How To Use Camera As Webcam On Mac Easily – Setapp

In today’s telecommunication environment, video conferencing is more frequent than ever before. Most of our friends can only be contacted through video. Since this is a new reality, how can we make the most of the experience of always turning on the camera?

While all Macs and iPhones fully support FaceTime and other video calling apps, if you make video calls regularly, you will find that the built-in webcam is limited. For example, the new MacBook Air still only comes with a 720p HD camera — not even full HD.

One way to improve the quality of video calls is to purchase an external webcam. But most external cameras only bring insignificant improvements and are troublesome to install. Another way is to look at how to use your phone as a webcam, if you have an old iPhone. But, again, don't expect it to produce a truly cinematic picture (not to mention overheating issues).

To really improve video quality, you need to learn how to use a SLR camera as a webcam. Here is a guide on how to do it.

Guide to Using a SLR Camera as a Webcam

Generally speaking, most SLRs (digital single-lens reflex cameras) and mirrorless cameras have large-size sensors and offer better image quality than webcams or iPhones. Can you use a Canon camera as a webcam? Of course, you can use a Canon SLR as a webcam. In fact, most top camera manufacturers have recently updated their software to allow cameras to be used as webcams due to growing demand. So, besides Canon, you can also choose Fuji, Panasonic, Sony, GoPro, Nikon, and more.

However, some cameras have better results than others. If you plan to use it for a long time during the day, you should be careful about overheating. A feature that automatically tracks your face and refocusses the lens is also useful. Speaking of lenses, try choosing a wide angle lens and setting it to the lowest aperture possible (e.g. f/2.0 or f/1.4) for a good bokeh effect that separates you from the background.

Once you have your mirrorless camera webcam ready, you also need to know how to install it correctly.

How to use a SLR camera as a webcam

Depending on the SLR camera webcam you choose, the setup method will vary. For example, if you want to use a Canon SLR as a webcam and have a Windows 10 operating system, you can simply download the EOS Webcam Utility app and connect your camera via a USB cable.

Almost every other camera and operating system requires a video capture adapter that converts HDMI output to USB without losing any video quality. The most popular model on the market right now is the Elgato Cam Link 4K, but you can find other models as well.

After selecting a video adapter, you also need a cable. Most adapters accept HDMI at their ends, while most cameras use micro HDMI. So you can buy a micro HDMI to HDMI cable, or if you already have an HDMI to HDMI cable, you can just buy an HDMI to micro HDMI converter.

Next, connect your camera to the video capture adapter via an HDMI cable and set your SLR to stream a clean video screen without any information on the screen. Some cameras do this automatically when switching to camera mode, but some require some adjustments in the settings. If you are not sure, please check the camera's instruction manual.

Once all connections are determined, using a SLR as a webcam requires that it be installed where the webcam is normally located. If you can mount the tripod behind the screen, that's ideal. Alternatively, you might consider using a product like the GorillaPods, which you can wrap around the monitor stand, or research other fixtures. The goal is to fix your camera at a position where your line of sight is or is slightly higher than your line of sight.

Another aspect to consider is power supply. Some cameras can be charged via USB, so you can plug it directly into your Mac. Other cameras require a charging cable. Also make sure your camera doesn't turn off on its own.

Finally, plug all devices into your Mac and turn on your new mirrorless camera webcam. Go to your favorite video conferencing app and check if the camera has been added to the list of available options. Completed!

How to improve your video demonstration effect

Now that your new webcam settings are working to improve the quality of your video calls, you should also find new ways to take advantage of it. For example, if you think about your presentation, almost the entire screen is occupied by your screen sharing feature, and your video becomes a tiny square in the corner. How do you change this?

Vidrio is a unique video calling service enhancement tool that works by making the background shared by the screen slightly translucent and displaying your HD webcam video. Now everyone can not only see your PowerPoint slides, but also the way you demonstrate them, bringing the entire experience closer to real life. Vidrio allows you to hide anything you don't need on the screen and toggle the on and off status of your video at any time.

Please read also:

• Best Mac Screen Sharing Apps
• Best Mac video conferencing software
• Take a photo on your Mac
• Record Zoom meetings

How to record your presentation on your Mac

When you have a nice SLR webcam and use Vidrio for top-notch demos, you may want to record them into videos. They don't even have to be live video conferencing calls at the beginning. How about recording a workshop or instructions for your colleagues? To be sure, you need an easy-to-use recording tool.

Capto is the fastest way to start recording your Mac screen, no matter what you are doing – just click on the icon in the menu bar and select “Record Full Screen” or “Record Area”. You can even hide your desktop icons.

Once the recording is complete, the video is saved to your Capto library where you can annotate it, edit it in any way (crop, cut, mix transition) and add audio tracks. Capto will be the most seamless part of your video workflow.

Now you know everything you need to take video calls to a whole new level. First, make sure to use your Canon SLR as a webcam (or any other brand) and get any necessary cables. Then install Vidrio for a more personalized demo and get Capto for anyone to watch the recorded content.

Best of all, you can get Vidrio and Capto completely free with the seven-day trial of Setapp, a platform with over 190 top-notch apps that can help you improve your Mac’s everyday abilities, from blocking interference with Focus to streaming your monitor to your TV with JustStream. Try all 190 apps for free now and see what you've missed!

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