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New Software Lets Your Canon Camera Be Used as a Webcam for a Mac

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Camera manufacturer Canon today announced that its EOS Webcam Utility Beta software is now available for macOS users in addition to PC users.


The software is designed to allow some EOS Interchangeable Lens Cameras and PowerShot cameras to be converted into a webcam through a USB connection.

The macOS-compatible software solution requires a single USB plug to connect the compatible camera to the computer. After the software is downloaded and the camera is configured in a video conferencing app, the user will be able to use the camera for video conferencing and virtual meetings.

Compatible cameras include everything from the EOS-1D X Mark III to the PowerShot SX70 HS, with a list of cameras that work with the feature available on Canon's website.

Tag: Canon

Top Rated Comments

76 months ago
Why can't the iPhone be used in this way? I'd much rather place some kind of camera holder on the top of my laptop (improving the angle of the camera anyway) and leveraging the much higher resolution camera in the phone. Can they be paired up this way? Seems like there should be some blend in the handoff instructions to allow for this.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ScreenSavers Avatar
76 months ago
Very cool, now Apple will never have to update their webcams! Just start selling multi-thousand dollar Canon cameras at the stores!
Well they never did update them in the first place.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
UltimateSyn Avatar
76 months ago
Very cool, now Apple will never have to update their webcams! Just start selling multi-thousand dollar Canon cameras at the stores!
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rocko99991 Avatar
76 months ago

Yeah, but the alternative is an ancient 720p "webcam". Otherwise, Canon probably wouldn't have bothered.
This. The 720p cams are horrible.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TDPHunter Avatar
76 months ago
I think this is great for upcoming streamers, vloggers, and working professionals for sales meetings, etc. You no longer have to buy a Capture Card which saves you over $100. While true, you could go with a standard webcam for most use cases, you just won't have the quality of a DSLR or Mirrorless camera. You also can't easily get a webcam right now due to the shortages created by COVID-19. Scalpers are having a blast charging $100-200 over retail value for some.

So, I have to give Canon kudos for delivering something that can alleviate the strain on the webcam market while also providing an alternative option for individuals that need webcam-like functionality. If you already have a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, this is a great option. If not, you'll probably not drop that kind of money unless you want to take photography up as a hobby or really care about how you look virtually. That's ok. It's good to have options.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SDJim Avatar
76 months ago

Sounds like a big hassle.
Yeah, but the alternative is an ancient 720p "webcam". Otherwise, Canon probably wouldn't have bothered.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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