] communication platform, also involved them naming the integrated front-facing camera on the device a "FaceTime Camera". All subsequent devices and models, including smartphones and personal computers, released after this announcement had the camera branded as FaceTime cameras.


However, with the release of the [[iPad (3rd generation)|third generation iPad]] in March 2012, while Apple continued to name the ''front'' facing camera as the "FaceTime Camera" on all iOS devices, they also re-introduced the name "iSight Camera" for the ''rear'' camera on all [[IOS Device|iOS devices]] (retroactively, in the cases of the iPhone 4 & 4S) and on the 5th generation of iPod Touch, the new 5MP camera, introduced as an iSight camera.
In March 2012, with the release of the [[iPad (3rd generation)|third generation iPad]], Apple re-introduced the iSight camera branding for the ''rear'' camera on iPhone and iPod Touch releases (retroactively, in the cases of older models still being sold at the time). Apple would once again discontinue use of the iSight branding in 2015, starting with the release of the iPhone 6s. Similarly, Apple discontinued the use of the FaceTime camera branding with the iPhone 8 as the last phone in 2017 in favour for the TrueDepth Camera branding on the iPhone X.


In general usage, this rear camera is used to take higher-resolution images, whereas the front-facing camera is used for lower-resolution face-to-face conversations with other users using the FaceTime communication platform.
In general usage the iSight rear camera is used to take higher-resolution photos in scenarios where better quality is usually desired, whereas the front-facing camera is used for lower-resolution casual video conversations using the FaceTime communication platform.


==References==
==References==
Line 64: Line 65:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|iSight}}
{{Commons category|ISight|iSight}}
*[http://lisight.sourceforge.net/ iSight Linux audio driver] project page
*[http://lisight.sourceforge.net/ iSight Linux audio driver] project page
*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/lisight/ iSight Linux driver project] on SourceForge
*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/lisight/ iSight Linux driver project] on SourceForge
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080518070830/http://developer.apple.com/documentation/Hardware/Conceptual/iSightProgGuide/index.html iSight Programming Guide] for FireWire iSight cameras on Apple.com
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080518070830/http://developer.apple.com/documentation/Hardware/Conceptual/iSightProgGuide/index.html iSight Programming Guide] for FireWire iSight cameras on Apple.com


{{Apple}}
{{Apple hardware}}
{{Apple hardware}}
{{Apple hardware since 1998}}
{{Apple hardware since 1998}}

Latest revision as of 07:51, 21 October 2024

iSight
Overview
MakerApple Inc.
TypeMotion picture camera
Lens
LensGlass, internal auto-focus lens system
F-numbers2.8
Sensor/medium
Sensor typeDigital CCD
Sensor size1/4-inch; 640×480 resolution
Recording mediumAttached to computer via FireWire
Focusing
FocusAutomatic (50 mm – ∞)
Shutter
Shutter speedsContinuous up to 30 frame/s

iSight is a brand name used by Apple Inc. to refer to webcams on various devices. The name was originally used for the external iSight webcam, which retailed for US$149, connected to a computer via a FireWire cable, and came with a set of mounts to place it atop any then current Apple display, laptop computer, all-in-one desktop computer, or round surface.

Apple introduced iSight at the 2003 Worldwide Developers Conference, and It was intended to be used with iChat AV, Apple's video-conferencing client. iMovie (version 4 and later) could also be used to capture video from the device. In April 2005, Apple released a firmware update for the iSight to improve audio performance. As of October 13, 2008, the external iSight was no longer for sale in the Apple online store or in retail locations.

Meanwhile, Apple began using the term to refer to the camera built into Apple's iMac, MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro computers, Thunderbolt Display, and Cinema Display. In November 2010, Apple began calling them "FaceTime cameras". However, the term was not retired, as the iPhone 4 and later, iPod Touch (fifth generation and later), iPad (third generation and later), iPad Mini, and iPad Pro all incorporate an “iSight” rear camera in addition to a front-facing “FaceTime” or “FaceTime HD” camera.

Design

[edit]
Apple iSight webcam

The external iSight's ¼-inch color CCD sensor has 640×480-pixel VGA resolution, with a custom-designed three-part F/2.8 lens with two aspherical elements. It features autoexposure, autofocusing from 50 mm to infinity, and video capture at 30 frames per second in 24-bit color with a variety of shutter speeds. However, the iSight has an image delay of approximately 120 ms.[citation needed]

The iSight incorporates internal microphones with dual-element noise suppression. The actual camera only takes up one-quarter of the unit; the remaining space is primarily occupied by its two microphones and mounting socket.[citation needed]

The iSight camera weighs 2.3 ounces (63.8 grams). It uses a single FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) cable (included) for audio, video, and power.

Apple iSight webcam

Four camera mounts, a plastic tube carrying case, and a FireWire camera mount adapter are also included. The user can select the mounting bracket most appropriate for their monitor or other mounting surface. It is fully compatible with its native macOS, as well as partially compatible with the Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems.[citation needed]

The iSight has a small green LED that illuminates when the camera is in use. It also has an iris that closes by twisting the front of the camera.

Built-in iSight

[edit]
A built-in iSight on a White MacBook.

Although external and internal iSights have significant differences, Apple has used the "iSight" name to brand its built-in video camera found in their MacBook (includes Retina MacBook (2015-2019)), MacBook Air and MacBook Pro notebook computers, iMac desktop computers produced since late 2005 and the LED Cinema Display. While the external iSight is similar to the built-in iSight, the built-in iSight uses an internal USB 2.0 interface and not the FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) interface used by the external iSight camera.[1] Further, the built-in iSight has a plastic lens, is fixed-focus, and uses a CMOS active pixel sensor, rather than the CCD used in the external iSight. With the LED-Backlit MacBook Pros, Apple has moved to using a sensor capable of 1280x1024 pixels. The built-in iSight can also be used in the Photo Booth application on macOS and iOS.

In 2011, the iSight branding on cameras built-in to displays on the MacBook Pro and iMac was renamed to FaceTime camera. The FaceTime HD cameras included with the 2011 and later models of the MacBook Pro and iMac can output 720p high-definition video.[2] The iMac Pro, released in December 2017, introduced a newer generation FaceTime HD camera which now outputs 1080p video. This newer generation camera was later built into the 2020 27-inch iMac model in August 2020.

Security concerns

[edit]

Some MacBooks are affected by the iSeeYou vulnerability, potentially allowing their iSight cameras to record the user without the user's knowledge.[3][4]

iSight on Linux

[edit]

Linux kernel 3.0+ internally contains the driver for the iSight camera.[5]

For previous versions of the kernel, one has to manually take out the firmware from Apple's driver through a specific program. This is because the Apple driver cannot be deployed inside a Linux distribution, the cause being legal issues.[6] This lack of native support in the kernel for iSight persists on MacBook 2.1.[7]

iSight Camera vs. FaceTime Camera

[edit]

The June 2010 release of the iPhone 4, where Apple introduced the FaceTime communication platform, also involved them naming the integrated front-facing camera on the device a "FaceTime Camera". All subsequent devices and models, including smartphones and personal computers, released after this announcement had the camera branded as FaceTime cameras.

In March 2012, with the release of the third generation iPad, Apple re-introduced the iSight camera branding for the rear camera on iPhone and iPod Touch releases (retroactively, in the cases of older models still being sold at the time). Apple would once again discontinue use of the iSight branding in 2015, starting with the release of the iPhone 6s. Similarly, Apple discontinued the use of the FaceTime camera branding with the iPhone 8 as the last phone in 2017 in favour for the TrueDepth Camera branding on the iPhone X.

In general usage the iSight rear camera is used to take higher-resolution photos in scenarios where better quality is usually desired, whereas the front-facing camera is used for lower-resolution casual video conversations using the FaceTime communication platform.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Apple Developer Connection, "15-inch MacBook Pro Developer Note" Archived October 10, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Last updated: May 9, 2006.
  2. ^ "Identify your MacBook Pro model". Apple Support. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  3. ^ Soltani, Ashkan; Lee, Timothy B. "Research shows how MacBook Webcams can spy on their users without warning". Washington Post.
  4. ^ Peckham, Matt (December 20, 2013). "Apple, Please Give Us a Fix — a Guarantee — that Our iSight Webcams Are Safe". Time – via techland.time.com.
  5. ^ "Linux_3.0 - Linux Kernel Newbies". kernelnewbies.org.
  6. ^ "MactelSupportTeam/AppleiSight - Community Help Wiki". help.ubuntu.com.
  7. ^ "MacBook 2,1". h-node.org. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
[edit]