The Covid-19 pandemic led the world to turn to teleworking. Consequently, devices such as webcam and microphones became essential and scarce. If you own a Nikon DSLR camera you are in luck, as the manufacturer will allow it to be used as a webcam.

Nikon joins other manufacturers such as Canon, Sony or Panasonic and has launched a new software what turns our DSLR into a powerful webcam. Known as the Webcam Utility, this program is available for Windows and macOS and allows you to activate the camera when connected via USB.

The compatible models with Webcam Utility are Z 7II, Z 7, Z 6II, Z 6, Z 5, Z 50, as well as D6, D5, D850, D810, D780, D750, D500, D7500, D7200, D5600, D5500, D5300 and D3500. If you have one of these cameras you just need to download the file that matches your operating system and install it. There is no need to run it again as the feature is activated by connecting the camera.

To make it work just connect your DSLR to your computer via USB, turn it on and configure it in the software you use for video conferencing. The camera will appear as Webcam Utility in the Zoom menu, Skype or any other program that allows you to activate the webcam.

Nikon software supports Zoom, Skype, Teams and more

According to Nikon, the software is in beta so there are some details to consider. Entrance the camera microphone is not supported, then you will need to connect an external one or use the one on your computer. If you want to adjust the camera options, you need to do this before connecting it.

Using the DSLR as a webcam it can drain the battery faster if you have Live View active. likewise the chamber temperature may rise after prolonged use. In case this problem occurs, it’s just a matter of waiting a few minutes for it to cool down.

Webcam Utility is compatible with Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, Facebook Messenger and Google Meet. The download page mentions that they are confirmed apps, so it may be compatible with other software, including the one to do streaming of games.

Enhance your video calls using your smartphone or digital camera as a webcam

With this update, Nikon jumps on the train to turn DSLRs into webcams. They say it’s better late than never, a phrase that applies perfectly to the Japanese manufacturer. The software arrives months late compared to Canon, which released its own version in April. Sony and Panasonic subsequently followed suit in August.

COVID-19 and teleworking forced users to search alternatives to the lack of webcams and microphones in stores. Other orA viable option is to use the cell phone camera via iVCam or another app. In case you have an NVIDIA GPU you can combine the software of your DSLR or mobile phone with the artificial intelligence of the video card via NVIDIA Broadcast.