How to use any camera as a webcam for video calls
Apr 20, 2022
As more and more people work from home, there is an increase in demand for webcams, which allow them to connect remotely with their colleagues via web conferencing software.
People who own desktop computers may not own a webcam, for example, while those with laptops may want to capture better image quality than what their laptop's built-in webcam can muster. In addition, you can also position a webcam wherever it best suits you, especially if you use multiple monitors
How to use a camera as a webcam for video calls
With a quick software installation and a USB connection to a computer, you can turn many cameras into webcams. You get an enhanced picture quality, and cameras like DSLRs let you zoom in or out without degrading the image. Because many of these cameras use better sensors than what's generally found in webcams, they work better in low-light situations as well. We tested several cameras against the built-in webcam in a MacBook Pro and found this to be the case.
There are some caveats. You'd need to purchase a stand or tripod, and you may need to add an external microphone — the one in your computer should suffice unless you want better sound quality. Although some cameras can shoot up to 4K resolution, you're limited by either the webcam software or the web conferencing service, which is usually around 720p. It's important to note that a 720p image captured by a high-end camera is still better than a standalone 720p webcam. Some cameras also require an external power source, which could be an issue if your meetings last for hours or you have several meetings a day.
Lastly, most cameras are expensive and you may not be in the position to spend hundreds just for basic webcam purposes. Unless you already own one of these supported cameras, we recommend looking at the TEVO-VA200Pro,TEVO-VA300B,TEVO-VA4K, as a budget option$70-$150.
