How to Use Your FUJIFILM Camera as a Webcam

Whether you want a professional look for your livestreams or simply to look better on your next video chat, one of the best options is to use a dedicated camera with excellent video specs—such as your FUJIFILM mirrorless camera. To make this happen, FUJIFILM has introduced the X Webcam utility for simpler connectivity between X Series and GFX cameras and your computer. Since you likely already have the camera and a compatible USB cable, it seems like an easy way to improve your video calls. More recently, FUJIFILM has updated select X Series mirrorless cameras to offer webcam functionality without any additional software, which is an amazing development.

Why Use a FUJIFILM Camera Instead of a Webcam?

For many, the built-in webcam of their computer or tablet or smartphone is good enough. But if you want to look your best, you’ll want a camera that delivers the best quality. There are many reasons why:

• • FUJIFILM cameras deliver higher-quality images.
  • Mirrorless cameras offer full manual control.
  • Lens choice can give you a different look than the usual wide-angle of webcams.
  • Cameras can be placed anywhere you want.
  • Larger sensors on mirrorless provide better low-light performance with less noise.
  • FUJIFILM Film Simulations add instant style to your footage.
     

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The simplest reason is that if you want better quality, you should use a better camera.

Recommended Cameras for FUJIFILM X Webcam Software

Step one is to make sure you have a compatible camera (and computer). The FUJIFILM X Webcam software is Windows-only at the moment with macOS support coming soon, and supports the following:

• X-T2
• X-T3
• X-T4
• X-H1
• X-Pro2
• X-Pro3
• X-A7
• X-T200
• GFX 50R
• GFX 50S
• GFX 100

For a current list, please consult FUJIFILM’s Compatibility List.

You’ll want to have one of these cameras, make sure it is updated to the latest firmware, and then install the utility on a computer running Windows 10. A macOS version has been announced by FUJIFILM and is slated for release in mid-July 2020. Once you follow the instructions to download and install the application, you are ready to set up your camera.

Recommended Cameras for Direct USB Connection

The other option is to use the menu option for using your FUJIFILM X Series camera as a webcam without any additional software. The following cameras support this method:

• X-A7
• X-T200

For setup with these cameras you'll have to update to the latest firmware and then head into the menu. Go to USB Mode and set it to USB Webcam. Once set all you have to do is plug it in and it should appear as an option in your video conferencing software. Keep in mind you will still need a separate audio source.

How to Set Up your Camera and Computer

Due to the many quirks of cameras and the webcam software, you’ll have to be careful with getting all your settings in order before you connect everything. Fortunately, the simplest part is the actual connection to your computer. Just get the USB cable that came with your camera and plug it into your camera and the computer you are using.

You’ll want to make sure your camera is in the right modes before doing that.

• • Set your camera to still photography mode (including the STILL/MOVIE Dial on the X-T4).
  • Drive mode should be S, for single frame.
  • For Connection Setting, choose “USB Tether Shooting Auto,” or if that isn’t available on your model select “USB Auto.”

The above are mandatory, though FUJIFILM does make some recommendations:

• • For AF/MF Setting > Pre-AF, set it to On.
  • Also, under AF/MF Setting is Face/Eye Detection, set it to Face Detection On.
  • On select cameras, you should turn USB Power Supply Setting to On.
  • Exposure can be set to Full Auto.
  • Focus Mode should be AF-S.

Once you have the camera settings and application working together, all you have to do is open up your video conferencing software of choice and select “FUJIFILM X Webcam” as your camera. There you go! Enjoy higher-quality video for your meetings.

Alternative Methods and More Info on Streaming

If your camera isn’t on the list, you don’t have a compatible computer, or you are looking for an even higher-quality way, you should check out this article on How to Use (Almost) Any Camera as a Webcam.

For more information on streaming or learning how to set up another brand or type of camera for use as a webcam, please stop by the Learn About Livestreaming page. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below.