Using my DSLR as a video source for ZOOM: I would like to use my Nikon D850 as the video source for Zoom. To do so, I will be connecting the HDMI output of the 850 to one of the USB-C...

aberthet Loc: San Clemente, CA

I would like to use my Nikon D850 as the video source for Zoom. To do so, I will be connecting the HDMI output of the 850 to one of the USB-C ports on my iMac (my iMac doesn’t have a HDMI port). I have a HDMI to USB-C adapter, and a mini-HDMI to HDMI-A adapter. The D850 will be set to Video and Live View. Will this set-up work? Will my iMac screen display the video feedback of the D850? Also, could I run the video feed constantly for more than 30 minutes? I know that during video recording, the maximum recording time is limited to 29 minutes. I was told it is a technical limitation of the image sensor, preventing overheating.
Thanks,
Andre

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

aberthet wrote:

I would like to use my Nikon D850 as the video sou... (show quote)

Cam Link is designed exactly for that

https://www.elgato.com/en/gaming/cam-link-4k

aberthet Loc: San Clemente, CA

[quote=rgrenaderphoto]Cam Link is designed exactly for that]

Thank you for your Elgato (The Cat?) Cam Link 4K device link. It looks like a clean solution. On their web site they didn't include the D850 in their compatibility list, they only tested 4 Nikon DLSR models, the D5300, D5300, D7100, and D750. Since the D850 is better but comparable to the D750, I can only assume it should work.
However, the price tag is kind of steep ($375 to $415 on Amazon), it is difficult to justify it for my application.
Since I already have the cable and adapters (less than $40 invested) I will use them. The resolution may not be as good but for Zoom it should be good enough.

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

Zoom has very recently received much negative press and has been banned in such places as the U.S. Government. PC Magazine has an article on good alternatives.

https://www.cnet.com/news/zoom-every-security-issue-uncovered-in-the-video-chat-app/
https://www.zdnet.com/article/us-senate-german-government-tell-staff-not-to-use-zoom/
https://www.pcmag.com/products/zoom-alternatives-best-free-services-for-group-video-chatting-during-the

FYIO

aberthet Loc: San Clemente, CA

[quote=a6k]Zoom has very recently received much negative press and has been banned in such places as the U.S. Government. PC Magazine has an article on good alternatives.

Thank you for the warning and links. I had heard security issues with Zoom, but let’s put the things in perspective. My use of Zoom is for my wife’s book club, and the occasional dance classes she teaches, since we live in isolation. There is no company secret or intellectual property that needs to be secured. I agree if I was a company and were using Zoom for meetings, I would feel a little paranoid. However, a group of people discussing books or dance lessons have little or nothing of value that would interest the internet hackers.

repleo Loc: Boston

aberthet wrote:

I would like to use my Nikon D850 as the video sou... (show quote)

The 29 minute limit is to avoid the camera being classed as a video camera which, in some countries, would attract a higher rate of import duty or value added tax.

I just used ZOOM for the first time this evening. I got a message that would suggest that the conference calls are usually limited to 40 minutes.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

repleo wrote:

The 29 minute limit is to avoid the camera being classed as a video camera which, in some countries, would attract a higher rate of import duty or value added tax.

I just used ZOOM for the first time this evening. I got a message that would suggest that the conference calls are usually limited to 40 minutes.

Free Zoom is limited to 40 minutes. We have a $15/mo Pro account and can have 24 hr conferences if we'd like with up to 300 participants. Saved our business this month

aberthet Loc: San Clemente, CA

repleo wrote:

The 29 minute limit is to avoid the camera being classed as a video camera which, in some countries, would attract a higher rate of import duty or value added tax.

I just used ZOOM for the first time this evening. I got a message that would suggest that the conference calls are usually limited to 40 minutes.

Thanks for your reply. I had heard about this argument that the EEC having placed this arbitrarily condition on photo cameras for tax purpose. This is typical euro-technocrats BS and I’m not surprised. However, CMOS sensor starts to heat-up when kept on for a long time, so this limit could be both technical and/or tax purpose.

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

[quote=aberthet]

a6k wrote:

Zoom has very recently received much negative pres... (show quote)

I am not trying to persuade you on this but I do want to ensure I've mentioned this. The early problems with Zoom were "Zoom bombing" which is apparently unknown bad guys inserting themselves into a conference with very inappropriate or offensive content.

My own view as a retired IT guy is that anything with a hole big enough to drive a virtual truck through can pose a risk to the computer that is running it and not necessarily in a way that you would notice at the time. In this case, the risk is to the entire group of host computers. We don't know what we don't know. But if there is smoke there could be fire.

The idea that "hackers" have little interest in obscure individuals is a flawed assumption but that is beyond the scope of this post. Feel free to PM. Identity theft is lucrative and the incremental cost (to the bad actor) of each probe is close to zero. Consequently, bad actors can and do randomly attack enormous numbers of targets with an excellent success ratio because even a few good hits justify their low costs.

aberthet Loc: San Clemente, CA

a6k wrote:

I am not trying to persuade you on this but I do w... (show quote)

Point well taken. Thank you

tcthome Loc: NJ

a6k wrote:

I am not trying to persuade you on this but I do w... (show quote)

Can you please recommend some god security software to install on one's computer?
Thanks, Tom

SonyBug

[quote=aberthet]

a6k wrote:

Zoom has very recently received much negative pres... (show quote)

I also use Zoom, but just tried Google Hangouts. Google was easier, but in defense of Zoom, most of the problems were with open meetings. We have now all gone to moderator controlled meetings where the participants are allowed access only by the moderator. Stops the zoombombing in its tracks.

stevesf

We are also using Zoom with the new security measures, including the Waiting Room and password. I use it for two settings with protected health information, and the setup has been vetted by a very security-conscious IT department. It's not perfect, but we have not had a problem since implementing the measures.

Chris981 Loc: Pacific Palisades

Quick note on DSLR (D850) use as webcam:
1. Webcams are in short supply except for the high end models base on searches to fine some for grand kids.
2. Cam Link 4 is also in short supply, also. It is a dongle that converts HDMI output to USB 3.0-1. (HDMI connection in and USB out). Cam Link does not seem to have any competitors?
3. I have an old D3200 that has HDMI output to USB by cable and I found that camera will not be recognized as a video device.
4. My external Microsoft Life cam is really bad (latency, poor white balance, improper exposure....). I had to get third party software to control exposure whit balance etc.
Frustrating.
Stay well everyone.
Chris

aberthet Loc: San Clemente, CA

There are a few choices for HDMI to USB3 or C capture devices available on Amazon beside the Elgato Link Can 4K. All of them are expensive ($250 to +$400). Since the iMac does not have a HDMI input port, these capture devices are a must if someone wants to connect their DLSR (or a camcorder) to the iMac for video purpose. Also, a software is needed to process the signal (OBS being one).