I previously shared some tips on how to make your Zoom video (or any video conference) look better. I’m glad this has been helpful for many of you and appreciate all the feedback I got regarding said video. Today, the fine team at Canon released yet another option that may be of help for you to further enhance your video quality of those conferences. Canon announced its EOS Webcam Utility. This app will allow you to use your point-and-shoot, mirrorless or DSLR as a webcam.

I’ve used my DSLR as a webcam before, but I had to utilize a piece of software called Sparkocam and pay the licensing fee. This offering from Canon is free, but it does come with some caveats. First, the app requires a Canon camera. Second, it requires a Windows operating system. Third, your camera has to have a USB connection and be on the list of compatible cameras. Fourth and lastly, it’s a BETA.

With it being a beta product, you have to expect imperfect functionality as it isn’t a “final” version of the application. You may or may not experience bugs. Try at your own risk. I’ll be trying it out shortly with a few cameras I have here in my studio. My concern about this app is around making sure I have control of the image quality beyond resolution. Items such as focus and white balance. We shall see.

Download the beta app from Canon here. Let me know if you try it out and your thoughts on the app.