Many cameras, even those found in phones, boast about their megapixel counts and lens specifications, but laptop webcams are rarely discussed. That is because the majority of laptops come with built-in webcams that are typically of low quality, with tiny sensors and cheap lenses. Although they are adequate for simple video conferences, they could be more impressive and leave us wanting more.
While you could buy a USB-connected standalone webcam, using a DSLR or mirrorless camera will significantly improve the quality of your output. Because of the higher resolution, better low-light performance, and cinematic background blur, this setup demands a few workarounds to get your computer to recognize the camera as a webcam, but the effort is worth it.
During the pandemic, camera manufacturers have developed software that allows you to use your existing DSLR, mirrorless, or point-and-shoot camera as a webcam for Zoom and Skype calls.
You will need specialized hardware and/or software to accomplish this so that your computer and camera function as one unit. However, it is simple to use your DSLR or mirrorless camera as a webcam if you have the right tools. Many major camera manufacturers have added webcam options to their software, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Olympus, and GoPro. This means you can likely modify your existing camera to function as a webcam, often at no extra cost.
The Hardware
The majority of computers are not designed to read video from an HDMI output from a camera. If your computer does have an HDMI port, it is usually an output port. Similarly, most cameras do not transmit a clean video signal through USB ports, though your Android phone might be an exception.
To achieve this setup, you will need a device that converts the HDMI feed from your camera into a USB output so that your computer can identify it as a connected webcam. This configuration has the benefit of being adaptable; any HDMI source, such as a camera, game console, or other computer, can be used as the input. After that, the output can be used for various purposes, such as live streaming, video conferencing, or recording.
The device’s capabilities limit the quality of the video that your computer can receive. For example, the USB adapter may only transmit 1080p output even though your camera is capable of recording 4K video. But this limitation is usually not a major issue to think about because most live streams and video conferences run at 1080p or even 720p resolution.
Several different products can achieve this. Some of the top-ranked ones include:
Elgato Cam Link 4K
MiraBox Capture Card
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini
The last item on this list is a four-input HDMI switcher, which connects multiple cameras or other HDMI sources and lets you select which one to output to your computer, which will recognize it as a standard webcam.
This feature allows you to share your screen from a tablet or phone, set up advanced live streaming setups with different angles, and even use an HDMI document camera to display printed materials. Even though it is more than enough for a standard Zoom meeting, the ATEM Mini is surprisingly inexpensive and offers much more flexibility than a simple HDMI to USB adapter.
The next action is to ensure that the HDMI output on your camera is a “clean” signal. If you do not do this, you will wind up streaming everything that can be seen on the camera screen, including overlays for the user interface like focus and exposure settings. Although the menu settings for each camera will differ, keep an eye out for choices like “output display” or “HDMI info display.” If you are unable to locate these settings, consult the user manual that came with your camera.
Although it is becoming more widespread, clean HDMI output is still not present on every camera and is typically found on midrange and high-end models.
Next, set your focus. Turn on face detection autofocus (or, better yet, eye detection) if your camera has it to avoid having to guess how to focus.
You can use standard continuous autofocus (C-AF), though it might not be as dependable if this feature is not available. An alternative would be to set the focus manually, but this would require you to remain motionless throughout the video.
Lastly, let the video chat platform know that you wish to use a different camera rather than an integrated one. Navigate to the settings in the web conferencing application and choose the linked camera.
The Software
Some software can record the video stream from a camera that is directly connected to a USB port, without the need for HDMI. While third-party options are available, these software solutions are not as widely applicable as video cards.
Companies like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Olympus, and GoPro have built a webcam feature into their native, free software. Most of these programs are newly launched beta versions, offering users the ability to use their cameras as webcams without purchasing additional accessories.
Can you use a normal camera as a webcam?
Although not all digital cameras are suitable for this use, you can use a standard digital camera as a webcam. To operate as a webcam, A camera requires either an HDMI port that outputs clean video devoid of on-screen display (OSD) elements or a USB port that is compatible with webcam software from the manufacturer
if your camera meets one of these criteria, you can use it as a webcam. Some cameras feature both a USB port and an HDMI output, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred method of output.
Cameras lacking these outputs, the necessary webcam software, or HDMI output without OSD elements are not suitable for use as webcams.
Required Equipment for Using a Camera as a Webcam
To use a camera as a webcam, you’ll need specific equipment and software, depending on whether you use a USB or HDMI connection to output video.
Here’s what you’ll need:
-Mount or Tripod: The ideal mount or tripod for using your camera as a webcam depends on your setup. Consider a small tripod for your desk, a desk-clamping monopod, or another mount that correctly positions your camera.
– Power Source: Running your camera on battery power will likely drain it quickly, as camera batteries aren’t designed for continuous video over long periods. If your camera lacks a wired power input, check if a dummy battery is available to allow plugging into a power source.
– Capture Device: You’ll need a capture device to connect your camera to your computer for HDMI output. Look for an HDMI capture device that connects via USB and supports live video.
– Software: Check with your camera manufacturer for webcam software for USB connections. For HDMI connections, use your capture device as the video input for your video conferencing app or capture the video using streaming software like OBS.
Sony
Some Sony cameras can now be used as webcams, thanks to a desktop application called Imaging Edge Webcam that Sony released. This software works with Macs running macOS 10.13–10.15 and Windows 10 (64-bit) computers. You can use them with well-known video chat apps by connecting compatible Sony cameras to a USB port. Sony does point out that Macs running Apple silicon cannot use it.
All of the main camera manufacturers now provide a webcam option, at least in beta, with Sony being the most recent company to release webcam software. Sony’s Imaging Edge Webcam is a Windows-only application compatible with 35 different Sony cameras at launch. This includes several older generations, point-and-shoot models, the most recent A9, A7, A6000, RX100, and RX0 series cameras, and the new ZV1, which is geared toward vlogging.
Compatible cameras include:
Mirrorless: a5100, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500, a6600, Alpha 7 II, Alpha 7 III, Alpha 7R II, Alpha 7R III, Alpha 7R IV, Alpha 7S, Alpha 7S II, Alpha 7S III, Alpha 7C, Alpha 9, Alpha 77 II,
Compact: DSC-RX100 Mark IV, DSC-RX100 Mark V, DSC-RX100 Mark 5A, DSC-RX100 Mark VI, DSC-RX100 Mark VII
Action cameras: RX0, RX0 II
Other models: RX10 II, RX10 III, RX10 IV, RX1R II, DSC-WX700, DSC-WX800
Canon
Canon has released a webcam utility that makes it possible to use certain DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and PowerShot cameras as webcams. The software is compatible with both Windows 10 and macOS Catalina or later versions. Movie Servo AF-equipped cameras can maintain continuous autofocus while recording. Furthermore, Canon offers many webcam kits that include a power cord and a compatible camera.
The cameras that it supports are the EOS Rebel SL2, SL3, T6, T7, T7i, T8i, EOS 60D, EOS 70D, EOS 80D, EOS 90D, PowerShot GX5 II, GX7 III, and SX70HS. (The complete list is available on Canon’s website.)
The utility is compatible with various video-conferencing applications such as Cisco WebEx, Facebook Messenger, Facebook Live, Youtube Live, Discord, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts, Google Meet, Skype, Slack, and Zoom. You can save the end of a Zoom chat for later by using the program’s recording feature while streaming.
Nikon
Nikon has recently released the beta version of Nikon Webcam, which is available for both Mac and PCs. For PCs, it requires 64-bit Windows 10, an Intel Celeron, Pentium 4, or Core series processor, and 4GB of RAM. For Macs, it needs macOS High Sierra 10.13 or later, at least a 1GHz Intel Core or Xeon processor, and a minimum of 2GB of RAM.
The software is compatible with the following Nikon cameras: Z7, Z 7II, Z6, Z 6 II, Z5, Z 50, D6, D5, D850, D810, D780, D750, D500, D7500, D7200, D5600, D5500, D5300, and D3500. It allows these cameras to stream using only the USB cable that came with the camera and also supports HDMI video capture devices. It supports the web versions of Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, and Facebook Messenger (Chrome is recommended as Safari is not supported), as well as the apps for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Facebook Messenger.
Fujifilm
Now in its second version, the Fujifilm X Webcam program lets you play around with different camera settings when you use compatible cameras as webcams, such as applying film simulation effects,
Available for both Windows and macOS devices (10.12 Sierra and above), the app supports several high-end Fujifilm mirrorless cameras, such as the X-T2, X-T3, and X-T4, all medium-format GFX models, and budget-friendly models in automatic mode only. The app is compatible with the Fujifilm GFX100, GFX100S, GFX 50S, GFX 50R, X-H1, X-Pro2, X-Pro3, X-T2, X-T3, X-T4, X-S10, X-T30, X-T200, X-E4, and X100V.
With the most recent software update, users can now modify exposure compensation and film simulation parameters directly from the computer during recording. After a firmware update, the X-A7 and X-T200 are also compatible with the software, although they are limited to auto mode for streaming and have fewer features.
Panasonic
A beta program called Panasonic Lumix Tether for Streaming allows some Panasonic Lumix mirrorless cameras to be used as webcams on Windows computers. This program is comparable to the previous tethering software from Panasonic, but it eliminates overlays from the image (like focus boxes), providing a clean output that is suitable for video conferencing.
The Lumix Tether beta app is compatible with the DC-GH5, DC-G9, DC-GH5S, DC-S1, DC-S1R, and DC-S1H cameras. It supports Windows 10 and Mac OS X 10.11-10.14. While macOS 10.15 Catalina is also compatible, Panasonic has reported that “some issues are reported.”
Olympus
The native webcam option from Olympus, called OM-D Webcam, is available as beta software for Windows 10. Olympus also has a version of its software for Macs, compatible with Macs running macOS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14 (Mojave), 10.13 (High Sierra), or 10.12 (Sierra). It requires one of five advanced OM-D cameras in conjunction with a PC to use those cameras as webcams: the E-M1X, E-M1, E-M1 Mark II, E-M1 Mark III, or E-M5 Mark II. After installing the software and connecting the camera, users can select it as a device option in their preferred video conferencing software.
Gopro
While an action camera won’t provide the background blur of a mirrorless or DSLR, the GoPro HERO8 Black and HERO9 can be used as wide-angle webcams. While the HERO9 is ready to use right out of the box, the HERO8 requires an initial beta firmware update to be used as a webcam.
To use the HERO8 as a webcam, you must first update it with beta firmware, while the HERO9 is ready to go straight out of the box.
Afterwards, install the GoPro Webcam on your computer and connect the GoPro via USB. The software is compatible with macOS, and a Windows version is currently in beta testing.
Third-Party Options
How to use your camera as a webcam
When connected via a USB cable to your computer, many digital cameras can be used as webcams. Third-party software, such as SparkoCam, is usually needed for this setup for Zoom and other video conferencing apps to detect and utilize your camera. Major camera manufacturers have created their proprietary applications for this purpose, including Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, Fujifilm, Canon, and Nikon. If you have a compatible camera model from one of these brands, you may be able to get better results by using their software instead of using generic solutions.
Sparko Cam
Specifications:
Supported cameras: Canon, Nikon
Supported operating systems: Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
Price:: Starting at $39.95/year
| Pros | Cons |
| Compatible with an array of Canon and Nikon cameras | Not compatible with Macs |
Here’s a rephrased version of the given text:
SparkoCam provides a complete webcam solution for Windows users who own Canon or Nikon cameras. Several Canon and Nikon models are supported by this adaptable program, which also improves video output with features like green screen effects, face accessories, and animations. Despite being limited to Windows, it works with Vista, 7, 8, and 10 among other versions.
SparkoSoft provides various editions of SparkoCam at different price points:
1. SparkoCam for Canon: Starting at $49.95
2. SparkoCam for Nikon: Starting at $49.95
3. SparkoCam Pro: Starting at $69.95
4. Standard SparkoCam: Starting at $39.95
Canon and Nikon cameras are supported by the Pro version, while streams from these manufacturers are watermarked in the standard edition. Thanks to this tiered approach, users can select the best option for their needs based on the features and camera they specifically want.
SparkoCam-compatible cameras
Canon: Includes EOS-1D X Mark III, 1D X Mark II, 7D Mark II, 6D Mark II, 5D Mark IV, EOS 90D, EOS 80D, EOS 850D, 800D, EOS 750D, 77D, Canon 5DS, Canon 5DS R, EOS R, EOS RP, EOS M6 Mark II, EOS M200, M50, PowerShot G7X Mark III, PowerShot G5X Mark II, EOS T8i, T7i, T7, T6, T6i, T6s, T5i, EOS Rebel SL3, SL2, SL1
Nikon: D850, D810, D780, D750, D500, D7500, D7200, D5600, D5500, D6, D5, D4s, Z6, Z7
Cascable Pro Webcam
Specifications:
Supported cameras: Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony
Supported operating systems: MacOS
Price: $30
| Pros | Cons |
| Works with a range of cameras | Only works on Macs |
For Mac users looking to turn their cameras into webcams, Cascable offers a viable option.
Regarding Wi-Fi connectivity, the software provides wide compatibility, supporting the majority of Wi-Fi-capable models from popular brands such as Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony. Cascable is mainly compatible with Canon and Nikon cameras for USB connections. For best results, the developers advise utilizing macOS 10.14.4 or later. Notably, Macs with Apple M1 chips and Intel-based Macs can now run Cascable natively.
While Cascable offers a free trial, it comes with limitations. After a two-minute usage period, a video overlay appears on the stream, and certain features become restricted. For unrestricted access to all features, users can purchase a full license for $30.
Ecamm
Ecamm Live is a Mac option for live streaming that supports several camera brands. This advanced software offers features like multi-camera switching, picture-in-picture, and screen sharing from a Mac or an iPhone, making it ideal for more professional streaming setups. After streaming, Ecamm Live can save the video file to your hard drive, which is especially useful for those who plan to edit their footage later on.
