Most modern digital cameras can also be used as a webcam if you have the correct software and hardware. If your camera supports USB cable connection, you will usually be able to take advantage of the manufacturer's software to capture video or make high-definition video calls via your computer. If USB connection is not supported or if you are using a DSLR that does not perform at its best when connected via USB, you will need to get an HDMI video capture card or HDMI adapter. This article explains how to use a digital camera as a webcam, both for chatting with friends and for streaming live video using the most popular and well-known apps.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: HDMI connection
Step 1. Get an HDMI adapter if you don't have one
If your digital camera has an HDMI video output and you need to create high definition streaming video, you will need to use an HDMI to USB adapter or you will need to use a video capture device - for example, Elgato Cam Link 4K, MiraBox Capture Card or Up Stream Video Capture Adapter.
- This is most likely the easiest way to convert a digital camera into a webcam, but if you don't have an HDMI to USB adapter or video capture device, it will be much more expensive than using a regular USB cable.. If you don't want to use an HDMI connection, please refer to this method.
- If your digital camera is unable to generate a "clean" HDMI video signal, the video capture software will report everything on the camera display, including menus, timer, and battery status, to the screen. To work around this problem, consult the device manufacturer's website or instruction manual to make sure you are getting a "clean" HDMI signal.
- Most HDMI video capture adapters are compatible with both modern versions of Windows and macOS. However, it is always best to check before purchasing the device of your choice.
Step 2. Install any software required for the camera to function properly
Obviously, this step varies according to the make and model of the device, but some digital cameras require the installation of specific software or specific drivers on the computer in order to communicate correctly with the operating system. Visit your device manufacturer's website to find out what you need to install.
Step 3. Connect the HDMI adapter to the camera
Normally, you'll need a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, but this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. The smaller connector plugs into the camera port and the larger one into the adapter's HDMI port.
- Most digital cameras have a setting that allows you to configure the video resolution of the signal sent to the HDMI port. You may need to check your camera settings to select an option compatible with your computer's video card.
- Depending on your camera model, you may need to switch to "Movie" or "Video" mode. Normally, it is possible to do this by acting on a special ring or on a slider placed directly on the body of the camera.
- It might be best to connect the camera to a power source so the battery doesn't run out in the middle of streaming.
Step 4. Connect the HDMI adapter to the computer
At this point, connect the USB connector of the HDMI adapter to a free port on your computer. The device should be automatically detected by the operating system. If not, refer to the manufacturer's website to see if a specific software or driver needs to be installed.
Step 5. Turn on the camera
First, check if your camera has an "HDMI" operating mode and if so, activate it via the settings menu and the spot display itself. If you are using software created by the camera manufacturer, start it now and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to establish the connection with the device.
Step 6. You can now launch the app you want to use to video chat or stream
For example, if you want to chat using Zoom, start it now.
Step 7. Change the video and audio settings of the camera within the application you have chosen to use
If your computer has a built-in webcam, most applications will use it as the default device. For example, if you are using Zoom on Windows or Mac, you will need to click on your profile photo, select the tab Video of the menu Settings and choose your camera from the "Camera" menu. After selecting your digital camera you will be ready to go.
If you are unable to select the camera within the application and the device manufacturer does not provide software for streaming video, you can try using a program such as OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) to capture the signal sent from the camera to your computer and use it as you wish
Method 2 of 2: USB connection
Step 1. Find out if your digital camera can function as a webcam even without the use of specific software
Some modern camera models, for example the FujiFilm X-47 and X-T200, are already configured and functional to be used as a webcam via USB connection, without the need to install any software or use an HDMI adapter. Consult your camera manual to find out if it can be used as a standard webcam (there should be a section labeled "Webcam", "Streaming" or "Videochat"), then follow the instructions.
- Some digital cameras require firmware updates to be used as a webcam. Again, refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual or website to find out how to update your device's firmware.
- Even if video streaming is not mentioned in the instruction manual, you should normally still be able to use your digital camera to capture video and images via an HDMI or USB connection.
Step 2. Download your camera software
Many digital camera manufacturers offer their customers free software that allows you to use the device as a webcam even when connected to your computer via USB cable. If your camera model is not listed below and has HDMI video output (or if you need to adopt a high resolution video standard), please refer to this method. Here is the list of some of the most popular cameras that can be used as a webcam via USB using special software:
- Canon - the EOS Webcam Utility Beta app created by Canon allows you to connect to PC and Mac, via USB cable, all the following DSLR models: Canon EOS-ID C / 1D X / 1D X MARK II / 1D X MARK III, EOS 5D MARK III / 5D MARK IV, EOS 5DS / 5DS R, EOS 6D / 6D MARK II, EOS 60D, EOS 7D / 7D MARK II, EOS 70D, EOS 77D, EOS 80D, EOS 90D, EOS M200, EOS M50, EOS M6 MARK II, EOS R, EOS R5, EOS R6, EOS Ra, EOS Rebel SL1 / SL2 / SL3 / T3 / T3i / T5 / T5i / T6 / T6i / T7 / T7i / T8i / T100, EOS RP, Canon PowerShot G5 Mark II, PowerShot G7X Mark III and PowerShot SX70 HS. You can download the app indicated by the URL
- FUJIFIlM - FUJIFILM X Webcam app is compatible with both Windows and macOS and is available for the following DSLR models: GFX100, GFX50s, GFX50r, X-t4, X-t3, X-t2, X-h1, X- Pro3 and X-Pro2. You can download it from the following URL
- GoPro - GoPro Webcam program supports connection via USB for GoPro Hero8 Black and Hero9 Black cameras and can be downloaded from the URL https://community.gopro.com/t5/en/How-to-Use-Your-GoPro- as-a-Webcam / ta-p / 665493.
- Nikon - Nikon Webcam Utility app is compatible with Windows and macOS and supports the following models: Z7, Z6, Z5, Z50, D6, D850, D780, D500, D7500 and D5600. You can download it from the web page
- Olympus - Olympus OM-D Webcam Beta program supports video streaming via USB on both Windows and macOS systems for the following models: Olympus E-M1X, E-M1, E-M1 Mark II / Mark III and E-M5 Mark II. You can download it from this web page
- Panasonic - The Lumix Tether for Streaming (Beta) app is available for PC and Mac and allows you to connect the following models to your computer via USB: DC-GH5, DC-G9, DC-GH5S, DC-S1, DC-S1R and DC -S1H. You can download it from this link
- Sony - Sony Imaging Edge Webcam app allows you to use Sony DSLRs as a webcam even with USB connection and is compatible with Windows 10 and macOS. Supported models are as follows: E-mount ILCE-7M2, ILCE-7M3, ILCE-7C, ILCE-7RM2, ILCE-7RM3, ILCE-7RM4, ILCE-7S, ILCE-7SM2 / 7SM3, ILCE-9, ILCE- 9M2, ILCE-5100, ILCE-6100, ILCE-6300, ILCE-6400, ILCE-6500, ILCE-6600, Sony A-mount ILCA-77M2, ILCA-99M2, ILCA-68, Sony Digital Still Camera DCS-HX95 / HX99, DCS-RX0 / RX0M2, DSC-RX100M4 / RX100M5 / RX100M5A / RX100M6 / RX100M7, DSC-RX10M2 / RX10M3 / RX10M4, DSC-RX1RM2, DSC-WX700 / ZX800-1 and DSC. You can download it from this URL
- In case your camera manufacturer is not listed, visit the corresponding website to check if there is an application that can transform your device into a normal webcam that supports USB connection. Conversely, if your camera manufacturer is listed but not the specific model you own, you may be able to solve the problem by downloading a third-party program such as Ecamm Live (for Mac), vMix (for PC), or Sparko Cam (for PC). All of these apps are compatible with Zoom, Twitch, Facebook Live, WebEx, OBS Studio, and many other streaming, videochat and video capture software. Before purchasing an app, simply check the official website to make sure it is compatible with your camera model, your computer's operating system, and the software you want to use for video chat or streaming.
Step 3. Install the software that will allow you to use the digital camera as a webcam on your PC or Mac
You will need to run the corresponding installation file so that the program icon subsequently appears in the "Start" menu (on Windows) or in the "Applications" folder (on Mac). Normally, to install you will have to double-click on the file you downloaded from the web and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen.
If the installation file is in compressed format, for example in ZIP format, consult this article to find out how to unzip it, then double click on the "setup.exe" or "install.exe" file that you will find inside the folder you have just extracted from the compressed file
Step 4. Connect the camera to your computer using a USB cable and turn it on
Most (but not all) digital cameras include a USB cable in the box. If you don't have the original cable available, visit the manufacturer's website to find out which type you need. Plug the smaller connector on the cable into the camera's communication port, then plug the other connector into a free USB port on your computer.
- For best results, plug the cable directly into a USB port on your computer, not an external USB hub.
- Before starting a live streaming session, make sure the camera battery is fully charged.
- If your device doesn't charge automatically when connected to your computer via USB cable, it's best to plug it into a power source before starting work. This way you can be sure that your battery won't run out in the middle of the stream.
Step 5. Start the program you have chosen to use to be able to use the camera as a webcam
If the device is automatically detected by the operating system, indications should appear on the screen. In some cases, you may need to perform an initial camera setup before you can use it. You may also need to turn the camera into "USB" mode so that the app can detect it. Normally, the program itself will tell you what needs to be done. For example, you may need to select "USB" mode through the camera settings menu which you can access directly from the device display.
- Depending on your camera model, you may need to switch to "Movie" or "Video" mode. Normally, it is possible to do this by acting on a special ring or on a slider placed directly on the body of the camera.
- When the camera has been successfully detected by the program and is in the correct operating mode, a preview of the shot should appear on the screen.
Step 6. Launch the app you want to use for streaming or video chat
For example, if you want to chat on Zoom, you will need to start the program now.
Step 7. Change the video and audio settings of the camera within the application you have chosen to use
If your computer has a built-in webcam, most applications will use it as the default device. For example, if you are using Zoom on Windows or Mac, you will need to click on your profile photo, select the tab Video of the menu Settings and choose your camera from the "Camera" menu. Once you've selected your digital camera, you'll be ready to go.
The audio signal cannot be conveyed through the USB cable, so you will need to configure the computer's microphone to capture your voice as well
Advice
- Check the focal distance of your digital camera. The minimum focal distance of a digital camera determines how far you will need to position yourself from the lens to achieve an optimal result. If you stand too close, the image will be blurry. Generally speaking, a lens with a shorter focal distance will allow you to position yourself closer to the lens.
- Since webcams usually have a wide angle, you will need to use a wide angle lens on your DSLR for best results.
