How To Use Video Camera As Webcam?
Camera Quality for Video Calls
One of the best things you can do is have a nice quality camera. The built-in cameras on laptops and desktops usually have a very wide angle, poor-quality lens, and have to run at high ISO in slightly dim settings, which leads to a lot of noise when the room isn't incredibly bright.
Up until recently, if you wanted good quality video on a video conferencing app, you'd have to buy a webcam, which could get pretty expensive. The other option was to buy a video switcher with software and use that to interface your DSLR with your computer.
- If you happen to already have a DSLR, the quality difference between a phone camera lens and a proper camera lens is massive.
- Buy a decent microphone though. Nothing spoils a quality video as fast as poor audio.
- You should also think about getting an AC adapter for your DSLR if you don't want to worry about your camera's battery life.
- Don't forget about turning off the automatic camera shut off in the settings.
USB Connection and Webcam Software
In 2020, it got a lot easier. Manufacturers released free webcam software to easily use your DSLR as a webcam. All you need is a USB-to-mini-HDMI cable or USB-to-mini-USB cord, depending on your camera's port.
Make sure your model camera is supported by the software. Some manufacturers only support a selection of models.
- Connect your camera to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open up your preferred video streaming application and sign in.
- Navigate to the settings menu, find devices and select “video” or “camera”.
- Navigate to the dropdown menu and change the selection from “integrated camera” to the webcam utility.
- Double check your framing and exposure and you’re ready to start streaming online.
Camera Setup for Online Streaming
You’ll need a camera with a fully charged battery, a USB cable to connect your camera to your computer, and a tripod to control your framing.
- Camera mode
- Switch on your camera and select movie mode. You can shoot in full auto mode or in manual mode if you’d prefer total control over your video settings.
- Video mode
- Full-HD mode.
- Frame rate
- Selecting a frame rate of 29.97p / 30p, or 23.98 / 24p depending on your camera.
- Camera position
- Place your camera on a tripod for stability and frame yourself up.
Once your camera is connected to your computer with a USB cable, all you need to do is pair the webcam utility with whichever streaming platform you prefer to use.
Audio Recording
Your camera will only capture video footage and not audio when using webcam utility software. To record sound, you can use the built-in microphone on your computer or you can also connect an external microphone to your computer to further enhance the quality of your online broadcasting.
- Use the built-in microphone on your computer.
- Connect an external microphone to your computer.
- Double check your framing and exposure.
HDMI Capture Card Method
If your DSLR camera offers a “clean” HDMI output, then all you need is a video capture card and an HDMI cable.
If your camera doesn’t have a way to pass video through a USB cable you can use the HDMI port on the camera, but search your camera and “clean HDMI output” as well as how to disable autofocus in video mode.
- Clean output means you won’t be displaying ISO, battery life, etc. info.
- The constant autofocus box is just as bad.
- You’ll need a video capture card and an HDMI cable.
- There are cheaper options that seem to get good reviews.
If you have a newer DSLR, the utility is available natively now. No need for a capture card anymore.
Focus and Video Settings
Autofocus lens AI Focus AI Servo, depending on your model.
Some cameras work in both movie and stills mode and some work only in stills mode.
- Switch on your camera.
- Select movie mode.
- Select full-HD mode.
- Select a frame rate of 29.97p / 30p or 23.98 / 24p depending on your camera.
- Place your camera on a tripod for stability and frame yourself up.
Supported Models and Extended Use
Not every DSLR supports this. Realize it doesn't necessarily apply to the entire class of DSLRs out there.
Using older DSLRs as a webcam for extended periods can cause sensor burnout, leading to more noise and blown pixels. Be careful even trying this with older model DSLR cameras though, most don't have adequate cooling to do long video runs and there's a possibility of cooking your image sensor.
- Usually you'll end up with a noisier image or blown pixels over time.
- Most cameras will just shut down or idle.
- There’s no guarantees that worse can’t happen.
- If doing this, be selective in what models you use.
- Mainly use the ones that are known for having stronger video features.
- Such doesn't always apply to cameras that can take great still pictures.
Timeout and Battery Considerations
Some cameras time out every 30 minutes in video mode. You can change your timeout time in settings to “infinity,” but this may not apply to every model.
Use an AC adapter for your DSLR if you don't want to worry about your camera's battery life. Don’t forget about turning off the automatic camera shut off in the settings.
- Fully charged battery
- A camera with a fully charged battery.
- Automatic camera shut off
- Turn off the automatic camera shut off in the settings.
- Timeout time
- Change your timeout time in settings to “infinity.”
- Extended video runs
- Be selective in what models you use.
