Canon just released ” EOS Webcam Utility Beta ” which lets you use select DSLRs as webcams for either livestreaming or video conferencing. All you need is a supported DSLR and a USB Cable.This software is very fitting at this time since you can’t really buy webcams anymore that easily (without paying a hefty price over regular price) as webcams are facing shortage and are in high demand.
now , Let’s talk about supported Cameras
Canon DSLR cameras that can be used as a webcam
- EOS-1D X Mark II
- EOS-1D X Mark III
- EOS 5D Mark IV
- EOS 5DS
- EOS 5DS R
- EOS 6D Mark II
- EOS 7D Mark II
- EOS 77D
- EOS 80D
- EOS 90D
- EOS Rebel SL2
- EOS Rebel SL3
- EOS Rebel T6
- EOS Rebel T6i
- EOS Rebel T7
- EOS Rebel T7i
- EOS Rebel T100
- EOS M6 Mark II
- EOS M50
- EOS M200
- EOS R
- EOS RP
- PowerShot G5X Mark II
- PowerShot G7X Mark III
- PowerShot SX70 HS
You can also see all of Canon’s products that’s fit for livestreaming here
That’s quite a big range of Cameras supported for Software that’s still in Beta.
It’s only available for Windows 10 (x64) at the moment , Sorry Mac Users
Also to note , it only supports Video (not audio) on most devices.
We recommend using your cameras on USB3.0 supported port on your computer ( if your computer has it.)
How to Use
I personally think this is a great piece of software , it’s almost Plug and play. Here’s Canon’s Official Video on how you can set you camera up to use as a webcam on a Windows 10 Machine.
[tnm_video layout=”mnmd-post-media-wide”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msJAkr3FsUM[/tnm_video]
You can download the software by clicking Here .
Conclusion
With the recent boom in Live-streaming this will save streamers a lot of money as well since they don’t have to buy a capture card (even though capture cards might output stable footage ). If you decide to use this software and your DSLR camera for long periods of time , I’d recommend an AC Power Adapter Kit , which replaces your battery and let’s you connect your camera to a Power Source. Anyways , As I personally own Rebel T6 (1300D) , this is great news and i’d definitely try to upgrade from my Logitech C920 Webcam.
Kudos to Canon for releasing this software.
while you’re here click here to learn how to Go Live to Instagram from your PC