EOS Webcam Utility Beta – Use Canon Camera as a Webcam on Windows Machine

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by Jakub HanMay 7^th, 2020

Canon EOS Webcam Utility Beta is a free app that allows connecting a select Canon camera to the computer and using it as a webcam. It only requires a compatible USB cable, but currently runs on Windows 10 machines only.

Canon EOS Webcam Utility Beta. Source: Canon

Since the COVID-19 came and changed the world as we know it, more and more people started working remotely and streaming their videos online. Using a laptop’s built-in webcam, of course, has its limitations – especially when it comes to picture and sound quality.

Using a DSLR or mirrorless camera as a webcam can significantly improve the resulting quality. While this workflow certainly isn’t new, it usually requires an extra piece of hardware to convert the camera’s clean HDMI output to the USB-compatible webcam device.

There are numerous devices from reputable companies like AJA, Blackmagic Design, Epiphan, Teradek, and others, to do just that. Canon, however, has recently launched the EOS Webcam Utility software to connect the camera directly to the PC. What are its features?

EOS Webcam Utility Beta Software

Canon claims their new EOS Webcam Utility is an easy-to-use, plug-and-play solution to connect a Canon camera to the computer and use it as a webcam. However, this currently has two limitations – it only works on Windows PC and only for select Canon cameras.

The list of supported cameras currently include:

• EOS-1D X Mark III (includes USB interface cable)
• EOS-1D X Mark II (includes USB interface cable)
• EOS 5DS R (includes USB interface cable)
• EOS 5DS (includes USB interface cable)
• EOS 5D Mark IV (includes USB interface cable)
• EOS R (includes USB interface cable)
• EOS 6D Mark II
• EOS RP
• EOS 7D Mark II (includes USB interface cable)
• EOS 90D
• EOS 80D
• EOS 77D
• EOS Rebel T7i
• EOS Rebel T6i (includes USB interface cable)
• EOS Rebel T7
• EOS Rebel T6 (includes USB interface cable)
• EOS Rebel SL3
• EOS Rebel SL2
• EOS Rebel T100
• EOS M6 Mark II
• EOS M50
• EOS M200
• PowerShot G5X Mark II
• PowerShot G7X Mark III
• PowerShot SX70 HS

As you can see, for many camera models, the USB cable needs to be purchased separately.

As for the computer system requirements, Canon writes the following: Windows 10 64-bit, Intel Pentium 1.6GHz or faster processor, with 2 GB or greater of RAM, a display screen resolution of 1,024×768 pixels or more and screen colors medium (16-bit).

For Apple users, the EOS Webcam Utility does not work at the moment. Canon says on their website that “Mac compatibility currently pending.” That could mean they are working on a version for Mac, but I don’t know for sure. In the end, the current version is Beta only, so I hope we might see an update in this regard.

Canon EOS Webcam Utility Beta. Source: Canon

Those of you, who have a compatible camera, cable, and computer system, can head over to Canon Website and download the free EOS Webcam Utility Beta. Canon has also put together a PDF file with instructions if you struggle with getting it up and running.

Did you try the EOS Webcam Utility already? How did it work for you? Do you prefer a different solution for connecting your camera as a webcam? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.