NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

If anyone has tried to buy a webcam recently, you know it is almost impossible to find one in stores or online. I was wondering if anyone has adapted their camera to serve as a webcam and if so, what did you have to do to to make it work?
I have a number of Nikon cameras, (Coolpix, D7200) and some GoPro clones all with HDMI outputs but when I plug them into the USB on my PC, there is no detectable signal nor is the camera even detected. I was hoping that some of you might have had better success than I have so if you could throw some suggestions my way, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

gjgallager Loc: North Central CT & Space Coast Florida

I have seen where people use old cell phones as webcams. Greg.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

There are two ways to go. You can either buy an adapter that uses your HDMI port, I think they’re about $120 but when I checked a couple of months ago nobody had them in stock. The other option doesn’t give you the full HD capability of your camera but is fine for a webcam. You use your camera’s USB port and two free programs, digiCam Control and OBS Studio. Just google “using my DSLR as a webcam” and you’ll find lots of info.

skyspy

If you have s Canon camera, Canon has software that allows your camera to be used as a webcam. It's in their website. There is also Sparkocam software that does a very good job and has many extra features. I believe it works with Nikon as well.

cedymock Loc: Irmo, South Carolina

There are several programs available, have tried a couple did not think it was worth the cost for me. B&H had an article in one of their newsletter's a couple of months ago. The quality is great however one thing to be careful of the programs can change camera settings when in use as a webcam, you just need to remember before taking photos.

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

I’m not sure why you’re having trouble finding one. I just typed into the search line “webcams for sale” and I got lots of sources.
But if you are intent on using a camera, then you’ll need software to assist. Again, type it into the search line. “ camera webcam software”

Hope this helps.

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

Thanks to all for the advice. All I'm trying to do is to use this for ZOOM conference calls so nothing too sophisticated is needed nor too expensive. I checked and Nikon is going to bring out a utility much ilke Canon's but so far all they have is a mailing list. Also saw come HDMI capture adapters on eBay that should also do the trick.
Have to decide soon so I can get up and running.
Thanks!

koratcat

While waiting for my backordered web cam to arrive (it finally did), I was able to connect my Fuji X-T2 using a Fuji app and Digikam. Was pretty easy to hook up and worked fine, but I did have to use a separate microphone. Both were USB connections. Had the camera attached to a tripod.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I use a Sony RX10M4 as a webcam. Some software, a cable, an adapter etc. I forgot exactly what I did but it works well.

These videos may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu6P4DDId18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3GvGJ-4VLQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCwRY06cAW4

skyspy

Download the Canon app, it worja with zoom

fjdarling Loc: Mesa, Arizona, USA

As the others have said, an adapter or HDMI cable, and software are required. I had a similar quest a couple of months ago and found it was much easier and cheaper to use a smartphone and USB cable (or Wi-Fi) and DroidCam software than a Nikon D3300. And a shotgun microphone makes it even better. It all works beautifully with Zoom. Some audio settings changes were required in Windows to utilize the mic. I don't know what MacOS requires. Good luck in your quest, and let us know if you get a DSLR working as webcam.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

Here is a decent link regarding this question:

https://www.theverge.com/21244380/webcam-camera-how-to-dslr-mirrorless-capture-card-usb-hdmi

One point made is that the DSLR or mirrorless camera needs to have a clean HDMI output. And of course you need the appropriate HDMI cable that fits your camera and the mentioned USB Capture Devise (sometimes called Video Capture Device) that accepts HDMI and turns it into USB.

For the least expensive I have found, see: https://www.walmart.com/ip/1080P-HD-HDMI-Video-Capture-Card-USB-2-0-for-Game-Video-Live-Streaming/605545261

There is no control of the camera necessary. All that is needed is a clean HDMI output. And by clean, what is meant is that nothing else shows on the HDMI output such as camera settings.

I tried out 2 of my cameras for clean output just this past week. My Sony A7iii worked well. It was easy to go into clean output mode, and auto focus remained responsive to changes in subject distance. The HDMI output started at 1080p and went up from there.

Also tried out my Olympus EM1ii and it also was easy to set up a clean output also. And output options started at 720p and went up from there. I found it slower to do a focus readjust if the target moves.

Warning: Not all cameras have a clean HDMI output.

For Olympus, as long as you are using one of the following, you can use this free software and be able to plug the camera into a USB port:

OM-D E-M1X
OM-D E-M1 Mark III
OM-D E-M1 Mark II
OM-D E-M1
OM-D E-M5 Mark II

https://dl-support.olympus-imaging.com/webcambeta/index.html

And this site also shows a way to use some other cameras including Sony mirrorcameras and to use the USB port without a capture card. And there are Nikon hints too:

https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/10/how-to-get-your-nice-camera-set-up-as-a-high-quality-webcam/

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

Go to Nikon USA or the digital photography school. Both have tutorials.

Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south

I use the following with great results.
Pengo Technology 1080p HDMI to USB Type-C Video Grabber will work with almost any camera with a USB port. Avalible at B&H. I have two of them, and works great with my Panasonic G9 and GX85. And set your camera to clean video output. Link below....

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1560609-REG/pengo_technology_8rgr2_h01c01t0pe_1080p_hdmi_to_usb_c.html

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

you have to keep looking if you want a webcam. They come and go. I bought two of these when they were available.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B087R8QKK7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Almost any camera can become a webcam.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/how-to-use-any-camera-as-a-web-cam/
https://www.theverge.com/21244380/webcam-camera-how-to-dslr-mirrorless-capture-card-usb-hdmi
https://www.howtogeek.com/669410/how-to-use-a-digital-camera-as-a-webcam/
https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/10/how-to-get-your-nice-camera-set-up-as-a-high-quality-webcam/