It was designed for iChat AV, Apple's video-conferencing client. The iSight is the recommended camera for use with Freeverse Software's ToySight game collection.
Some advocates claim the iSight has superior colour quality and striking industrial design. The 1/4-inch color CCD sensor has a 640x480 VGA resolution. Apple calls the three-part F/2.8 lens with two aspherical elements custom-designed. It features auto-focusing from 50mm up and autoexposure. The iSight can can capture video at 30 frames per second in 24-bit color and use a variety of shutter speeds. All iSights include internal microphones, which Apple advertises feature dual element noise-suppressing.
The iSight uses an included FireWire cable for audio, video, and power. Three camera stands, a carrying case, and a FireWire cable adapter are also included.
Apple introduced their iSight at 2003's Worldwide Developers Conference.