Canon last week announced a Beta Utility for EOS cameras so you can use it as a webcam. I take a look at how it installs, and how you can use it for your Zoom, Skype, Hangout, or just as another camera for a multi-camera event.

NOTE: Version of Beta software at the time of this recording was 0.90. Newer versions could bring more (or less) cameras into play. Make sure you have the latest firmware for your camera.

EOS Webcam Utility Beta

The new program allows you to connect to the camera via USB port, and run as a webcam. The utility is perfect for those cameras that don’t have “clean” screens on their HDMI out.

There are some restrictions, though:

* This is a Windows-Only utility at this time. No word if a Mac version will become available* The webcam will use the sensor, but depending on the model, you might run a 720p resolution. * It looks to be one Canon camera at a time. You can use other webcams and capture cards for other cameras. * It will only send video. Audio needs to be provided separately. * There are only a certain amount of Canon cameras able to use this utility at this time. Those models are:

EOS DSLR Cameras

* EOS-1D X Mark II* EOS-1D X Mark III* EOS 5D Mark IV* EOS 5DS* EOS 5DS R* EOS 6D Mark II* EOS 7D Mark II* EOS 77D* EOS 80D* EOS 90D

* EOS Rebel SL2* EOS Rebel SL3* EOS Rebel T6*