Using a P&S Camera with ZOOM Video Software: Hi group, I'm currently using ZOOM video conferencing software for an online classroom and use a couple of Nikon DSLR's along with the...

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi group,
I'm currently using ZOOM video conferencing software for an online classroom and use a couple of Nikon DSLR's along with the webcam on my laptop as part of that classroom. They work all great with digiCam Control software. I'd like to add another camera that is a point & shoot. I can't figure out how to use a P&S camera with digiCam and wonder if there is some other software I can use with the P&S camera? My Google searches have not returned the information I need; maybe I'm asking the question wrong. Anyway, can any of you offer suggestions? Thanks in advance for any ideas. Take care & ...

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I tried to do that too. I found I needed an adapter. With the intense shift to Zoom the adapters were out of stock everywhere. As a substitute I found a software only solution that works with my cell phone. That didn't solve the problem of using the specific camera I hoped to use but it did give me an external camera solution that is significantly better than the camera in my laptop.

Take a look at DroidCam.

fjdarling Loc: Mesa, Arizona, USA

I also looked into that some time back. DSLR's, mirrorless, compact systems and smartphones typically have remote release capability, which is why they can usually be used. P&S cameras typically don't have remote release capability, and I suspect that is why we haven't been able to find a way to use them as webcams.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

"As a substitute, I found a software only solution that works with my cell phone"

That is good, that you found a solution bsprague.... but what is the software??? Name and perhaps a URL Please.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

dpullum wrote:

"As a substitute, I found a software only solution that works with my cell phone"

That is good, that you found a solution bsprague.... but what is the software??? Name and perhaps a URL Please.

DroidCam. (I put it in my post). I didn't put a link in because I thought googling for the computer program, the phone app and more information would be more useful to anyone interested. Even the part about where to mount or position the phone/camera is part of it. That there are both a paid and free version is useful to know.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

bsprague wrote:

DroidCam. (I put it in my post). I didn't put a link in because I thought googling for the computer program, the phone app and more information would be more useful to anyone interested. Even the part about where to mount or position the phone/camera is part of it. That there are both a paid and free version is useful to know.

Hi Bill,
I've downloaded DroidCam (pay version) and will be giving it a try. In your earlier post, you mentioned an "adapter" that's needed. What adapter are you referencing? Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Take care & ...

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Al Beatty wrote:

Hi Bill,
I've downloaded DroidCam (pay version) and will be giving it a try. In your earlier post, you mentioned an "adapter" that's needed. What adapter are you referencing? Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Take care & ...

Al,

My reading suggested that an "ordinary" camera with a (usually mini) HDMI out jack could work as a webcam if you had an adapter for the computer's USB port. The "best" is supposed to be the "Elgato Cam Link". https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1453840-REG/elgato_systems_10gam9901_cam_link_4k_game.html

I've never used one and didn't try to buy it.

Since it was out of stock (and cost money), I kept looking and found a way to use the high quality camera in my phone. It solved my problem of having a crappy built in laptop camera. (My laptop camera is at the bottom of the screen. It aims at my belly, not my head! My old laptop was much better because the camera was at the top of the screen.)

Bill

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

bsprague wrote:

Al, br br My reading suggested that an "ordi... (show quote)

Hi Bill,
Thank you for the reply back. I clicked on your "Vimeo" link and love the steak-cooking video. Take care & ...

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Al,

Thanks!

The steak cooking video was a project to learn Premiere Pro after using Premiere Elements for a decade. Although Elements is supposed to be the lesser product, I'm discovering advantages it has over Pro! It is a fun covid project.

Bill

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

bsprague wrote:

Al,

Thanks!

The steak cooking video was a project to learn Premiere Pro after using Premiere Elements for a decade. Although Elements is supposed to be the lesser product, I'm discovering advantages it has over Pro! It is a fun covid project.

Bill

Hi Bill,
I once used an older version of Premiere Pro (CS3) and have settled on PSE 15 for my YouTube editing. It does everything I need and more. Different subject: It's lunch time and your video gave me an idea - steak for lunch sounds good. <grn> Thanks again for your input. Take care & ...