A compatible Canon DSLR can work as a webcam when you connect it to a computer and use Canon’s webcam software or a capture device. The exact setup depends on the camera model, operating system and video application.
Webcam demand rose during the first months of COVID-19 as work and social contact moved onto video calls. A Canon DSLR could offer a larger sensor and lens choice than a laptop camera, but the computer still needed compatible software or capture hardware to recognise the video feed.
That’s where the latest update comes in. Canon is now another camera manufacturer that has released software that allows your professional camera to be used as a webcam. Other manufacturers that have also released such software for Windows and Mac include Panasonic, Olympus, and Fujifilm.
Canon’s EOS Webcam Utility
Currently working with a limited range of fixed-lens, SLR, and mirrorless cameras, the Canon EOS Webcam Utility is available in a beta version, so you’re not likely to get support if you run into issues. It’s available for macOS systems running Catalina, High Sierra, or Mojave and 64-bit versions of Windows 10. It is also expected to work with Big Sur once it’s released.
You can plug your camera into your Mac or PC and use it as your webcam, making this utility extremely handy for video conferencing.
A wide range of Canon cameras currently offers 4K video, guaranteeing that you’re going to stand out during any video conferencing sessions with your team. However, it’s important to note that most cameras have a 30-minute video duration capacity to ensure the cameras don’t overheat, so it’s still unsure whether this rule also applies to the camera when it’s in webcam mode. It currently supports the following camera models:
- EOS-1D C
- EOS-1D X
- EOS 5D Mark III
- EOS 6D
- EOS 60D
- EOS 7D
- EOS 70D
- EOS R5
- EOS R6
- EOS Ra
EOS Rebel Cameras
- EOS Rebel SL1
- EOS Rebel T3
- EOS Rebel T3i
- EOS Rebel T5
- EOS Rebel T5i
- EOS Rebel T6s
- EOS Rebel T8i
PowerShot Cameras
- PowerShot G5X Mark II **
- PowerShot G7X Mark Ill **
- PowerShot SX70 HS
The full list of programs is as follows:
- Cisco Webex®
- Messenger
- Streamlabs
- Discord
- Microsoft Teams
- YouTube Live
- LIVE Facebook Live
- Open Broadcaster Software
- ZOOM
- Hangouts
- Skype
- Hangouts Meet
- Slack
Once you’ve downloaded the utility and installed it, you put your device into video mode when it’s connected, and select the Canon utility from the various camera sources options available on the video tool you’re using.
On Canon USA’s website, it’s stated that the driver is only supported in the USA. While the driver will also work in Canada, it’s still in the beta phase, and there will be no troubleshooting support available there due to an absence of Canon support in the country. Once you’ve installed the driver, you need to reboot your computer to ensure it works properly. Lastly, there is no audio through the Canon utility; only video is available.
Canon’s webcam utility gave owners another way to use equipment they already had. Video quality still depended on lighting, focus, power and the conferencing platform, while a separate microphone remained necessary for audio.
Check compatibility before installing
Canon has changed its supported-camera and operating-system lists since this guide was published. Confirm support for your model on Canon’s current software page, use a stable USB or HDMI connection and arrange continuous power for long calls. A capture card may still be necessary when the camera lacks suitable USB video support.
