DSLR Camera for Webcam? Tech help!

[Deleted member 16664]

Hello everyone! I've been knocking my brain out :violent1: trying to get my Canon 60D camera into a HD webcam for Streamate and possibly MFC, for when I get more experience. Is this at all possible? If so, what do I need to do it? I've been able to do it for Skype, but it does not show up to replace my built-in camera (I have a Macbook). Is there any possible way to do this? My goal is to find the highest quality Webcam on the market and save up for it. I've had Logitech before and wasn't as impressed after I bought it--I was expecting a lot from all of the reviews, but nothing compares to DSLR quality in my experience. If only there was a way to get the DSLR to override the built-in camera I have on my Mac so that when I broadcast it goes straight to the DSLR?

Any help? Please? :hello2: :violin:

If anything, is there a webcam with DSLR quality?

Sincerely,
Amaya

 

[Tilly]

There are some helpful tutorials on youtube.

Usually you will hook up your DSLR to your computer with its USB cord and set it up for remote shooting. You'll then use a software like manycam or webcamMax to emulate a webcam and use a portion of your screen (the remote shooting of the camera) as your broadcasting output. Lots of wires and sometimes it doesn't have a great outcome since it's going through a few programs, creating more lag.

A couple of these might be useful:




I know this next one isn't the exact same model as your camera, but the way you'd set it up is essentially the same.



Hope that is helpful to you!


As far as webcams with DSLR quality... haha let me know if you find one! I've used the logitech c910 and the brand new c930e and I don't think either live up to their hype. Sure, they are decent webcams but I think Logitech software is seriously lacking. I am predominantly a mac user which can make things a wee bit more complicated though. I have just been using my laptop's built in webcam again lately. It's easier. Less wires. More portable. Nobody complains!

 

[SexySteph]

You want to be careful about this too. Video is very hard on the camera, even when it's meant for it, so it could potentially GREATLY shorten the lifespan of your camera.

 

[Tilly]

You want to be careful about this too. Video is very hard on the camera, even when it's meant for it, so it could potentially GREATLY shorten the lifespan of your camera.

It would probably be cheaper/easier to use a decent camcorder instead if you mostly just want to use it as a webcam. Some nice camcorders are comparable in price to Logitech HD webcams ($200ish or so). I just don't see the point in using a DSLR as a webcam (especially on MFC) because of all the complications with it. The lag, the wear & tear on your camera, mobility issues, and the fact that MFC's frame rate isn't really up to par with anything super HD anyway... But maybe SM or CB would interpret the video a little nicer since they seem to have way better handling capabilities with high def cams. Worth a try!

 

[Deleted member 16664]

Thanks, I appreciate the responses. I've actually view those videos and downloaded manycam (and cam twist), but it does not work for whatever reason.... Hence, my problem. :icon-cry:

 

[bawksy]

You want to be careful about this too. Video is very hard on the camera, even when it's meant for it, so it could potentially GREATLY shorten the lifespan of your camera.

I would imagine the wear and tear comes from the near-continuous operation of the autofocus motor while video recording is in progress. Since autofocus is the bane of cam models anyways, the easy solution here is just to switch the lens into manual focus mode. Then you have no moving parts, and there's no wear and tear.

 

[JerryBoBerry]

You want to be careful about this too. Video is very hard on the camera, even when it's meant for it, so it could potentially GREATLY shorten the lifespan of your camera.

I would imagine the wear and tear comes from the near-continuous operation of the autofocus motor while video recording is in progress. Since autofocus is the bane of cam models anyways, the easy solution here is just to switch the lens into manual focus mode. Then you have no moving parts, and there's no wear and tear.

The t3i (i believe that's the one in question) doesn't auto focus in video mode anyway, most SLR's don't. You can press the auto focus before filming to have it focus on the subject for you, but it's a single servo mode, not continuous.

The main problem with using a t3i as a webcam is (correct me if I'm wrong those who own one) the video recording length is limited to 29 minutes 59 seconds due to some tax law in Europe that would classify them differently if it were longer, and hence make them more expensive. They are after all NOT video cameras, they are cameras that just happen to include the ability to record video clips. So when being used as a webcam I believe you would have your cam turn off every half hour forcing you to restart the recording.

Another aspect that many have complained about, including models on this forum, is the camera is prone to overheating in movie mode if your room is anything but rather cool in temperature. There's many forum's with comments about that issue.

All in all it's not really the best option to use one as a webcam.

 

[LacieLaPlante]

The main problem with using a t3i as a webcam is (correct me if I'm wrong those who own one) the video recording length is limited to 29 minutes 59 seconds due to some tax law in Europe that would classify them differently if it were longer, and hence make them more expensive.

it's ~11 minutes.

 

[JerryBoBerry]

The main problem with using a t3i as a webcam is (correct me if I'm wrong those who own one) the video recording length is limited to 29 minutes 59 seconds due to some tax law in Europe that would classify them differently if it were longer, and hence make them more expensive.

it's ~11 minutes.

WOW, that's even worse than i thought. Do you know if that time changes if you record at a lower quality?
My little snap and shoot samsung st200f only shoots 720HD in 30fps but it goes for 20 minutes a clip. I would have thought the DSLR's did longer.

 

[theguitarrist]

DSLR cameras do autofocus (recent models), but their autofocus capabilities are not as good as regular camcorders.

The main reason why DSLR have become popular for filming video is because for less money you have access to control the depth of field. I don't know how to use a DSLR as a webcam, but I'd assume you would be somehow using the live preview to broadcast? Well, if that's the case, you would not be taking advantage of the DSLR's depth of field capabilities, because in live preview mode the lens goes to its maximum depth of field to make the preview easier.

So, basically, you get good resolution, slow autofocus, and no depth of field.

I'm not an expert, so maybe you have better info. But as an amateur photographer, in my opinion, a decent camcorder, or even a decent webcam would be a better option than a DSLR.

 

[JoleneBrody]

You really don't want to use it as a webcam, it's not even worth the effort researching it.
Especially for MFC, just get yourself a good Logitech webcam.

However, shooting content on DSLR can put out some BEAUTIFUL porn! I've started shooting content on my Canon T3i (600D in europe) recently and it's been wonderful, however even at 25 minutes or so a week I'm still cutting the life by about half.

The sensors aren't made to hold up to extended periods of light exposure, it's the sensors that will take the biggest hit using it for film, especially for the time and light involved in camming.

 

[Deleted member 16664]

You really don't want to use it as a webcam, it's not even worth the effort researching it.
Especially for MFC, just get yourself a good Logitech webcam.

However, shooting content on DSLR can put out some BEAUTIFUL porn! I've started shooting content on my Canon T3i (600D in europe) recently and it's been wonderful, however even at 25 minutes or so a week I'm still cutting the life by about half.

The sensors aren't made to hold up to extended periods of light exposure, it's the sensors that will take the biggest hit using it for film, especially for the time and light involved in camming.

Jolene,

It's just amazing quality, which is why I can't help but try! You girls are probably right, though. I should just get a good webcam and stick with that for now.

 

[SexySteph]

You really don't want to use it as a webcam, it's not even worth the effort researching it.
Especially for MFC, just get yourself a good Logitech webcam.

However, shooting content on DSLR can put out some BEAUTIFUL porn! I've started shooting content on my Canon T3i (600D in europe) recently and it's been wonderful, however even at 25 minutes or so a week I'm still cutting the life by about half.

The sensors aren't made to hold up to extended periods of light exposure, it's the sensors that will take the biggest hit using it for film, especially for the time and light involved in camming.

Jolene,

It's just amazing quality, which is why I can't help but try! You girls are probably right, though. I should just get a good webcam and stick with that for now.

Many many MANY of us have high quality DSLRs. There's a reason we don't use them to cam with.

 

[LilyMarie]

However, shooting content on DSLR can put out some BEAUTIFUL porn! I've started shooting content on my Canon T3i (600D in europe) recently and it's been wonderful, however even at 25 minutes or so a week I'm still cutting the life by about half.

I've been shooting videos with my 600D / T3i for almost 2 years now. I did not know that. :'(

 

[JoleneBrody]

However, shooting content on DSLR can put out some BEAUTIFUL porn! I've started shooting content on my Canon T3i (600D in europe) recently and it's been wonderful, however even at 25 minutes or so a week I'm still cutting the life by about half.

I've been shooting videos with my 600D / T3i for almost 2 years now. I did not know that. :'(

So your camera has a life expectancy called a shutter count, which is based on the sensors exposure to light. It's nothing to be terribly bummed about as IMO it's TOTALLY worth it for shooting video content... but it is harsher on the sensors. For me, I wouldn't turn back from DSLR for a second!

 

[SexySteph]

However, shooting content on DSLR can put out some BEAUTIFUL porn! I've started shooting content on my Canon T3i (600D in europe) recently and it's been wonderful, however even at 25 minutes or so a week I'm still cutting the life by about half.

I've been shooting videos with my 600D / T3i for almost 2 years now. I did not know that. :'(

I shoot with mine too. Recording a 11 minute vid is far less harsh on it than trying to stream on it for hours at a time. I'd consider it worth the shortened lifespan. And depending on your warranty...

 

[JerryBoBerry]

However, shooting content on DSLR can put out some BEAUTIFUL porn! I've started shooting content on my Canon T3i (600D in europe) recently and it's been wonderful, however even at 25 minutes or so a week I'm still cutting the life by about half.

I've been shooting videos with my 600D / T3i for almost 2 years now. I did not know that. :'(

So your camera has a life expectancy called a shutter count, which is based on the sensors exposure to light. It's nothing to be terribly bummed about as IMO it's TOTALLY worth it for shooting video content... but it is harsher on the sensors. For me, I wouldn't turn back from DSLR for a second!

And keep in mind even with as many photos and videos as you're likely to take you'll probably replace the camera because it's become too outdated before you reach the point of it dying.

I bought a Canon XTi (d400) when it came out and was concerned about the shutter life. I remember reading on Canon's site that it was expected at 100,000 shots (I can't find that claim today), I know the 350D was for 50,000 shots so it seems reasonable. I've taken over 70,000 so far on it. It's considered outdated now since it's only a 10mp camera. But realistically for basic photos that you don't want to print over 8X10 it's still great. Having said that, many owners have already moved on to a newer model.

So odds are your desires for new tech will be the deciding factor in replacing it before you're forced to from it breaking down.

 

[NataliaGrey]

So... I'm sorry, I'm not too educated with cameras... But I have a Canon T2i, and it only films about 1-3 minutes of video. It used to film the standard 11 or so. Could this be the shutter lifespan that you guys are talking about? I had to buy a video recorder instead, but the obvious difference in quality pains me.

 

[JerryBoBerry]

So... I'm sorry, I'm not too educated with cameras... But I have a Canon T2i, and it only films about 1-3 minutes of video. It used to film the standard 11 or so. Could this be the shutter lifespan that you guys are talking about? I had to buy a video recorder instead, but the obvious difference in quality pains me.

I don't think that's the issue with your problem.

Okay, first thing. Your camera doesn't actually have a time limit that short, it's actually 30 minutes. But it has a file size limit that is kicking in first on the highest quality that you are filming at. The recording stops once it gets to 4gb in size. So at that setting on your camera it gets there at around 12 minutes. But if you lowered the quality you could go longer. Personally I would just make sure you have a 32GB or 64Gb sd card and make 12 minute clips that can be edited together later.

Now, as to your current problem. I suspect it's a bad card or a card that has not fully deleted all the files off of it so the remaining room left on it is LESS than that 4GB file size limitation. If it is only handling 1 to 3 minutes, that may mean you've actually got around a gigabyte free is all. (If it is indeed the cards problem)

So first off do you have another card you could try? Also formatting that card in your computer, then putting it back in your camera and formatting it again in the camera may clear off any issues and give you full card storage back.

Other than that if it is an issue with the camera itself I would suggest resetting to factory default settings. Here's how to do that.



and here's the manual for your camera just in case you need it again.

http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/9/030000316 ... -im-en.pdf

 

[SexySteph]

So... I'm sorry, I'm not too educated with cameras... But I have a Canon T2i, and it only films about 1-3 minutes of video. It used to film the standard 11 or so. Could this be the shutter lifespan that you guys are talking about? I had to buy a video recorder instead, but the obvious difference in quality pains me.

I had the same problem with mine and I'm almost 100% sure it's a bad SDcard. Sometimes the cards go bad, I'm wondering if it's because of the number of times we use one for videos. Replace it and it should fix them problem.

 

[theguitarrist]

So... I'm sorry, I'm not too educated with cameras... But I have a Canon T2i, and it only films about 1-3 minutes of video. It used to film the standard 11 or so. Could this be the shutter lifespan that you guys are talking about? I had to buy a video recorder instead, but the obvious difference in quality pains me.

I had the same problem with mine and I'm almost 100% sure it's a bad SDcard. Sometimes the cards go bad, I'm wondering if it's because of the number of times we use one for videos. Replace it and it should fix them problem.

Before replacing it, try formatting the SD card with the camera.

 

[SexySteph]

So... I'm sorry, I'm not too educated with cameras... But I have a Canon T2i, and it only films about 1-3 minutes of video. It used to film the standard 11 or so. Could this be the shutter lifespan that you guys are talking about? I had to buy a video recorder instead, but the obvious difference in quality pains me.

I had the same problem with mine and I'm almost 100% sure it's a bad SDcard. Sometimes the cards go bad, I'm wondering if it's because of the number of times we use one for videos. Replace it and it should fix them problem.

Before replacing it, try formatting the SD card with the camera.

This has been discussed elsewhere on the forum but many of us girls discovered that formatting it with the camera exacerbated the problem. Lacie LaPlante says when her's starts doing this the only thing that fixes it is formatting it with an old point and shoot. I hope you manage to fix it, I'd have been heartbroken if replacing my card hadn't helped.

 

[NataliaGrey]

Everything points to the card, I agree... But I've tried 3 cards. 1 was a lower class card, so that one was just a bad card to use. The other two were brand new Class 10 cards, and formatted in the camera, but still had the same problem. I will try restoring the camera itself, though! I can deal with the 12 minute max, but one minute at a time can't really be edited together haha. Thank you!

 

[SexySteph]

Everything points to the card, I agree... But I've tried 3 cards. 1 was a lower class card, so that one was just a bad card to use. The other two were brand new Class 10 cards, and formatted in the camera, but still had the same problem. I will try restoring the camera itself, though! I can deal with the 12 minute max, but one minute at a time can't really be edited together haha. Thank you!

Try NOT formatting the card with the camera, use it straight out of the box, it seems like something happens when you format that makes Canons not wanna use it right. Not sure why.

 

[LacieLaPlante]

Everything points to the card, I agree... But I've tried 3 cards. 1 was a lower class card, so that one was just a bad card to use. The other two were brand new Class 10 cards, and formatted in the camera, but still had the same problem. I will try restoring the camera itself, though! I can deal with the 12 minute max, but one minute at a time can't really be edited together haha. Thank you!

Try NOT formatting the card with the camera, use it straight out of the box, it seems like something happens when you format that makes Canons not wanna use it right. Not sure why.

I manually delete everything instead of formatting lately. Seems to avoid this issue.

 

[Shutterbuck]

So your camera has a life expectancy called a shutter count, which is based on the sensors exposure to light.

The life expectancy of a shutter is based on actuations, not the exposure of the sensor to light. The shutter mechanism just plain wears out.

So... I'm sorry, I'm not too educated with cameras... But I have a Canon T2i, and it only films about 1-3 minutes of video. It used to film the standard 11 or so. Could this be the shutter lifespan that you guys are talking about? I had to buy a video recorder instead, but the obvious difference in quality pains me.

I would blame this on your battery before your card. Reading further down the thread, I see you're using a class 10 SD card. Provided that you're using at least a 32 GB, class 10 SD card, you're probably alright. Video is taxing on your camera's battery. Over time, rechargeable batteries discharge quicker and quicker. Try replacing your battery. Even the cheap aftermarket batteries made for your camera are of pretty decent quality. I have many, many, many of the aftermarket batteries and am quite pleased with them.


Ladies, as far as wear and tear on your dslr cameras shooting video. I wouldn't worry about it too much for shooting video under 30 minutes. I also wouldn't recommend (nor do I believe you'd have much success with) running your camera for the full length of a cam show.
All modern cameras have a thermal shut down that will turn off your camera if the sensor starts to get too hot. I can't guarantee that repeated shut downs due to high temperature will damage your sensor... but frankly it's not worth the risk. I never shoot video on my main photography camera. Some of you may not have the funds for two or more cameras... but if you do, I certainly recommend having one dedicated to still photography and another dedicated to video.

One last bit of advice: Magic Lantern! Get it. It's free. Use it!
I'm working off of the assumption that most of you are running Canon for video as it has been the most mentioned camera in the thread thus far. I don't believe they have rolled out a Magic Lantern firmware for Nikon just yet but I may be wrong... I shoot Canon and therefore have no reason to find out if they offer Nikon firmware.
Magic Lantern has settings to automatically restart recording after your 12 minute (or more accurately, 4gb) recording limit. There will be a half second or so of video where the sound drops out of the first clip but it's pretty easy to merge in post... certainly easier than pushing the record button again (assuming you've noticed that video has stopped recording).
You'll also be offered tools to expand your ISO and White Balance settings to achieve more accurate exposures and color. Magic Lantern actually adds a lot of capabilities to your camera... way too many to list. But the basics are probably more than enough to sell you on it in my opinion. I no longer shoot video without Magic Lantern.
At this point, you want to avoid formatting your card in camera since the Magic Lantern firmware is actually stored on your SD card. Just delete the videos manually after you've transferred them to your computer. I actually don't even delete them from the card via the computer to avoid accidentally deleting my Magic Lantern firmware. I put the card back in my camera and delete the videos via the play/delete buttons, deleting them individually.

I tend to ramble so... Hopefully there's some info in there you can use.