Tired of using the low-resolution 720p FaceTime camera built into your MacBook Air, Pro, or iMac? Canon today expanded its beta software to macOS, which allows you to use an EOS or PowerShot camera as a webcam to significantly improve video quality.
Apple has criticized that its MacBook and iMac-integrated FaceTime cameras only have a resolution of 720p. While the iMac Pro has a resolution of 1080p, the majority of Mac users – including those with the 16-inch MacBook Pro and the new 13-inch Pro and Air – have 720p, which often produces grainy video, especially at poor lighting.
Outside of buying one external webcamwhat else is there to do? Well if you have a compatible one Canon EOS or PowerShot camerayou can now use it for high quality webcam videos on your Mac.
Canon announced the news in one Press release Today and created a tutorial video on how to set it up.
Unfortunately, there are some limitations as the EOS webcam utility is in beta, e.g. For example, there is no support for FaceTime or Safari, and you must use the web versions of Zoom, Skype, etc. It is currently only available to users in the United States. But if this isn’t a deal breaker, it’s definitely worth checking it out!
If you don’t have a Canon camera (or your Canon model is not compatible) There are other ways to use your DSLR or mirrorless camera as a Mac webcam.
Cascable Pro webcam is a good alternative that works with most Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony cameras via WiFi, as well as Canon EOS and Nikon cameras via USB. Cascable offers a free trial and then runs $ 30 one-time purchase (This is still in beta).
Another option is to use two pieces of software, Camera Live and CamTwist. Read More Here’s how to get started with this option.
In the end, Camo is a sharp looking app This allows you to use your iPhone as a webcam. However, it has not yet started completely Early access registrations are open.
Using a Canon EOS camera as a high quality Mac webcam
- Download the beta of the EOS Webcam Utility from Canon (check if your specific EOS or PowerShot camera is present supported here)
- You will need to restart your Mac after installation
- Now you can turn on your Canon camera and put it into film mode
- Choose your exposure and plug the USB cable into your camera, followed by your Mac
- Close the EOS utility if it opens automatically
- If you now select a camera in a video call app / video call service (must be web-based, recommended by Chrome), select ‘EOS Webcam Utility Beta’.
As mentioned above, FaceTime and Safari are not currently supported. Mac apps like Zoom and Skype are also not. Therefore, you must use the web versions to use this beta utility for the time being.
