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

Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam

Started Nov 29, 2021 | Questions
LeavesAreBrown New Member • Posts: 3
Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
1

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.

ANSWER:
This question has not been answered yet.
Sigma218 Junior Member • Posts: 33
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
2

The M200 is the most obvious choice. Maybe get it used and save some cash? I love using my M6 MK2 as a Webcam, but even that js bulky on my desk. I am considering the M200 for the same purpose (and even only for special meetings like my monthly team zoom meetings). Having bookeh / blur in a Webcam without software simulation is a luxury.

 Sigma218's gear list:Sigma218's gear list
Canon EOS M6 II Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN (E/EF-M mounts) Canon EF-M 32mm F1.4 +1 more
dan the man p Senior Member • Posts: 1,201
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
2

I use my M50 with the 22mm f/2, which is great because it's small and light and has a good focal length and aperture for videoconferencing with a blurred background. The Sigma 30mm (or Canon 32mm) also works well if you want a tighter crop or have the camera farther away. I don't know if the M50 can be powered via USB, but I use this adapter, which works great:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DSD2MDS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

I have used it for video conferences over an hour with no issues. However, I don't use the Webcam Utility as it's unavailable for my OS (Linux), so I don't know if things may be different with the official software.

 dan the man p's gear list:dan the man p's gear list
Sony DSC-RX0 Nikon Z6 Nikon Z 24-70mm F4 Nikon Z 40mm F2
thunder storm Forum Pro • Posts: 10,139
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
2

As far as I know the M200 can't be powered using the USB port. The adapter posted by "dan the man p" is a good solution though.

-- hide signature --

I love 50mm (equivalence)

 thunder storm's gear list:thunder storm's gear list
Canon EOS 6D Canon EOS M6 II Canon EOS R5 Sony a7 IV Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM +24 more
Greg Edwards Regular Member • Posts: 487
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
4

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.

Have a look here instead, it should narrow down your choice as not all EOS M cameras have official webcam support. Only 4 EOS M models are supported. M200, M50, M50 MkII and M6 MkII

https://www.canon.co.uk/cameras/eos-webcam-utility/

 Greg Edwards's gear list:Greg Edwards's gear list
Canon EOS M5 Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM HP Photosmart B110 +3 more
Larawanista
Larawanista Veteran Member • Posts: 4,736
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
2

I've used the M6II in the past as a webcam using the Canon Webcam Utility software, not the EOS Utility software. Powered it up with a dummy battery that connects to a power source. As already commented, not all EOS M models can be used, however.

-- hide signature --

"Photography is therapeutic."
https://www.pbase.com/joshcruzphotos

 Larawanista's gear list:Larawanista's gear list
Canon EOS M3 Canon EOS R Canon EOS RP Canon EOS R6 Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM +10 more
tamaraw35 Contributing Member • Posts: 784
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
2

Why bother with power via USB? Should be simpler to just use an AC battery adapter.

I would grab an original M body off ebay for cheap, install magic lantern, and use an hdmi capture device connected to your pc.

M body = about 160 usd on ebay

Power adapter = 20-30 usd aftermarket

Magic lantern = free

HDMI to USB capture = about 30-100+ depending

The total would still come out lower than buying a new m200 and you would get many more video features with magic lantern.

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.

OP LeavesAreBrown New Member • Posts: 3
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
3

"Oh heck!" thank you so much for all the guidance here - I had misunderstood a few things and you've saved me from making a mistake.

Thanks to you all for pointing out that only SOME EOS-M cameras are compatible with the EOS Webcam Utility (and that there's a difference between that and the EOS Utility!).

I'll give this some thought, but hunting around online now it looks like I'd be paying £300+ for the cheapest compatible body to start with. It would be a fantastic camera in itself - so I will consider it, but if it spends 90% of its time being a webcam then it's very expensive.

I will also consider going cheap and using the HDMI capture method suggested by tamaraw35, thank you. And I understand the DC adapter is how to power it during use.

Thank you once again to you all - I hate waste and my dimwitted research could've caused plenty.

Sue Anne Rush
Sue Anne Rush Senior Member • Posts: 6,285
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
1

Hello...

Thank you for these links - I am learning something new. 

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.

-- hide signature --

Sue Anne Rush

 Sue Anne Rush's gear list:Sue Anne Rush's gear list
Canon PowerShot G9 Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II Canon PowerShot Zoom Canon EOS 7D Canon EOS Rebel T7 +4 more
Greg Edwards Regular Member • Posts: 487
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
2

LeavesAreBrown wrote:

"Oh heck!" thank you so much for all the guidance here - I had misunderstood a few things and you've saved me from making a mistake.

Thanks to you all for pointing out that only SOME EOS-M cameras are compatible with the EOS Webcam Utility (and that there's a difference between that and the EOS Utility!).

I'll give this some thought, but hunting around online now it looks like I'd be paying £300+ for the cheapest compatible body to start with. It would be a fantastic camera in itself - so I will consider it, but if it spends 90% of its time being a webcam then it's very expensive.

I will also consider going cheap and using the HDMI capture method suggested by tamaraw35, thank you. And I understand the DC adapter is how to power it during use.

Thank you once again to you all - I hate waste and my dimwitted research could've caused plenty.

Keep an eye on mpb.com They currently have some used M50 bodies for £209. They regularly get other compatible models in as well.

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-mirrorless-cameras/used-canon-mirrorless-cameras/canon-eos-m50/https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-mirrorless-cameras/used-canon-mirrorless-cameras/

I agree, for use as a dedicated webcam, it is expensive. You may be better served just by buying a better webcam.

 Greg Edwards's gear list:Greg Edwards's gear list
Canon EOS M5 Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM HP Photosmart B110 +3 more
CQui
CQui Senior Member • Posts: 1,738
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
1

And check, those solution might work on your curent body...

-- hide signature --

Claude

 CQui's gear list:CQui's gear list
Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Canon EF-M 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Venus Laowa 9mm F2.8 Canon EOS M6 II +6 more
OP LeavesAreBrown New Member • Posts: 3
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
2

Cheers! Just beware, as istscott pointed out: That first link I posted shows the cameras compatible with the EOS Utility, whereas what we're interested in is cameras that are compatible with the EOS Webcam Utility - for that, see the page here: https://www.canon.co.uk/cameras/eos-webcam-utility/#selectyourmodel

As istscott said, Only the M50, M50ii, M200, and M6ii support the EOS Webcam Utility that uses USB.

icepick New Member • Posts: 21
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam

Do you guys have any more experiences with it? My main question (for the m50, m200 series especially):

  • Can I just leave it „on“ all the time (with a dummy battery), and so does it shut off automatically, when it‘s not used as a webcam?
  • Question would then also be if it powers on automatically as soon as an app on my computer tries to access the cam
  • Basically I want it to act like a „regular“ webcam

Thanks!

Florian

istscott
istscott Regular Member • Posts: 467
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
1

icepick wrote:

Do you guys have any more experiences with it? My main question (for the m50, m200 series especially):

  • Can I just leave it „on“ all the time (with a dummy battery), and so does it shut off automatically, when it‘s not used as a webcam?
  • Question would then also be if it powers on automatically as soon as an app on my computer tries to access the cam
  • Basically I want it to act like a „regular“ webcam

Thanks!

Florian

I haven't used the M200, but it has the potential benefit of using either USB or a HDMI capture solution. Same goes for the M50 Mark II and M6 Mark II. One thing to keep in mind with HDMI on Canon cameras is that the camera's screen will turn off after 30 minutes of button/touch inactivity even though the camera will continue to output HDMI. The negative of Canon's USB solution is low resolution (under 1080p... can't recall the exact resolution).

The original M50 only uses Canon's USB webcam utility software. The software keeps the camera running in that mode. Besides the original M50 I've used the M6 Mark II in USB and doing clean HDMI output (the camera's screen turning off after 30 minutes applies there).

I guess technically you could leave the camera on while using your PC, but that sounds like a bad idea in the long run.  Keep in mind these cameras are not specifically designed to do this, so the more your stress the camera the more potential of something failing eventually. I've been leaving one of my M50 cameras setup and ready to go for streaming. Though I keep it off and unplugged from power unless I'm using it.

I've been experimenting a lot with the original M50 through USB with streaming. I haven't had any big issues yet. Sometimes it takes the camera a few seconds to work or can rarely fail to initialize when I start OBS (I always turn on the camera first). I'd say the longest I've streamed with the M50 at at time is probably around 4 hours. Total amount of hours so far would probably more than 20.

I'd say don't expect a dedicated camera to completely act like a normal webcam, but it at least it seems like Canon's webcam utility or HDMI output can be consistent.

foot Veteran Member • Posts: 4,800
check if you need an external mic...

check if you need an external mic...

when the cameras were given USB web-cam feature, I seem to remember that only video output was supported...and therefore you would need an external microphone.

Also I seem to rember that the video and audio weren't synched correctly...there was a noticable lag between the two

I know that doesn't seem to make sense, since obviously the cameras were capable of generating video files where the audio was correctly synched...

I'm guessing that it's due to IP issues, and camera manufactores didn't want to license the IP to support that

"

Q: Can I use the camera’s microphone?

A: No, EOS Webcam Utility software doesn't transmit audio through USB connection.Please use your computer’s built-in microphone or an external microphone separately connected to your computer."

https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/Canon-EOS-Webcam-Utility/Canon-USA-EOS-Webcam-Utility-Windows-Official-Support-FAQ/ba-p/319122?utm_medium=social&utm_source=canon-forum&utm_campaign=awareness&utm_term=-_-&utm_content=faq-eoswebcamutilitywindows_0_09-16-2020_ccd_canon

 foot's gear list:foot's gear list
Sigma dp2 Quattro
davev8
davev8 Veteran Member • Posts: 4,833
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam

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.

you are probably sorted now but someone else may read this ..you can get a dummy battery for most canons  including your 200D to run off a permanent DC supply some 3ed party run off USB some canon did use to plug into a jack on the cameras charger

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Andoer-Battery-Coupler-Adapter-Connector/dp/B075D513R8

-- hide signature --

.
.
.
.
Attention Dislexsic i mean dyslexic person... This post will have many although spell checked, spelling and grammatical errs ..its The best its going get so no need to tell me it is bad I know it is .....................................................................................................
the EOS M is not dead and wont be for a long time ....as long as you don't want a flagship camera with a VF...if that's the case it died sometime ago
My 5D IS a MK1 classic
.........................................................................................................
There is no argument for FF vs APS-c (or m43) with shallow DOF..as it's a law of physics and a very subjective personal thing if you want to make use of the shallow DOF only FF can offer
.....................................................................................................
If you wait for a camera that will tick all your boxes ....by then you will have more boxes to tick..... so the wait continues .....David Appleton

 davev8's gear list:davev8's gear list
Canon EOS 5D Canon EOS R6 Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM +5 more
Jack Calypso Senior Member • Posts: 1,094
Re: Which EOS-M camera to use as a webcam
1

davev8 wrote:

you are probably sorted now but someone else may read this ..you can get a dummy battery for most canons including your 200D to run off a permanent DC supply some 3ed party run off USB some canon did use to plug into a jack on the cameras charger

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Andoer-Battery-Coupler-Adapter-Connector/dp/B075D513R8

A small "gotcha" I found about this  is even though the M6 mkII and the RP use the same batteries, they use different dummy batteries, due to how the power cable exits the cameras. I bought the Canon branded ones, and found they also use different sized barrel connectors, which don't fit any that I already own, so I also got two Canon branded power supplies.

Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum MMy threads