How to configure your high-end camera to function as a webcam
If you've lately joined the work-from-home movement, you've probably experienced the joy (or anguish) of video conferencing programs such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts. Additionally, you may be videoconferencing with friends or family members to alleviate COVID-19 isolation. Regardless, you may have discovered that your camera is less than flattering – it may lack quality, display sickly colors, or be positioned at a low "nostril-cam" angle. Worse yet, you could not have a webcam at all, and every store you've visited is sold out.
Here's one alternative you may not have considered. If you own a DSLR, mirrorless, or small camera, it may be possible to use it as a high-quality webcam. In some circumstances, particularly with certain Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras running on Windows, you may not even require any additional hardware. However, if you own a Mac or another camera model, you'll almost certainly need to purchase a video capture equipment.
The results can be significantly better than those obtained with a webcam, making you the most presentable participant on your Zoom call. However, there are a few traps to avoid. Setup can be tough, depending on your computer, camera, and any third-party devices, and you may encounter issues such as out-of-sync audio. Fortunately, we're here to assist. While we do not advocate any particular camera, practically any model will almost certainly produce a better image than the one you now have. Now, here's a brief instruction to connecting your camera to your computer.
Prior to discussing hardware and software, keep in mind that you will need to mount your camera. You may already own a tripod or a desk-friendly Gorillapod that will suffice. Simply be aware that if your camera and lens are put up in this manner, it's rather easy to knock them over. If you're looking for something more robust, consider this clamped articulating arm from Fantaseal, or this model from Arkon if you don't mind a few holes in your desk.
Additionally, depending on your hardware, you may require a USB Type C or HDMI cable. Ensure that the HDMI output connector on your camera is a micro, mini, or standard HDMI. Generally, there is no reason to pay a premium for such cables; however, it is prudent to choose a respected brand. I'd recommend the Anker Powerline II for USB-C cables and Amazon Basics for HDMI to HDMI, mini, and micro cables.
Connecting a high-end mirrorless or DSLR camera to a computer may not appear difficult, given that the majority of cameras provide USB and HDMI outputs. The issue is that PCs do not come equipped with built-in video capture cards. That implies you cannot connect a camera to your HDMI port because the camera is only capable of outputting video and not of receiving it. Additionally, while you can connect a USB device to a USB port, most cameras are incapable of converting video to an IP (streaming) signal.
Many Canon and Nikon models, on the other hand, can stream video without too much work, so let's start there. Canon just released a beta version of the EOS Webcam Utility software (Windows only), which enables you to export video directly from chosen models to your PC. The majority of these are newer additions, including as the EOS R, EOS 5D Mark IV, Rebel T7i, EOS M6 Mark II, and Powershot SX70 HS (for a complete list, check here).
As demonstrated in the video above, setup is pretty straightforward. You download and install the beta software, then restart your computer (ugh). Finally, you connect your compatible Canon camera to your computer through a USB wire. Following that, you power up your camera, switch to video mode, and change the exposure and focus settings to achieve the desired effect. When Zoom, Hangouts, or another video conferencing program is opened, you can now select EOS Webcam Utility Beta as your web camera.
There are a couple caveats in this section. Because you cannot utilize the built-in microphone on your Canon camera (or an external microphone), you will need to use a headset or external microphone. Additionally, because the camera signal must be processed, your video image will lag somewhat behind your audio – roughly a quarter second in my instance.
How to use the zoom feature on your mirrorless or DSLR camera as a webcam Engadget/Steve Dent
Nonetheless, the results were worthwhile. I created a cinematic photograph with amazing background bokeh using my loaner Canon EOS R and a 50mm f/1.2 portrait lens. It looked so fantastic that my Engadget colleagues suspected me of using a fake background. To summarize, I embarrassed them during our weekly meeting (above).
While Nikon does not appear to offer a webcam utility, you can use an app called SparkoCam to go hardware-free (Windows only). It is compatible with more recent Canon and Nikon models, such as the Nikon Z50, Z6, Z7, D5, and D7500. (SparkoSoft maintains an exhaustive list of supported models on their website.)
To use it, you must first download and install the program, then plug in your camera and pick it. When you launch a video conferencing application, SparkoCam Video is listed among your webcams. As with Canon's utility, audio from your camera is not available, necessitating the use of a headset or external mic and resulting in the same sync difficulties. Additionally, the free app adds an unsightly watermark on your video, necessitating a least $50 payment for a Canon or Nikon license. On the plus side, purchasing the app unlocks additional capabilities such as a green screen and a limited set of video effects.
If you're prepared to improvise, there is another approach that works for both Sony and Canon cameras, with the added benefit of being compatible with Macs (though currently not with Zoom and WebEx, see update below). To begin, you'll need a modern Sony model (including later RX100 models, A7R II and later models, A7 III, A7S II, and A6300 and later versions) that includes a PC remote option in the USB connections menu. On your PC or Mac, you'll need the remote software from Sony or Canon, as well as the open-source streaming program OBS Studio and the OBS virtual cam plugin.
This is accomplished by first streaming the Sony or Canon cameras to your computer via the remote program. After you've captured video, open OBS Studio and add Display Capture as an input source. The video can then be expanded and moved about the screen until it is centered. Finally, by setting OBS Studio to output as a virtual camera, you may transform it into a webcam (I did warn you that it was a kludge). You'll notice that the video and audio are out of sync by up to a half-second, but OBS allows you to delay the audio until the video catches up.
Then, when you open Zoom, Skype, or another software, OBS-camera will appear as a webcam option. This time, it will be even more out of sync with the audio from your microphone, but it will function. This video provides a more precise description.
If you own another camera, you'll almost certainly need to spend $100 or more on additional hardware. What you require is a USB capture device capable of converting the HDMI signal from your camera to a streaming USB video feed.
How to use the zoom feature on your mirrorless or DSLR camera as a webcam Engadget/Steve Dent
I'd recommend the Elgato Cam Link 4K for $129 because it's well-supported and reasonably priced. Alternatively, the $100 IOGear HDMI to USB Video Capture Adapter, the $199 Blackmagic Design Intensity Shuttle, the $239 Elgato Game Capture HD60s, or, if you want a lot of fancy switching features, Blackmagic Design's $295 ATEM Mini are also excellent options (above). The issue is that, similar to webcams, many of these items are currently unavailable owing to the lockout.
However, if you can obtain one, they are quite simple to operate. Typically, all you need to do is install the accompanying software, connect your camera to the capture card, and then connect the capture card to a USB port on your computer.
Once configured, any video conferencing application on a Mac or PC computer should detect your camera as a webcam. Even better, they will receive audio input from the same source, allowing you to use either the built-in or an external microphone to achieve the best possible sound quality. It will remain in sync with the video and will also have significantly less lag than the software-only options outlined above.
This requires considerable effort and price, so is it worthwhile? For some, a camera is unquestionably the least-inconvenient option (if you can get one). A smartphone is another alternative, as the majority of video conferencing programs are also compatible with smartphones. If you absolutely require your PC, you can connect it to your Android or iOS device via software such as DroidCam (Android) or EpocCam (iOS) (iOS). Another viable option is NDI, which provided a free version of their NDI HX camera app in response to the outbreak.
How to configure your high-end camera to function as a webcam
If you've lately joined the work-from-home movement, you've probably experienced the joy (or anguish) of video conferencing programs such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts. Additionally, you may be videoconferencing with friends or family members to alleviate COVID-19 isolation. Regardless, you may have discovered that your camera is less than flattering – it may lack quality, display sickly colors, or be positioned at a low "nostril-cam" angle. Worse yet, you could not have a webcam at all, and every store you've visited is sold out.
Here's one alternative you may not have considered. If you own a DSLR, mirrorless, or small camera, it may be possible to use it as a high-quality webcam. In some circumstances, particularly with certain Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras running on Windows, you may not even require any additional hardware. However, if you own a Mac or another camera model, you'll almost certainly need to purchase a video capture equipment.
The results can be significantly better than those obtained with a webcam, making you the most presentable participant on your Zoom call. However, there are a few traps to avoid. Setup can be tough, depending on your computer, camera, and any third-party devices, and you may encounter issues such as out-of-sync audio. Fortunately, we're here to assist. While we do not advocate any particular camera, practically any model will almost certainly produce a better image than the one you now have. Now, here's a brief instruction to connecting your camera to your computer.
Prior to discussing hardware and software, keep in mind that you will need to mount your camera. You may already own a tripod or a desk-friendly Gorillapod that will suffice. Simply be aware that if your camera and lens are put up in this manner, it's rather easy to knock them over. If you're looking for something more robust, consider this clamped articulating arm from Fantaseal, or this model from Arkon if you don't mind a few holes in your desk.
Additionally, depending on your hardware, you may require a USB Type C or HDMI cable. Ensure that the HDMI output connector on your camera is a micro, mini, or standard HDMI. Generally, there is no reason to pay a premium for such cables; however, it is prudent to choose a respected brand. I'd recommend the Anker Powerline II for USB-C cables and Amazon Basics for HDMI to HDMI, mini, and micro cables.
Connecting a high-end mirrorless or DSLR camera to a computer may not appear difficult, given that the majority of cameras provide USB and HDMI outputs. The issue is that PCs do not come equipped with built-in video capture cards. That implies you cannot connect a camera to your HDMI port because the camera is only capable of outputting video and not of receiving it. Additionally, while you can connect a USB device to a USB port, most cameras are incapable of converting video to an IP (streaming) signal.
Many Canon and Nikon models, on the other hand, can stream video without too much work, so let's start there. Canon just released a beta version of the EOS Webcam Utility software (Windows only), which enables you to export video directly from chosen models to your PC. The majority of these are newer additions, including as the EOS R, EOS 5D Mark IV, Rebel T7i, EOS M6 Mark II, and Powershot SX70 HS (for a complete list, check here).
As demonstrated in the video above, setup is pretty straightforward. You download and install the beta software, then restart your computer (ugh). Finally, you connect your compatible Canon camera to your computer through a USB wire. Following that, you power up your camera, switch to video mode, and change the exposure and focus settings to achieve the desired effect. When Zoom, Hangouts, or another video conferencing program is opened, you can now select EOS Webcam Utility Beta as your web camera.
There are a couple caveats in this section. Because you cannot utilize the built-in microphone on your Canon camera (or an external microphone), you will need to use a headset or external microphone. Additionally, because the camera signal must be processed, your video image will lag somewhat behind your audio – roughly a quarter second in my instance.
Nonetheless, the results were worthwhile. I created a cinematic photograph with amazing background bokeh using my loaner Canon EOS R and a 50mm f/1.2 portrait lens. It looked so fantastic that my Engadget colleagues suspected me of using a fake background. To summarize, I embarrassed them during our weekly meeting (above).
While Nikon does not appear to offer a webcam utility, you can use an app called SparkoCam to go hardware-free (Windows only). It is compatible with more recent Canon and Nikon models, such as the Nikon Z50, Z6, Z7, D5, and D7500. (SparkoSoft maintains an exhaustive list of supported models on their website.)
To use it, you must first download and install the program, then plug in your camera and pick it. When you launch a video conferencing application, SparkoCam Video is listed among your webcams. As with Canon's utility, audio from your camera is not available, necessitating the use of a headset or external mic and resulting in the same sync difficulties. Additionally, the free app adds an unsightly watermark on your video, necessitating a least $50 payment for a Canon or Nikon license. On the plus side, purchasing the app unlocks additional capabilities such as a green screen and a limited set of video effects.
If you're prepared to improvise, there is another approach that works for both Sony and Canon cameras, with the added benefit of being compatible with Macs (though currently not with Zoom and WebEx, see update below). To begin, you'll need a modern Sony model (including later RX100 models, A7R II and later models, A7 III, A7S II, and A6300 and later versions) that includes a PC remote option in the USB connections menu. On your PC or Mac, you'll need the remote software from Sony or Canon, as well as the open-source streaming program OBS Studio and the OBS virtual cam plugin.
This is accomplished by first streaming the Sony or Canon cameras to your computer via the remote program. After you've captured video, open OBS Studio and add Display Capture as an input source. The video can then be expanded and moved about the screen until it is centered. Finally, by setting OBS Studio to output as a virtual camera, you may transform it into a webcam (I did warn you that it was a kludge). You'll notice that the video and audio are out of sync by up to a half-second, but OBS allows you to delay the audio until the video catches up.
Then, when you open Zoom, Skype, or another software, OBS-camera will appear as a webcam option. This time, it will be even more out of sync with the audio from your microphone, but it will function. This video provides a more precise description.
If you own another camera, you'll almost certainly need to spend $100 or more on additional hardware. What you require is a USB capture device capable of converting the HDMI signal from your camera to a streaming USB video feed.
I'd recommend the Elgato Cam Link 4K for $129 because it's well-supported and reasonably priced. Alternatively, the $100 IOGear HDMI to USB Video Capture Adapter, the $199 Blackmagic Design Intensity Shuttle, the $239 Elgato Game Capture HD60s, or, if you want a lot of fancy switching features, Blackmagic Design's $295 ATEM Mini are also excellent options (above). The issue is that, similar to webcams, many of these items are currently unavailable owing to the lockout.
However, if you can obtain one, they are quite simple to operate. Typically, all you need to do is install the accompanying software, connect your camera to the capture card, and then connect the capture card to a USB port on your computer.
Once configured, any video conferencing application on a Mac or PC computer should detect your camera as a webcam. Even better, they will receive audio input from the same source, allowing you to use either the built-in or an external microphone to achieve the best possible sound quality. It will remain in sync with the video and will also have significantly less lag than the software-only options outlined above.
This requires considerable effort and price, so is it worthwhile? For some, a camera is unquestionably the least-inconvenient option (if you can get one). A smartphone is another alternative, as the majority of video conferencing programs are also compatible with smartphones. If you absolutely require your PC, you can connect it to your Android or iOS device via software such as DroidCam (Android) or EpocCam (iOS) (iOS). Another viable option is NDI, which provided a free version of their NDI HX camera app in response to the outbreak.
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