How To Use A Digital Camera As A Web Cam

Need to know how to use a digital camera as a webcam? The use of webcams is an ever-growing trend. For those individuals who do not feel the need to go out and buy a webcam, but own a digital camera, learning how to use that digital camera as a webcam would come in handy. Not having a webcam should not keep you from communicating from friends and family. These steps will show you how to use a digital camera as a webcam.

• A digital camera
• A computer

1. Check your digital camera for webcam capabilities. Check the manual that came with your digital camera to make sure that you can use the digital camera as a webcam. Most digital cameras are capable of doing this, but if not you're out of luck. If your camera does not have webcam capability, use webcam software.
2. Connect the power adapter. Some digital cameras cannot be used as a webcam until they are connected to an A/C power adapter. Even if your digital camera functions with batteries, an A/C adapter can help save your batteries and prevent the camera from shutting down while you are in the middle of webcamming with someone else.
3. Connect the video cable. The video cable needs to be connected into the digital camera’s "video out” port. Now, plug the other end of the cable into the video card’s “in” port.
4. Set up your new webcam. Place the camera as close to the monitor as you can get it. Then sit two to three feet away from the camera. Focus will usually be better on the digital camera if you sit a couple feet away from it. If your digital camera does not transmit sound when being used as a webcam, use a separate microphone so people can hear you.