Use Canon SX40 HS As WebCam - Any Workaround?

by Daniel
(Santa Maria, RS, Brasil)

I would like to use my Canon SX40 HS as WebCam. Do someone know some workaround? Modded driver, firmware, dont know... ? Thank!

Sorry, no. I've gotten this question before and no one has succeeded in using the SX40 as a web cam.
USB Webcam are so affordable now, to just buy separately.

Good luck,
Bruce

Rebel XS Camera As a Webcam

by Jason Shannon
(Calgary, Canada )

"Can you tell me if it’s possible to use my old canon EOS rebel xs dslr as a webcam?"

Hi Jason

Thanks for asking about using your Canon Rebel XS as a webcam. It's a popular question. The Canon Geek website has received more questions on the topic of using existing Canon digital cameras as webcams that any other question.

The Canon Rebel XS doesn't the ability to record video

The Rebel XS was a capable digital camera at the time of its release in 1993, but is essentially a dinosaur at this point in digital camera features and abilities.

I don't know of anyone who has successfully pulled this off. Using regular digital cameras as webcams searches have a lot of high demand, but no supply for older Canons that I know of. Sounds like an opportunity for someone to figure out.Canon does make software for that works with many of its camera models, but the Rebel XS is not one of them: Canon Webcam Software.

CANON CAMERA WEBCAM SOFTWARE

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
EOS Rebel T6i
EOS Rebel T7
EOS Rebel T7i
EOS Rebel T100
EOS Mirrorless Cameras
EOS M6 Mark II
EOS M50
EOS M200

EOS R
EOS RP

PowerShot Cameras
PowerShot G5X Mark II
PowerShot G7X Mark III
PowerShot SX70 HS

The Canon Rebel XS is not listed as compatible to work with the Canon Webcam software.

Using a dedicated Webcam

Honestly, you'd be better of buying a dedicated webcam nowadays. They're super affordable and better suited to live streaming, video conferencing, and vlogging than retrofitting a Rebel XS for the same purposes.



As just one example I've provided a link to a highly rate one on Amazon-just check out the price.As an Amazon affiliate Canon Camera Geek receives a small commission from qualifying purchases, at NO added cost to you.

Jason, sorry this is likely not the answer you were hoping for, but using your Rebel XS as a webcam was a great idea on your part. It makes total sense to want to use camera gear that you already own for more than one purpose.

Best Regards,
Bruce

Ask The Canon Geek

Turn Canon g16 Into a Webcam

"How do I turn my Powershot G16 into a webcam ?"

Thanks for asking about turning your Canon G16 into a webcam. That question is coming across my desk more than any other question about Canon cameras.

How to turn a Powershot camera into a webcam.

Canon makes a specific utility to enable users to use their cameras as webcams. The large majority of the Canon cameras listed on the Canon website that can be used as webcams are EOS cameras.

The only "G" series cameras listed are the PowerShot G5 X Mark II and PowerShot G7 X Mark III. The Canon G16 camera is a fine camera, but it came out in 2013. That's long before the Covid-19 pandemic permeated our society and spurred on the use of social distancing through video chatting like Zoom, Skype, and others. I'm guessing that Canon and other camera makers will be incorporating the webcam feature in most new digital cameras and will do so going forward

Here is the link to the Canon software that enables using cameras as webcams: Canon Webcam Utility

Canon G16 Video Specs

The Powershot G16 is a very capable camera that can produce solid quality video. It's 12 MP 4000 × 3000 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor can shoot HD (1920 x 1080) video at 60 or 30 fps. Although they're lower resolution the G16 also has a couple of fun Super Slow Motion movie modes with two recording speeds, 640 x 480 at 120fps and 320 x 240 at 240fps.

You can try one of the Canon utilities to enable your Canon G16 to double as a webcam. You might also simply call Canon directly and get hold of one of the technicians who is knowledgeable specifically with this issue. The USA Canon phone number is (800) 652-2666. Please let us know how you make out with this. There are many other Canon Geek readers who would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Bruce

p.s. Just to give you another alternative to think about, you can check out the current prices and reviews on the quality of newer webcams HERE.

Canon Elph 170 For Skype Webcam

by Fred
(San Diego)

Is there a software solution that will allow a Canon PowerShot Elph 170 to be used as a webcam for Skype on a Macintosh?

Hi Fred,
Thanks for your question about using your Canon Elph as a webcam for Skype video chats. That's creative thinking on your part!

Unfortunately, I have no clue on this one. I doubt that there is enough of a demand for anyone to have written software code for this specific of a use.

Most people nowadays just get one of the webcams that easily attach to the top of their monitor. They're reasonably priced. That's what I did initially until I got a new laptop with the webcam built right in recently. The one that I used was cheap. but worked well for me for many years.

The good news is that there are a ton of them available, with HD video quality and speakers included. Just check out the selection on Amazon to give you an idea of your options.

You can also call Canon customer service. I've found them to be both knowledgeable and helpful. (800) 652-2666

Let me know how you make out!

Bruce

This post contains affiliate links and the publisher may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no cost to you.


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