MacBook – Built-in Webcam working only in 1 app and not in others (15” MBP, non-retina, mid 2012)

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I have a MBP 15'' (late 2012; bought in June 2013) and I've noticed that the built-in Webcam doesn't work – except with Cisco WebMeeting!!

I had recently opened the laptop to change the HD, so I thought I had touched the camera connection, or something — but then I found the camera works in one app!!

The issues:

  • Trying to use the WebCam to get pictures/video from any of the "usual" suspects says "there is no built-in camera available".
  • I've tried with may applications:
    • Snag-It ("Capture -> New Image Capture -> Webcam"): The app goes into "capture" mode but nothing happens
    • Evernote (File -> New FaceTime Camera Note): I get a Black "preview" screen that says "Evernote Couldn't find a Webcam"
    • FaceTime: I get a black window with a "crossed out" icon of a camera
    • PhotoBooth: A different window, with the same crossed out icon, and a message "there is no connected camera":

Checking in System Information, I can see the camera listed so it's not a "hardware not connected" problem:

System information report

So imagine my shock when mucking about in a Webex, I noticed the "camera" icon and I clicked it, thinking that it wouldn't work, and the result was:

Ugly mug blurred to protect sensibilities!

(I've blurred my ugly mug in the picture to protect the sensibility of innocent bystanders!)

So, any hints of what might be the issue??

Best Answer

Just as a follow-up

After a few days (and a reboot, I believe but I'm not sure), the camera started working again for all that didn't, and "stayed" working for the ones that it didn't...

I'm a bit miffed by it, and if I can reproduce again will re-post here.