Some cameras can be charged via USB-C battery banks and chargers, while others require special A/C adapters from the manufacturer. I have been able to get a GorillaPod wrapped around my monitor arm to work, but it’s not the most elegant solution.įinally, since using your camera as a webcam means it’s basically on and streaming video to your computer constantly, you’re going to want to get an A/C adapter to power the camera instead of relying on its batteries. There are mounts and clamps you can buy to affix the camera to your desk and bring it up to eye level, but you’re just going to have to figure out how to get it to work for your own situation. This can be as simple as a basic tripod, but if you’re looking to put the camera above a desktop monitor, like a traditional webcam, things can get a bit more complicated. In addition to the USB capture device or software for your computer, you’ll also want to have some way to mount your camera for video calls. Unlike the popular Elgato Cam Link, the IOGear model is available from B&H Photo right now. But we’ve tested this IOGear model and it works well. Thanks to the global pandemic, they are also very difficult to find in stock. These devices are called USB capture cards and generally run $100 or more. Most people will probably need some extra hardware that converts a camera’s HDMI output into a USB input. The “easiest” method thus includes spending some money. There are software-only solutions for other cameras and for Macs as well, but they often involve “virtual” webcams created by software which some apps can’t use ( including, sadly, Zoom).

If you have a relatively modern Canon camera and a Windows PC, there’s an app now available that lets you hook up the camera to your computer over standard USB and use it as a webcam.

A real camera is key to stepping up your video calling gameĭepending on your camera and your computer, this can be as simple as installing a piece of software and just using a USB cable to hook your camera to your computer.

Can you use a dslr as a webcam for mac