How to Use a Camera as a Webcam

This article explains how to use a camera as a webcam, including instructions cameras with a USB connection and webcam software and using the HDMI output on your camera with a capture device.

Can I Use a Normal Camera as a Webcam?

You can use a standard digital camera as a webcam, but not all cameras are suitable for this use. To use a camera as a webcam, it needs to either have a USB port and webcam software from the camera’s manufacturer or an HDMI port that outputs clean video without any on-screen display (OSD) elements.

If your camera fits one of those categories, then you can use it as a webcam. Some cameras have both a USB port and an HDMI output, which allows you to choose the method of output you'd like to use.

Required Equipment For Using a Camera as a Webcam

To use a camera as a webcam, you’ll need some equipment and software. The specific items that you’ll need to get together will differ depending on whether you’re using a USB connection or HDMI connection to output video.

Here are the things you need if you want to use a camera as a webcam:

• Mount or tripod: The best mount or tripod for using your camera as a webcam will depend on your specific setup. You may want to pick up a small tripod that you can set on your desk, a monopod that clamps onto your desk, or some other mount that will correctly position your camera for use as a webcam.
• Power source: You can just run your camera on battery power, but it’s likely to drain very quickly as the battery isn’t designed for taking continuous video over long periods. If your camera doesn’t have a wired power input option, check to see if a dummy battery is available that lets you plug your camera into power.
• Capture device: If you’re using the HDMI output on your camera, you’ll need a capture device to connect your camera to your computer. Look for an HDMI capture device that connects to your computer via USB and is designed for live video.
• Software: If you’re using the USB connection on your camera, you’ll need to check with the camera manufacturer to obtain their webcam software. If you’re using a capture device, you can either use your capture device as the video input for your video conferencing app or capture the video in streaming software like OBS.

How to Use a DSLR as a Webcam Using Webcam Software

If you want to use your camera as a webcam, the first thing you need to do is check if it has a USB output port and whether the manufacturer provides webcam software. The software may have been provided with the camera when you bought it, or you may be able to download it from the manufacturer’s website.

First, try searching on the manufacturer’s website or search the internet for “(your camera model) webcam software.” If you find webcam software from the manufacturer, you can download it, install it, and connect your camera to your computer via USB with the software running.

With the manufacturer’s webcam software running, and your camera connected via USB, your computer should recognize the camera as a capture device. You can then open your video conferencing app or streaming software and select your camera as the video input.

The specific process of setting a normal camera up as a webcam differs from one manufacturer to another, but you'll go through the same general steps. Here’s an example using a Canon Eos Rebel T6:

1. Download and install the webcam software for your camera.

   If the webcam software installer instructs you to reboot your computer, make sure to do that before you proceed.

2. Connect your camera to your computer via USB.

3. Set your camera to video mode, then turn on your camera.

4. Open your video conferencing app or streaming software, then navigate to the video input settings.

5. Select your camera from the list of sources. Your camera is now working as a webcam.

How to Use a Normal Camera as a Webcam Using HDMI

If your camera doesn’t have webcam software or a USB data port but has an HDMI port that outputs clean video, you will need a capture device. Capture devices take a video input via HDMI and output data to a computer via USB. The video coming through the capture device can then be used instead of a webcam, output to streaming software, or recorded.

Here’s how to use a DSLR as a webcam with a capture device:

1. Plug an HDMI cable into your camera.

2. Connect the HDMI cable to your capture device.

3. Plug the capture device into a USB port on your computer.

4. Set your camera to video mode and turn on your camera.

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5. Open your streaming software or video conferencing app, then select USB Video as your video source. Your camera is now operating as a webcam.