Webcam

Anyone ever used a Pentax DSLR as a Webcam??






Roger

I cannot help you with this query, as Im camera shy
I guess it must be my handsome good looks that prevents me from appearing on screen, so in as not to upset the much less blessed. I am too modest for my own good to be honest, its held me back all these years.
On a more serious note
Webcam footage would be fine on most modern Pentax's with the correct lighting (the crucial part), as one just sets focus and talks, and if happy with 1080p and x frames per second.
Give it a shot.

Thanks Flan.....I suspect it's not quite that simple! But obviously possible and worth a shot though, I get the impression that the consumer webcams are not as good as they could be.



Roger

Roger
I have never tried it but your query prompted me to do a quick search on line and this came up https://riverside.fm/blog/how-to-use-a-dslr-as-a-webcam#:~:text=Make%20sure%20your%20camera%20is%20powered%20on%20and%20plug%20your,that%20requires%20an%20HDMI%20connection.

Any help?

Michael

This question has come up before elsewhere and the answer is that it can be done but it is non trivial.
The video output from your DSLR is HDMI, most computers are not provided with an HDMI socket for input.
You can get video capture adapters but the consensus is that it is easier and cheaper to buy a webcam which usually includes a mic as well.

You are quite right - even my super duper half ton overclocked desktop lacks a HDMI input socket. Ah well I've taken the easy route and ordered the ubiquitous logitech 920.

Thank you Flan and Michael for your input - which I took to heart and then chickened out



Roger

Im sure that some sort of an adapter can sort the HDMI connection out, those super cheap Ali express type online shopping from the far east might be worth a look and if they don't have em, then no one does
The only caveat though is that you might be waiting up to 3 or 4 months for delivery but they usually arrive

An adapter can indeed sort it out. Search for 'video capture card', cost about £15 - £20 from the usual .co.uk shopping places. I use one to display HDMI output from the K3 on my PC screen when I do focus stacking. But you've then got to sort out software to take the USB input and do whatever you want to do with it. A decent webcam should come with compatible and capable software, easy peasy.

Steve