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Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

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Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#21

Post by crtasm »

adoxyz wrote: post #6
flipflipper wrote: post #3

Another reason to not use a DSLR is that many (all?) have timeouts (<30min) in their video mode due to some import tax reason, even when hooked up to a computer. Atleast this is what I found when I tried a canon DSLR with canons webcam software.

That's only if you actually hit the record button and are actively recording to the memory card, but if you're using the DSLR as a passthrough, it works all day. I have done it w/ my Sony a6500 and it works really well.

I've read some cameras still have a timeout when not recording, e.g note on Canon EOS 6D here: https://www.elgato.com/en/cam-link/camera-check

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#23

Post by [deleted] »

olah_1 wrote: post #11
cr3ative wrote: post #8

I'll put Reincubate Camo here as an option too - turns your iPhone in to a webcam. I was so impressed I bought a used iPhone to use solely as a webcam; the whole setup was cheaper than the Logitech C920 he mentions. The picture quality is great.

Don't iPhones do that annoying thing where it shows your image flipped the wrong way when you use the selfie camera? Selfie cameras should always behave like a mirror, in my opinion. It's how humans are used to seeing themselves.

[deleted]

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#24

Post by adhoc_slime »

pmoriarty wrote: post #15

If you're willing to throw $1000 at a "proper camera" of the sort the author recommends, then sure, it would be very disappointing if it didn't outperform the webcam built in to most laptops or phones. But is there a "proper camera" for under $100 that can also offer an improvement over a webcam?

> But is there a "proper camera" for under $100 that can also offer an improvement over a webcam?

no just buy an off the shelf web camera if that's all you're willing to budget.

but for those of us with these cameras already becuase we enjoy photography, this dual use is quite nice!

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#25

Post by ldayley »

renewiltord wrote: post #2

Does anyone have a comprehensive guide for Canon DSLRs on MacOS on M1? The Canon drivers to use as a webcam are nightmarish and my friends had a hell of a time trying to get it to work.

I’ve solved most compatibility problems with several camera brands (and their drivers) by simply using a hardware HDMI->USB video capture/processing card or stick. Then I can mount it as a generic video device and not install drivers at all, allowing me to switch cameras out at will.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#26

Post by tobyhinloopen »

pmoriarty wrote: post #15

If you're willing to throw $1000 at a "proper camera" of the sort the author recommends, then sure, it would be very disappointing if it didn't outperform the webcam built in to most laptops or phones. But is there a "proper camera" for under $100 that can also offer an improvement over a webcam?

Not for $100, but a Sony A5100 with 16-50 lens can be bought for $400 over here, and will produce a great image. It is very similar to the A6000 but it a bit more compact, less features and a cheaper build.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#28

Post by mikece »

"...the A6400 seems to be slightly better as a webcam."

Contact me if you want to buy mine! I bought mine at the start of quarantine for streaming live video at my local church but haven't really used it much since.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#29

Post by pineconewarrior »

cr3ative wrote: post #8

I'll put Reincubate Camo here as an option too - turns your iPhone in to a webcam. I was so impressed I bought a used iPhone to use solely as a webcam; the whole setup was cheaper than the Logitech C920 he mentions. The picture quality is great.

Seconding Camo. It's not as cheap as the Elgato offering but I found the quality and options to be superior.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#30

Post by HidyBush »

pmoriarty wrote: post #15

If you're willing to throw $1000 at a "proper camera" of the sort the author recommends, then sure, it would be very disappointing if it didn't outperform the webcam built in to most laptops or phones. But is there a "proper camera" for under $100 that can also offer an improvement over a webcam?

Canon's EOS Webcam Utility supports cameras down to the EOS 1100D, which, depending on your level of luck, you can find used under $100. Then all you need is a kit lens which can be found for very very cheap nowadays. Or, if you really think you won't be moving much, just get a super cheap vintage one.
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