We all are working from home the past few months or weeks, and we have to join conference calls or video meetings. Apart from professional work, we have installed video calling apps to be in touch with family or friends during social distancing. Like, I completely feel like the webcam of my laptop is crap, old, and blurry. So, I found a way to use a DSLR as a webcam. Yes, you heard it right, a DSLR as a webcam! Through this blog, I am going to tell you how to use a DSLR as a webcam. Let’s get started.
To use DSLR as a webcam you need to have
- A DSLR camera
- USB cable
- A software like SparkoCam (Windows), Ecamm Live (Mac) or vMix (supports both Windows and MAC)
Additionally, to get the best quality you can get external quality earphones or headphones, lights, or tripod. Before we begin with the steps, make sure your DSLR has an HDMI output and a clean HDMI signal. In most of the cameras, you can remove these in the settings or by display or info button. And with this, we are ready to set up your DSLR as a webcam. Moreover, the above-mentioned softwares are not free, you might need to purchase them or come with a free one-month trial option.
Steps on How to use DSLR as a Webcam
1. Get a video capturing device
As we are going with the HDMI approach, we require a capture card supporting UVC. For capture cards, you can opt for Elagto Calm Link 4K or as an alternative you can use Mirabox Capture Card or Elagto HD60 S+. to buy capture cards, you can check deals on Amazon or other shopping sites.
2. Setup
After you get the capture card, you have to just connect everything with your camera and laptop with the use of HDMI cable and a USB cable.
Start plugging with HDMI output of your DSLR with HDMI input on the purchased capture card and then with the help of USB connection with the laptop. After you have connected everything on the point, let’s move on to the final point.
3. Let’s test and run the webcam
If you are simply using the webcam for meetings, you may not need any software. But, if you want to add effects, you can use Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) which is recommended by Nikon DSLR’s. OBS is free for Windows, Mac, and Linux users which also includes additional features like audio mixers (this really sounds interesting to me, you can look for more advanced features). If you do not wish to use OBS as an alternative you can also use XSplit and Streamlabs.
Bonus tips to use DSLR as a webcam
You might all be using different brand DSLR’s so here in this section, I have added some extra bonus tips to get the most use of a DSLR as a webcam.
Canon users
I have good news for you that Canon has recently introduced free software in Beta. Having that software means you do not need any additional hardware to use the camera as a webcam. The Beta works with a wide range of DSLRs of Canon, PowerShot compacts, and Mirrorless cameras. The only disadvantage is that it only works with Windows 10 64-bit versions and is only available for US users. Outside the US, the services will not support.
If you are a Canon user and have Windows 10, just directly Google to the Webcam Utility Beta page, select your model of the DSLR, choose the drivers and downloads tab. After downloading, restart your system and plug the camera.
Nikon Users
If you are opting for a 4K video setting, you should check with your system if it has the power to handle the processing. Switch your camera to the manual mode. For more tips, you can register yourself at Nikon Training school.
With this, our blog comes to an end. Comment down and let us know if you face any problem while using a DSLR as a webcam. Additionally, do not forget to follow Tweak Library on all social media platforms.
Thanks for reading!
Next Read:
How To Use iPhone As A Webcam
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