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Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

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Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#41

Post by tonyhb »

birdman3131 wrote: post #33

A cheapish alternative is to use https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ndi-hx-camera/id1477266080 or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newtek.ndi... and OBS as a webcam. The back camera on most phones is quite a bit better than any webcam. Yes the app is $20 but for me it was worth it.

You can also use https://vdo.ninja/ for free to stream the phone camera to OBS.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#42

Post by ldayley »

One thing that I’ve been trying to educate my colleagues about (including the A/V folks!) is that one can bypass the need to fiddle with drivers by using a generic hardware HDMI -> USB video conversion stick utilizing the mirrorless/DSLR’s HDMI output. It’ll mount as a generic video input that Zoom/Teams/OBS can use. You can find these for $40-$100 and it allows one to switch out hardware brands at will without installing drivers. And don’t forget that it opens up a world of filmmaking mics to complete the package, and sends it all on one cable!

I’ve used Fujifilm, Sony, Canon, Panasonic, and I think even a gopro once successfully using this method.

Edit - added mic suggestion

Also: this works for me on Win/Mac, but I’ve not tried Linux yet.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#43

Post by saturn5k »

Maybe it's a bit overkill, but I use a Fuji X-T4 + Fuji 10-24mm lens as a webcam. At around $2500 definitely not cheap but it gets the job done magnificently. Additionally, the Fuji X Webcam software allows me to switch between Fuji's film simulations, adjust color temperature and exposure on the fly. The cam is mounted on a Manfrotto ballhead tripod behind my monitor.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#44

Post by tamade »

I repurposed my old Fujifilm X100F as webcam with the Elgato cam link 4k and dummy battery during the pandemic-- video quality received heavy compliments on Zoom. The setup was working fine until I upgraded my desktop rig. Seems Cam link doesn't play nice with the new Mac Studios.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#45

Post by probabletrain »

canbus wrote: post #38

> Most kit lenses are pretty bad errrr... no they aren't. The 24-85 I have on my Nikon D600 is extremely sharp. The 18-55 on most DX Nikons is also pin sharp. For a webcam it surely doesn't even matter?

I agree with you. For use as a webcam, however, the author is probably after a much shallower depth of field than kit lenses generally provide, so opts for a fast prime lens.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#46

Post by ldayley »

bydo wrote: post #40
olah_1 wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

I forget if that's the default or not, but if it is you can disable it. You ideally wouldn't use the selfie camera, though; the rear camera has a bigger sensor and a better lens.

Zoom and I think Teams and OBS have a setting to flip the video input.

Re: Using a "proper" camera as a webcam

#47

Post by moduspol »

ldayley wrote: post #42

One thing that I’ve been trying to educate my colleagues about (including the A/V folks!) is that one can bypass the need to fiddle with drivers by using a generic hardware HDMI -> USB video conversion stick utilizing the mirrorless/DSLR’s HDMI output. It’ll mount as a generic video input that Zoom/Teams/OBS can use. You can find these for $40-$100 and it allows one to switch out hardware brands at will without insta…

I just failed at this recently. Apparently the camera needs to support "clean HDMI out," which many don't. Mine (for example) has HDMI out, but it's for like a "preview" screen for a photographer--it doesn't just output a clean, high-res HDMI stream.

There's a web page on Canon's site here:

https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/se...

You'll see one list of cameras on there, but at the bottom, you can expand "Clean HDMI", and then you'll see a different list of cameras.

Now I'm debating whether or not I want to spend hundreds of dollars for a DIFFERENT photography camera that support clean HDMI.

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