How to use Canon DSLR cameras as a Webcam on your computer for video calls

canon eos webcam

We all are fully aware of the ongoing pandemic and how it has affected our work practices. We are mode dependent on our PC’s, laptops and other mobile devices to conduct business. Depending on the type of work, you could be dealing with a lot of video calls. Let’s be honest, usually, webcams on our laptops are not that great which leaves us to conduct our business on a smartphone which isn’t great either.

The other option you are left with is to invest in a costly webcam but this is where Canon comes in handy. Canon has brought their EOS Webcam Utility software for Windows, which helps people stay connected with high image quality video communication by using Canon DSLR cameras as a Webcam. This software supports a total of 42 EOS interchangeable lens cameras and PowerShot cameras, including the new EOS R5 and EOS R6. So if you have a Canon camera handy, you could take advantage of it fully.

List of Canon Cameras that Support EOS Webcam Utility Software

EOS R5 EOS 5D Mark III EOS 100D PowerShot SX70 HS
EOS R6 EOS 5D Mark IV EOS 200D PowerShot G7 X Mark III
EOS M200 EOS 5DS EOS 200D II PowerShot G5 X Mark II
EOS M50 EOS 5DS R EOS 600D
EOS M6 Mark II EOS 6D EOS 700D
EOS R EOS 6D Mark II EOS 750D
EOS RP EOS 7D EOS 760D
EOS Ra EOS 7D Mark II EOS 800D
EOS-1D X EOS 60D EOS 850D
EOS-1D X Mark II EOS 70D EOS 1100D
EOS-1D X Mark III EOS 77D EOS 1200D
EOS-1D C EOS 80D EOS 1300D
EOS 90D EOS 1500D
EOS 3000D

Types of applications that EOS Webcam Utility software has been tested for:

Zoom Facebook Live
Skype YouTube Live
Microsoft Teams Discord
Cisco Webex Streamlabs
Google Meet Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)
Google Hangouts Slack
Facebook Messenger

Let’s jump on the guide to know how you can use your Canon camera as a webcam

  • Connect the camera to Windows PC/ Laptop and set the mode to ‘Movie’ on your Canon camera.Preparing Camera
  • Make sure you have downloaded the latest build of the EOS Webcam Utility software from this link.
    (Note: As of writing this post, the EOS Webcam Utility Software is available only for Windows with a macOS version coming soon.)
  • Once the software is installed, restart your computer.
    Installing
  • It would not show up as an application but enables the use of compatible Canon cameras on your computer. So, don’t panic.
  • Go to your desired conferencing or streaming application.
  • Look for Audio / Video settings within the application.
  • Select EOS Webcam Utility under Camera.
    Selecting Camera
  • Make sure Audio input is from your computer or external microphone.
  • At this point you are done with setting up the camera as a webcam, if you have followed all the above-mentioned steps carefully, your application should recognize it.

Wrap Up

It’s a good application by Canon which certainly lets you take full advantage of your Canon camera. The application has a wide array of uses and could even be used for capturing your streaming sessions, apart from just video conferencing thereby opening endless possibilities.

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Yogesh Brar

The guy recommending you tech products & living on the Internet. Or you can connect with me on Twitter: twitter.com/heyitsyogesh