DPReview.com is closing April 10th - Find out more

Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam

Started Nov 29, 2021 | Questions thread
istscott
istscott Regular Member • Posts: 467
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
2

LeavesAreBrown wrote:

Hi EOS-M gang

I'm planning to use an EOS-M camera as a webcam but haven't worked out which model would work best for me, and I'd really appreciate your advice, please. My requirements are:

  • Must function with the EOS Utility: Based on the product drop down on this webpage, I believe all models of EOS-M camera fulfil this requirement.
  • Must be able to take power from USB. I've been searching manuals for this functionality (e.g.) but I can't find it officially mentioned, although I see anecdotal evidence that it does exist on some EOS-M cameras.
  • Ideally should be able to shoot video for up to 60 minutes, or at least 30. I find varied shooting length info online - the original "EOS-M" reportedly had a 29 minute max length, though one source says 44 minutes.
  • Ideally I'd pick an older, cheaper model, to save some cash.

I'd really appreciate any advice if you think a particular model fulfils the above.

"Why a Canon as a webcam?" I have a messy office and I want to blur out my background using a fast lens rather that using software to imitate shallow DOF. Currently I use a Canon 200D for this purpose and it's excellent. However, I have to charge it quite often, and re-position it regularly, whereas I could rig up a permanent mount for the smaller/lighter EOS-M.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

The EOS Utility or the EOS Webcam Utility? Two different things. Only the M50, M50ii, M200, and M6ii support the EOS Webcam Utility that uses USB (lower quality than a HDMI capture solution.

As far as I know, the only EF-M camera that supports direct USB charging is the M6 Mark II and as far as I can tell it doesn't do it while the camera is running. Maybe I need a better PD rated charger, not sure. I am able to charge when the camera is off with a proper cable and a multi port charger I have with a USB-C port. You can use a DC coupler with a USB to DC adapter with a properly spec-ed USB power source.

Maximum recording clip length isn't related to webcam use. If you want both capabilities for some reason: No EF-M cameras can officially record videos to their SD card for more than 29'59". I've gotten around this with the M6 Mark II with an Atomos Ninja V doing the recording from HDMI. Just the Ninja V is $500-600 so probably well above what you want to spend. The M6ii at 4k HDMI out is limited to 29.97 fps. As far as I know, no EF-M cameras will keep their LCD screen running for more than 30 minutes. The M6ii/M200/M50ii will keep running with the correct settings while outputting HDMI, but will still turn off the screen.

Like someone else said, maybe the original EOS-M with Magic Lantern firmware, though I wouldn't expect much from autofocus unless they improved it somehow.

Not considering price, I'd say the M50 Mark II for 1080p, or the M6 Mark II for 4k (HDMI). Both would need a DC Coupler and AC Adapter. Both can do USB webcam but it would not be the same quality as the HDMI option.

Right now I use the original M50 with the EOS Webcam Utility with an aftermarket DC Coupler and official AC adapter for hours at a time. Hasn't failed me yet. Not amazing quality but I use it in a small portion of a 1080p stream.

Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum PPrevious NNext WNext unread UUpvote SSubscribe RReply QQuote BBookmark MMy threads
Color scheme? Blue / Yellow