How to Use Your 4k Camcorder as a Webcam

Are you searching for a better alternative to your laptop’s inferior quality camera? If yes, there is no need to buy something new as it might be hidden somewhere in your cupboard. Yes, we are talking about those camcorders that we forgot long ago because of the emergence of DSLRs and mobile phones.

These camcorders or any other camera of your choice can be used as a webcam if, by any chance, yours stops working and trusts us. They work amazingly for livestreams and important meetings because of their high video quality.

However, the catch is, you can’t directly plug most of them into your PC and use them as a webcam, but there is a simple way to do it. Here we will tell you how to use your 4K camcorder as a webcam in small and easy steps, which will help you save some of your hard-earned bucks and resources. So we recommend you to read this guide till the end and get answers to most of your questions.

Items required

• camcorder/ any other camera
• HDMI cable
• USB cable
• HDMI switcher
• PC
• Tripod

How to connect a camcorder to a PC?

Though there are several 4k camcorder brands as seen on Filmosphere, the process of connecting a 4k camcorder to the PC is the same for all. However, laptops and PC are not made for reading HDMI signals, so you have to find a solution for it. So get one HDMI switcher or any device that can convert the HDMI signals of your 4K camcorder to USB and send it to your PC via a USB cable. Also, if you have an older version, it won’t have any USB port, so you have to rely on the HDMI port only. However, it’s more efficient than the USB ones as you don’t have to use any external mic while live streaming or recording videos.

Step to connect a camcorder to a PC using HDMI switcher

Step 1: Get your camcorder fully charged before proceeding, or you can connect it to the AC power adapter. Firstly, connect the HDMI cable to your camera and the other point to the HDMI switcher or any other device you will use.

Step 2: Furthermore, use a USB cable and connect the HDMI switcher/ device to your laptop/ PC. Lastly, your PC will recognize your camcorder as a webcam, and you have to set it up using the PC settings, and it will work normally.

Step 3: Make sure the video output you will get is clean, or else the camcorder will show all the settings and indicators present on the screen. You can refer to the camcorders’ user manual for hiding these camera settings and indicators. However, if you have a budget camcorder, you cannot hide these exposure settings as the feature only comes with high-end models.

On the other hand, if your camcorder is a newer model and comes with a USB port, it’s easier to use it that way, but the video quality is not up to the mark as the USB doesn’t support 4K quality lowers it to 1080p. However, some of the newer models come with a software setup that is easier and won’t lower the video quality.

Steps to connect a camcorder to a PC using USB cable and software

Step 1: Connect your camcorder to your PC/laptop using a USB cable. Also, make sure the camcorder is fully charged if you require it for a long time. Moreover, you can also connect it to the AC power adapter if it’s not charged enough.

Step 2: Further, depending on your camcorder or camera brand, download its

Webcam utility app and install it. As many renowned brands have come with their beta apps, it’s easier to get one. However, if your camcorder does not have one, there are many third-party apps to choose from, but they are not free, so you have to spend some money on them.

Step 3: Afterward, you have to choose the camcorder option as a webcam from the settings to use it as one. Also, depending on the utility app, there are many features. However, these webcam apps are only compatible with some newer models, so others have to connect the camcorder using the HDMI cable only.

How to set up a camcorder as a webcam?

Setting up your camcorder as a webcam is also essential, as it affects the video quality:

1. Set it such that your face is visible. The external webcams are mounted and can be placed anywhere. In this case, a sturdy tabletop tripod will help you to get the desired height and results.
2. If required, you can get small LED lights for better exposure.
3. If your camcorder includes auto face detection and autofocus features, turn them on as they will make the output clearer. Also, as said earlier, the camcorder’s screen will be present with all the indicators and settings, so make sure you know how to hide them before recording anything.
4. If you are going with the software and USB way of connecting the camcorder, you will require an external mic, as your camcorder won’t recognize the audio outputs.

Can I use my handy cam as a webcam?

Yes, you can use your small handy-cam as a webcam by following the steps given above in this article. However, if possible, search if your handy cam comes with a USB port as it will be much easier.

How do you use an HDMI camera as a webcam?

You need to connect the HDMI camera to a capture device or an HDMI switcher using an HDMI cable, which in turn will connect to your PC using a USB cable. That’s all. Your PC will recognize your HDMI camera as a webcam now.

Can I use my camcorder as a webcam using a USB cable?

Yes, you can use your camcorder as a webcam using a USB cable, but only if your camcorder is new and has a USB port. Moreover, it should also be compatible with the webcam utility software of the brand or third party.

Conclusion

To conclude, they are the best when it comes to recording something and would perform better than those webcams with a little better video quality than laptop cams. Moreover, you don’t have to spend money and get a new webcam for some time. Also, now you might have understood how to use your 4K camcorder as a webcam. You are free to bring your old camcorder to work and that too with better efficiency. However, you have to make sure it doesn’t go off while working, as many of them have the auto-shutoff feature that you can turn off.