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 Nikon mirrorless or DSLR. Since you likely already have the camera and a compatible USB cable, it seems like an easy way to improve your video calls.
Why Use a Nikon Camera Instead of a Webcam?
In one word: quality. The webcam that comes with your tablet, laptop, or smartphone is nowhere near as good as a large-sensor mirrorless or DSLR camera. You also get more control over the image with a Nikon camera. You can set the aperture and ISO just as easily as you set a color profile to add a look to your footage. A webcam is usually always set to auto mode, and sometimes it provides unflattering color casts. If you want the best video, you should use a dedicated camera.
Recommended Cameras and Equipment
If you want to use the USB cable-only method, you’ll have to check and see if your camera is supported by third-party software, such as Ecamm Live. The company provided the following list of specific Nikon cameras that it or its community members have personally tested.
- Z 6
- Z 6II
- Z 7
- Z 7II
- Z 50
- D5
- D850
- D810
- D780
- D750
- D500
- D7200
- D7000
- D5600
- D5500
- D5300
- D5200
- D5100
- D3200
- D300s
If your camera isn’t on the list, that doesn’t mean it won’t work, just that it hasn’t been tested yet. I would suspect many other current Nikon releases are compatible. If you happen to test a different camera and want to add it to the list, please leave a note in the Comments section, below.
How to Set up Your Camera and Computer
The easiest way to set up your Nikon camera as a webcam is to use the new Nikon Webcam Utility. First, download and install the free Nikon Webcam Utility program for either PC or Mac. Next, you should connect your Nikon camera to your computer using a simple USB plug-and-play method. And that’s it. As long as you have downloaded and installed the Nikon Webcam Utility to your computer, it will automatically recognize your compatible Nikon camera any time it’s connected to the computer via USB. And once your camera is detected, you can then open any compatible video conferencing application or software (Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet, etc.) and start streaming.
Clean HDMI Method and More Info on Streaming
If your camera isn’t compatible or you are looking for an even higher-quality way to connect, you should read Using a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera as a Webcam. It includes the Clean HDMI method, which uses many cameras’ HDMI output and a separately available video capture device to feed a high-quality video stream into your computer.
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 B&H Livestream Center. Feel free to leave any questions or comments below.
112 Comments
I want to use Nikon D5300 for streaming along with other cameras. I am using Atem Mini Pro. Is Atem Mini Pro compatible with HDMI output of D5300?
Hi Vir -
The Nikon D5300 will stream live to the BMD Atem Mini Pro via its clean HDMI output.
The description for your D750 settings seems that you still might be set to auto ISO. And that is set from the menu of the camera. If you do have more questions I suggest you email [email protected]
I'm helping a friend setup their D750 as a webcam over USB to an iMac. It generally works well but confusingly seems to ignore some of the camera settings. I'm less familiar with Nikon but kind of expect that since the camera is in manual mode that it wouldn't make adjustments, yet when pointed at a bright background it darkens the image making the presenter too dark. How do we set it to not adjust or set it to adjust based on the lighting we want for the person rather than the background? It seems to respect the shutter and aperture settings set on the camera, not sure if it's changing the ISO, which is also manually set, or exposure compensation or maybe the Nikon webcam utility or Zoom is making the change?
It also takes a while for the camera to be recognized by the computer after connecting it. There may not be much to do about that but since it seems like we have to disconnect the camera to make changes to the settings the long delay is annoying. Is there a way to change the camera settings from the computer?
Thanks for covering this topic!
What cable do I need? Is it something I need to purchase or did it come with my camera?
If your camera is indicated under the "Recommended Cameras and Equipment" section in the above article (the Nikon Z9, Z8, Z7 II, Z7, Z f, Z6 II, Z6, Z5, Z fc, Z50, Z30, D6, D5, D850, D810, D780, D750, D500, D7500, D7200, D5600, D5500, D5300 and D3500 cameras), you would need the USB cable that was included with the camera's purchase to connect the camera to your computer, along with the Nikon Webcam Utility software for your usage needs. The USB connector varies from camera to camera, so you may use the cable included with your camera, or if you lost your cable, you may contact us via Live Chat and we can assist you with locating the correct USB cable for your usage needs.
Is it possible to use a Nikon D3000 as a webcam for streaming or is it not compatible?
No, the Nikon D3000 does not have a clean HDMI out. So, it is not compatible as a webcam for live streaming.
I have nikon D5100. also has hdmi cable connected to my laptop. But I'm not how to see the camera is recording or not
Unfortunately, the Nikon Webcam Utility software for using Nikon DSLR and mirrorless digital cameras as a webcam is not compatible for use with the Nikon D5100 DSLR camera. If you are certain you want to use the Nikon D5100 DSLR camera as a webcam, you would need to purchase a capture card such as the Elgato Cam Link 4K Standard, B&H # ELCL4KGCD, along with a HDMI cable. However, more to the point, as the Nikon D5100 DSLR camera does not have clean HDMI output, the display on your webcam feed will have the overlays seen on the LCD screen on the rear of your camera, such as focusing brackets and camera settings. This is why the Nikon D5100 DSLR camera is not recommended for use for live streaming or for use as a web camera.
I'm using the AVerMedia HDMI port with the Nikon D7000. My aspect ratio seems to be cut off on zoom and any screen (a little smaller than the full screen). This is affecting me if I want to have a background. Is there a way to fix this aspect ratio to go full screen?
Hi Kyle -
Try using the Nikon Webcam Utility or Ecamm Live .to stream via USB. The AverMedia device may be causing the issue.
Hey folks... I'm making a YouTube video, in which most of the video comes from a screen recorder app (IceCream), allowing me to show the screen as I demonstrate working with digital audio workstation (DAW) software. At one point, though, I'd like to switch over to a view of the studio, so folks can see sitting in front of my keyboards, playing the music. Now, I guess I could do that second part by just setting up a web cam and recording the studio segment separately, then use video editing software to insert the different segments into the project timeline. But here's the rub: in all cases I want the audio to come from the computer, so the sound from my DAW is direct and of high quality (as opposed to acoustic issues from recording the audio as it comes from speakers). And it's important that the video and audio remain exactly in sync. Can I use my Nikon D7000 to accomplish this, and if so, how would I go about doing it?
Hi Ralph -
So will this be a live feed or a complete and edited video? Please contact us via e-mail: [email protected]
Hi! So i recently found my Nikon D5100 and i´ve been wanting to use it as my webcam for discord and perhaps for my streaming later on. I looked up into getting a Elgato web cam link but apparently it doesn´t support my camera and i cant see any USB option on my camera besides a HDMI and A/V OUT, so i´m kinda stuck and don´t know where to go from here. Maybe i´m missing something? I´d be happy for any help as it would´ve saved me money to not buy myself a webcam.
Unfortunately, the Nikon D5100 DSLR camera is not recommended for Live Streaming usage needs. The Nikon D5100 DSLR camera does not have clean HDMI output, meaning all the display text seen on the back of the camera's LCD screen will also be seen on your Live Stream, and it cannot be removed. The Nikon D5300 DSLR camera was the first camera in the Nikon D5000-series that allowed you to remove the display text/data from the screen for clean HDMI output. Also, the Nikon D5100 does not have unlimited runtime, so the camera will automatically shut off after a certain period of time and is not recommended for Live View streaming.
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If you seriously need a Nikon camera for Live Streaming, I would either recommend the Nikon D5600 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens, B&H # NID56001855, the Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera (Body Only), B&H # NID7500, or a mirrorless camera such as the Nikon Z30 Mirrorless Camera, B&H # NIZ30, which was designed with vlogging and Live Streaming in mind. Both the Nikon D5600 and the Nikon D7500 DSLR cameras will natively use all lenses used by the Nikon D5100 DSLR camera you currently own. If you do decide to update to a mirrorless digital camera, you may purchase the Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter, B&H # NIFTZ2, to use your current lenses on the new Nikon Z lens mount.
Hello everyone. I have a Nikon D7200 connected via USB to my Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (Win11) (via Surface Dock 2 docking station. I have installed the Nikon Webcam Utility on my Win11 computer. I am using Microsoft Teams as the meeting software. The image from the Nikon appears within Teams, but the image size is smaller. How do I change that? The device which I was using previously was a Microsoft Lifecam Studio (1080p), the image size from that device is quite a bit larger. Happy to provide screen shots, but not sure if I can upload / post an image file in this chat.
While Nikon cameras such as the Nikon Z9, Z5, Z6, Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II, Z50, D5, D6, D500, D780, D850, and D7500 use XGA output which resolution is 1,024 x 768, the Nikon D7200 (along with the D750, D810, D3500, D5300, D5500, and the D5600) use VGA output which resolution is 640 x 480. Nikon does also state that some applications may use different aspect ratios; this can result in a black frame around the image. I am guessing this may be the issue. However, as the Nikon D7200 DSLR camera is currently discontinued and no longer available, if you are having other issues in regards to connectivity with your software, I would try contacting Nikon USA directly with your inquiry by reaching out to them at 1-800-NIKON-US (1-800-645-6687) 9AM-8PM ET, Monday to Friday.
Manzell, thanks for the information. I didn't realize the D7200 output was only 640 X480. That would explain what I am experiencing.
Hello, if I connect a mini hdmi to the Nikon d7100 and from the mini hdmi an hdmi to the PC, could I use it as a webcam?
You can connect your mini HDMI cable to the Nikon D7100, but you would need a device such as the Elgato Cam Link 4K, BH # ELCL4KGCD to allow for use as a webcam on your PC.
https://bhpho.to/3savTsc
Hello i have a nikon p500 and it has a HDMI thing. will this camera work as a webcam?
Although the Nikon P500 has an HDMI port, it would not provide a clean HDMI output to be used as a webcam.
Hello I just received my D5500 from B&H today & I can't get the webcam utility to work on my Mac. I installed it correctly, connected my camera with a good quality USB cable, set the camera to A & all I get on Zoom is the Webcam Utility screen
We’re sorry to hear that you’re having trouble. If you haven't done so already, the camera must also be set to live view in order for the Webcam Utility to work.
I have a Nikon Z-50. I need to record a long conference session, several one+ hour sessions on my laptop(HP-WIN10). I have a USB plug to keep the battery charged, and a micro HDMI cable with the Connect 4K video/audio encoder connected to my laptop. I'm not seeing a straightforward way to tell my computer to start recording. Any guidance and suggestions would be appreciated.
The Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Digital Camera may not work for your usage needs. While it is compatible for Live View usage using the Nikon Webcam Utility software, the major issue would be battery life. The Nikon Z50 does not have an AC adapter for continuous shooting usage needs, and while the camera does offer USB charging, it does not have the ability to charge the camera's battery while the camera is powered on for usage. The approximate battery life of a full Nikon EN-EL25 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery used for movie recording is 75 minutes, or one (1) hour and 15 minutes. You would need multiple batteries in order to record the number of meetings you have, and try to ensure they do not run over 60-75 minutes in length.
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In regards to recording your meetings, recording would not be a feature of the Nikon Webcam Utility software. This would be a feature of the compatible video conferencing software you would be using (i.e., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Facebook Messenger and/or Skype). You would have to view the instructions of your video conferencing software on how to use their software for recording purposes, and where you would find the record button to START/STOP stream recordings.
hello, I've been having trouble with my d7000 camera. I'm unsure if it's compatible with the Nikon webcam utility but if there is a fix or explanation I would surely be happy to read it
Unfortunately, the Nikon D7000 is not compatible with their Webcam Utility nor does it have clean HDMI output for use with an HDMI streaming device. I'm very sorry.
I have a d500 and when i connect to my computer the video output just shows the nikon webcam utility logo
According to the manufacturer, the Nikon D500 DSLR Camera is compatible for use with the Nikon Webcam Utility Software for use as a web camera. If you are having issues with the software working correctly, I would first recommend to ensure the firmware of your camera is updated to the most recent version (as of the date/time of this reply, that would be Version 1.31, released on March 8, 2022. It can be downloaded from the link included below.
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https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/323/D500.html
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If the above does not fix your issue and you are still having issues with the Webcam Utility Software, I would recommend to contact Nikon USA directly either by calling them toll-free within the United States at 1-800-NIKON-US (1-800-645-6687) 9AM-8PM EST, Monday to Friday, or you may contact Nikon via e-mail using the Contact Us form on their website at the link included below:
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https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/ni/NI_ask_support?ctry=US&lang=en_US
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I have a d3400 and all i see is a wierd question mark on the nikon webcam utility
Unfortunately, the Nikon D3400 is not listed as compatible with the Nikon Webcam Utility.
I have a Nikon D40X. I have downloaded the Nikon webcam utility app, but when I go to zoom and select the utility app, all I see on zoom the the utility ap, nothing from the camera. Can you advise? Thank you.
Unfortunately, the D40X is not compatible with Nikon's Webcam Utility app, mainly because it lacks a live view setting.
Thank you for your response. Can the CoolPix AW100 be used with the Webcam utility?
The Nikon Coolpix AW100 would also not be compatible with the Nikon Webcam Utility. According to Nikon, the following cameras would be compatible: Z9, Z7II, Z6II, Z6, Z5 Zfc, Z50, D6, D5, D850, D810, D780, D750, D500, D7500, D7200, D5600, D5500, D5300 and D3500.
Thank you!
Can I use the Nikon Coolpix L810's A/V cable?
Unfortunately, it would not be possible to connect the Nikon L810 with its supplied A/V cable to allow for use as a webcam.
So I have a d5100. first I wish the utility app could be for android. second when I do set up the d5100 and try and do a live stream I can not get rid of the info on the screen from the camera settings during live view. I hit the info button on the camera and its still there. how do I get rid of this annoyance ?
Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Nikon D5100 DSLR camera does not have clean HDMI output, so the camera info will be displayed on the video output by the camera's HDMI port. The Nikon D5200, D5300, D5500, and D5600 DSLR cameras would be the options that are compatible with clean HDMI output and which would not display image data on the screen when using the HDMI output. That being said, if you wish to use the free Nikon Webcam Utility Software for streaming purposes, the Nikon D5300 DSLR camera would be the most entry-level D5000-series DSLR from Nikon compatible for use with their Webcam Utility Software.
Is it possible for the D500 to autofocus using the Webcam utility?
(Plenty of information out there on autofocus with Z series, but I'm not finding settings for DSLR's when using the webcam utility)
Unfortunately, autofocus would not be available when using the D500 with the Nikon Webcam Utility.
Thanks - that what I thought, but I would hate to miss out due poor research on my part
We understand completely. Thanks for reaching out to us.
does the micro USB port work or do I have to use the UC-E6 port?
nikon d5600 btw
You can use the Micro USB port with a Micro USB to USB A cable to connect the D5600 to the Nikon Webcam Utility software.
Hi, i got capture card, and nikon p530, and in obs it shows only menu from my p530 camera, and i only can watch pictures from camera, how switch it to photo or video view? Or thats only what i can get from p530 ?
Unfortunately, the Nikon P530 does not offer a clean HDMI output. This is reason why the menu is only visible when using the OBS software and a capture card. I'm very sorry.
Hi Kirk, do you know if with a Cam Link it would work?
In order for the Elgato Cam Link 4K to work, the camera would need to offer a clean HDMI output. Unfortunately, the P530 does not offer this feature.