Canon Turns Your EOS Camera into a Webcam with this Beta Utility

Last Updated on May 12, 2020 7:51 pm by Jeffrey Powers

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:

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

Once you’ve downloaded the software, you can install the .msi file. Not much info on the install, and you’re ready within minutes.

Connect to Zoom, Skype, Google Meet (formerly Google Hangouts)

When you open the video conference program, navigate to your video settings, and select the EOS Webcam Utility. The screen will either populate with an EOS splash screen, or the video from the camera you have connected.

Things I Found During Video Setup

First, make sure you have the camera WIFI turned OFF. With some cameras, if it’s on, nothing will happen.

Battery life is fairly good, but be prepared to change batteries, or have an external power source connected to the camera.

I have found you can also connect the HDMI to a capture card for the unclean video. It might be good for any camera whose screen does not flip out to view.

If your camera has video mode, switching back to photo mode will give you some more real estate to work with.

I have the EFS 10-18mm Stabilizer lens, so I could keep the camera close to me and get a good shot. Depending on the lenses you own, you might have to distance yourself from the camera.

Overall Thoughts

I think it’s a great webcam in a pinch. It’s not going to be for everyone, especially Mac users at this time. But if your looking for a good webcam, and have a Canon camera lying around, you have a good solution.

And by the way – it doesn’t help make a better Zoom Virtual background experience.

Get the EOS Webcam Utility Beta here.