Can you use Canon cameras for streaming?

Whether you want a professional look for your livestreams or simply to look better on your next video chat, one of the best options is to use a dedicated camera with excellent video specs—such as your Canon EOS DSLR, mirrorless, or PowerShot camera. To help facilitate the process Canon has introduced the EOS Webcam Utility for connecting the camera to a computer. Since you likely already have the camera and a compatible USB cable, it seems like an easy way to improve your video calls.

Why Use a Canon Camera Instead of a Webcam?

Obviously, the answer to the above is that a dedicated Canon camera will provide significantly better image quality than a standard webcam. There are many reasons for this, none of which I want to get too deeply into, but suffice it to say that a DSLR, mirrorless, or even point-and-shoot designed for capturing stunning images will beat the tiny imaging unit built into your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Recommended Cameras and Equipment

You’ll need to first check and see if you have a camera supported by the Canon EOS Webcam Utility. Fortunately, the app supports both Windows and Mac computers and the list of supported cameras is quite expansive.

EOS DSLR Cameras

• • EOS-1D C
  • EOS-1D X
  • EOS-1D X Mark II
  • EOS-1D X Mark III
  • EOS 5D Mark III
  • EOS 5D Mark IV
  • EOS 5DS
  • EOS 5DS R
  • EOS 6D
  • EOS 6D Mark II
  • EOS 7D
  • EOS 7D Mark II
  • EOS 60D
  • EOS 70D
  • EOS 77D
  • EOS 80D
  • EOS 90D
  • EOS Rebel SL1
  • EOS Rebel SL2
  • EOS Rebel SL3
  • EOS Rebel T3
  • EOS Rebel T3i
  • EOS Rebel T5
  • EOS Rebel T5i
  • EOS Rebel T6
  • EOS Rebel T6i
  • EOS Rebel T6s
  • EOS Rebel T7
  • EOS Rebel T7i
  • EOS Rebel T8i
  • EOS Rebel T100

EOS Mirrorless Cameras

• • EOS M6 Mark II
  • EOS M50
  • EOS M50 Mark II
  • EOS M200
  • EOS R
  • EOS Ra
  • EOS RP
  • EOS R5
  • EOS R6

PowerShot Cameras

• • PowerShot G7 X Mark II
  • PowerShot G7 X Mark III
  • PowerShot SX70 HS

For the most up-to-date list, check out Canon’s Compatibility List.

Beyond having the camera, you will need a USB cable. Many of the listed cameras come with a cable, which is recommended, but if not or you need a longer one, that should be no problem to find. You likely already have a compatible cable in your home.

How to Set up Your Camera and Computer

Fortunately, the process of getting set up for using a Canon camera as a webcam is straightforward. There are only a few key settings to select on the camera before plugging it into the computer.

1. 1. Set the camera to Movie Mode.
   2. Adjust exposure settings (Manual provides the most consistent look).
   3. Connect to the computer using a USB cable.

Canon has just made this utility available for both Windows and Mac computers. When installed and once the camera is connected, you’ll want to make sure other Canon apps, such as EOS Utility, are closed. Then, all you need to do is go into your video conferencing app of choice and select EOS Webcam Utility as your camera. We would recommend an AC power solution or at least selecting USB power if the camera supports it.

There are a couple of things to note. First, audio is not transmitted from the camera, so you will still have to use the computer’s solution or another mic plugged into your PC. The second is that Mac users will need to use the web app version of their conferencing platform instead of dedicated applications. FaceTime, Safari, Skype, Zoom, and WebEx desktop apps are not supported for Mac. However, Google Chrome and web-based versions of Skype, Zoom, and WebEx work just fine.

Clean HDMI Method and More Info on Streaming

If your camera isn’t on the list or you are looking for an even higher-quality way to connect, you should read Using a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera as a Webcam. It includes the Clean HDMI method, which uses many cameras’ HDMI outputs and a separately available video capture device to feed a high-quality video stream into your computer.

For more information on streaming or learning how to set up another brand or type of camera for use as a webcam, please stop by the B&H Livestream Center. Feel free to leave any questions or comments below.