If you lot're a professional in any industry these days, I'm pretty sure yous've had at least one Zoom, Kast, Facetime, or some other type of web-based meeting over the concluding few weeks. The coronavirus has driven an unprecedented demand for adept webcams due to the shift for anybody in remote piece of work, and with that demand comes a massive stock shortage & an increase in prices. When you hop into these meetings on your telephone or laptop, you're faced with a depression resolution, broad-angle image, often recording from a weird and non-flattering point of view. Basically, equally a professional photographer/videographer, it's kind of embarrassing and frustrating. Thankfully there are several ways to boost that paradigm quality on your conference meetings, and they are easier than you might think!

To help bridge the gap between your computer's webcam and your professional person cameras, several companies have released software to help accept reward of the gear you already own. Fujifilm and Canon have both released software that'll allow you to use sure camera models equally a webcam while connected to your computer via USB (Tethered), some you can wire up using HDMI cables and some existing tethering tools, and then lastly, there are some apps out there that'll let you utilise nearly any camera when connected by USB (and in some cases even wifi) as your webcam! No thing what method you lot use, they will all add some serious quality to your streaming for your meetings!

Using your DSLR or mirrorless camera for your Zoom or Kast meetings volition give you a lot more control over how you expect and no matter who's on the other end of your call, they'll surely be impressed by what they see. Permit'due south have a look at all the options bachelor to yous and then far;

Using Sony Cameras As A Webcam (*Update Oct 15, 2020 – Now Supporting MacOS!)

Sony Cameras as a Webcam

Today Sony is announcing the availability of Imaging Border Webcam, software that will allow PC, and Now, MacOS users to connect 35 different Sony models to their computers and plow them into a webcam.

Imaging Edge Webcam allows users to connect a Sony photographic camera to a PC to live stream and video conference in 1 easy step while also taking full advantage of Sony'southward advanced imaging technology such as manufacture-leading autofocus, high-resolution picture quality and additional unique features of each compatible photographic camera.

"We will continue to adapt and evolve to run into the needs of our customers. Their voice is critical to everything that we practise in this industry," said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Sony Imaging Products and Solutions Americas. "Given the growing demand for live streaming and video communication, nosotros're excited to share a new application that will give so many loyal Sony customers the ability to quickly and easily transform their camera into a highly effective webcam for live streaming, video calls and then much more than."

At launch, Imaging Edge Webcam is uniform with 35 Sony camera models including; Alpha 9 Ii, Blastoff 9, Alpha 7R IV, Alpha 7R Three, Blastoff 7R II, Blastoff 7S 2, Alpha 7S, Alpha 7 III, Alpha vii II, Alpha 6600, Blastoff 6400, Blastoff 6100, RX100 7, RX100 6, RX0 II, RX0, Digital Camera ZV-1, the newly appear Alpha 7S Iii and more.

The new Imaging Edge Webcam software allows the supported Sony cameras to part every bit a cam directly over a USB connection.

Using Nikon Cameras Equally A Webcam (*Update Nov fourth, 2020)

Today, Nikon appear the release of the official version of the Webcam Utility Software, which enables Nikon Z series and DSLR cameras to be used as webcams when continued to a Windows 10 or macOS supported figurer via USB.

With an increasing need to live stream, connect remotely and participate in online meetings, the Nikon Webcam Utility Software volition allow Nikon Z series and DSLR owners to use their cameras as high-quality webcams. By installing the Webcam Utility and connecting a compatible photographic camera to a calculator, users tin enjoy superior image quality and flattering depth of field when streaming live, teleconferencing or gaming.Nikon camera laptop

The official version of the Webcam Utility is uniform with Windows 10 and macOS and can be used with a variety of Nikon Z series and DSLR cameras, including the Z 7II, Z 7, Z 6II, Z 6, Z 5, Z 50, D6, D5, D850, D810, D780, D750, D500, D7500, D7200, D5600, D5500, D5300 and D3500. Future Nikon cameras volition also be compatible with the software.

To download the official Nikon Webcam Utility for Windows 10 and macOS, please visit:https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/index.html

For more than information and instructions on how to utilize a Nikon mirrorless or DSLR camera as a webcam, delight visit: www.nikonusa.com/en/acquire-and-explore/webcam-utility.page

What You'll Need

Required

  • Nikon Z series mirrorless photographic camera or compatible DSLR
  • USB cable or HDMI cablevision (HDMI requires third-party capture device)
  • Software that allows for plug-and-play streaming
  • Compatible video conferencing software
  • Fully charged camera bombardment or Ac power adapter

Optional Accessories

  • Mountain (tripod, clamp, etc.)
  • Constant low-cal source (small LED light panels)
  • External microphone (RØDE VideoMicro Mic, Nikon ME-ane Stereo Microphone, etc.) or lavalier microphone (HDMI connection only)

To download the free software, delight visit the official Software Folio Here

Using Fujifilm Cameras Every bit A Webcam

Fujifilm just released a new software application that will allow you to utilize some of the X and GFX serial cameras as a loftier-quality webcam by using The FUJIFILM X Webcam app which works over the camera's USB connection. This lets y'all benefit from much sharper lenses and larger sensors than the organization built into your computer or phone's webcam.

Fuji Webcam Software

Users will be able to install the software on any PC running Windows 10, (and at present also MacOS), and using a USB cable, connect a supported camera to create a web-conferencing surroundings with much college epitome quality than seen via traditional methods. The software fifty-fifty supports avant-garde functions including Fujifilm'southward pop Picture show Simulation modes.

Models currently compatible with the FUJIFILM X Webcam functionality:

  • GFX100
  • GFX 50S
  • GFX 50R
  • X-H1
  • 10-Pro2
  • X-Pro3
  • 10-T2
  • 10-T3
  • 10-T4

If y'all take a Fuji organization and compatible estimator, you tin can download and read the installation instructions on Fuji's official website here.

Using Canon Cameras Every bit A Webcam – (*Updated Nov 12, 2020)

webcam utility banner

Canon has released a like webcam utility,  that works for both PC And Mac, for many of its cameras. Less than a week afterwards Nikon released its official version, Canon follows suit with an app that is arguably, robust and offers much more than the others! Below are two guides from Canon on how to get started with using your Canon camera as a webcam input on macOS and Windows computers:

Y'all accept to download the EOS Webcam Utility Beta from the downloads page of your supported camera's production page on the official Canon website. Once y'all've done that, simply install it and follow the on-screen options and you should be good to go. Go along in heed, these are beta applications so there will be bugs and the developers are open to receiving whatever and all feedback y'all tin give.

Models currently compatible with the Canon EOS Webcam Utility;

  • EOS 1DX Marking 3
  • EOS 1DX Mark II
  • EOS 1DX
  • EOS 1D C
  • EOS 5DS R
  • EOS 5DS
  • EOS 5D Mark Iv
  • EOS 5D Mark III
  • EOS 5D Mark Two
  • EOS 6D
  • EOS 7D Mark II
  • EOS 7D
  • EOS 90D
  • EOS 80D
  • EOS 77D
  • EOS 70D
  • EOS 60D
  • EOS Rebel T8i
  • EOS Rebel T7i
  • EOS Rebel T6s
  • EOS Rebel T6i
  • EOS Rebel T5i
  • EOS Insubordinate T3i
  • EOS Rebel SL3
  • EOS Rebel SL2
  • EOS Rebel SL1
  • EOS Insubordinate T7
  • EOS Rebel T6
  • EOS Rebel T3
  • EOS Rebel T100
  • EOS R5
  • EOS R6
  • EOS R1
  • EOS R
  • EOS RP
  • EOS M6 Marking 2
  • EOS M50 Mark 2
  • EOS M50
  • EOS M200
  • PowerShot G5X Marking II
  • PowerShot G7X Marker III
  • PowerShot SX70 HS

Canon has likewise improved compatibility with 3rd-party videoconferencing and streaming programs. Canon says its EOS Webcam Utility has been tested and confirmed to work with the post-obit programs:

  • Apple tree Facetime
  • Cisco Webex
  • Discord
  • Facebook Live
  • Facebook Messenger
  • Google Hangouts
  • Google Hangouts See
  • Microsoft Teams
  • OBS
  • Skype
  • Slack
  • Streamlabs OBS
  • YouTube Live
  • Zoom

Using a Panasonic Camera As A Webcam

Panasonic Lumix Tethering for Webcam Streaming Use

Today (July 14th, 2020), Panasonic has released a Mac & PC version of Lumix Streaming App, letting y'all use some mirrorless Panasonic cameras equally a webcam. Congenital on the existing Lumix Tether software, the new streaming application allows for USB-based connection of select Lumix Mirrorless cameras but allows for a remote, clean "live view" of the camera'due south screen without whatsoever of the system overlays. Leaving you with a prissy clean view for streaming and web meetings. You lot'll still need a dissever app (like i mentioned below) to capture the video for your conferences or recordings, merely information technology'due south however a step forward. and Lumix has also announced they're working on a standalone webcam software for both windows and mac that they expect to launch onetime in late September or Oct. The app is reported to back up the following Lumix cameras: S1H, S1R, S1, GH5S, GH5, G9, and the new G100. For more information on the Panasonic Steaming apps be sure to visit their official folio here.

Using Other Cameras Equally A Webcam

What You Need

  • A Camera that has Video Fashion and some sort of HDMI output.
  • HDMI Cable compatible with your camera
  • A Camera Specific HDMI Adapter if you don't accept a proper cablevision
    • Elgato Cam Link or An Alternative Capture Card

How To Ready It Upwardly

So to get things working here we'll need to go an HDMI to USB cable that'due south compatible with your camera, or one that'll work with an HDMI adapter. Then it's probable that you'll demand to go something called a USB Capture Card similar the Elgato Cam Link 4K.

Once y'all've gotten your camera continued you'll want to enable "make clean HDMI" output, which will go rid of all the camera setting information that would otherwise show upwardly in your video feed. Depending on your photographic camera, this is washed by putting the camera in video mode or toggling an option in your video settings menu. Bank check your camera's manual to notice the all-time way to do it on your particular camera model.

Once you lot've done this, other than the simple things like setting your exposure/focus and placement of the camera and lighting (if you lot and then cull), you'll likewise want to exist certain your camera has enough ability to last your unabridged meeting! Some cameras can exist plugged in with an Air-conditioning adapter, and others, well you lot can employ what's known every bit a dummy battery that yous can plug in via a USB power pack or adapter to AC.

At present that you've gotten all the logistics taken intendance of, everything else is only as uncomplicated every bit connecting everything, powering it all upwardly, and starting your video applications like zoom and choosing your source! Nigh windows and mac systems will automatically recognize the photographic camera every bit a webcam and will exist available to you as an selection for things like Zoom, Google Meetings, FaceTime, and Kast!

An Boosted (Cheaper) Selection for DSLR/Mirrorless Streaming Video

On top of certain camera manufacturers making software specific to their brand, some external apps are available to help you have advantage of your existing gear to stream via web meetings too. 1 such app I but tested with my Nikon Z6 is Cascable Pro Webcam and it was incredibly piece of cake to use! This is especially helpful if your photographic camera isn't supported by the free beta software offered by Fuji or Catechism.

DSLR Webcame example setup
©Cascable

Cascable Pro Webcam is a Mac app that lets you employ your uniform Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, or Sony camera every bit a webcam for many popular videoconferencing and streaming applications. Information technology'southward built using the same technology that powers its other iOS and Mac apps, meaning you lot get a rock-solid experience. Since information technology's beta stage, they've added a overnice new unique feature that allows users to accommodate their camera's settings while it's connected and existence used as a webcam!

Cascable Webcam vs Mirrorless Web Conference

Compatability

Cascable Pro Webcam is compatible with hundreds of cameras:

  • Via WiFi: Near Catechism, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony cameras with WiFi. Run across the WiFi compatibility tabular array for more information and the consummate list of supported cameras.
  • Via USB: Near Canon EOS and Nikon cameras, although cameras not in the WiFi compatibility tabular array may not have been tested. USB connections require macOS ten.fifteen Catalina for the all-time results. See the Working with Wired Cameras guide for more information.

Pro Webcam has just come out of beta and has a 25% discount on its buy price until July 24th, 2020! For more information on the app, y'all tin visit their website hither.

Cascable Pricing

Cascable is available to get started with for free from the iOS App Store. Cascable'southward Pro features come up with a gratuitous trial when subscribing from $ii per month, or can too be unlocked with a former $29.99 purchase. Once more, merely like with the Canon and Fuji applications mentioned at the top of this article, the app is still in Beta and as such, we'll likely meet a few bugs here and there. The skillful news is they all have a fantastic back up system to report any issues and all are pledged to updating every bit shortly as possible. Honestly, I tried this app and it took me all of 2 minutes to be up and running with information technology.

Final Thoughts

There are a bunch of different ways now to step up your work-from-home video conferencing game, ranging from the gratuitous apps from some camera manufacturers to the paid 3rd party ones, then investing some boosted money into a capture system like Elgato. Either way, if you lot're looking to make a improve impression on your next video call, be sure to check out the methods mentioned in the post here.  The only thing to keep in heed with this DSLR / Mirrorless setup, you'll likely take to brand your setting adjustments before yous connect the USB/HDMI cables to our photographic camera as most when operating in video fashion connected to the reckoner won't have changes once information technology'southward plugged in and powered up. Otherwise using your professional person cameras for a webcam was surprisingly easy!

The hardest function of this entire examination was finding space in my work area to set upwardly a tripod and a little extra lighting for the videos. Delight comment if at that place are any other apps or hardware that are on the market that I may have missed and should be included. We'll be sure to update this post accordingly. Until and then, I promise this helps some of you out with all of your upcoming video conferencing plans!