How to Use Your Sigma fp Camera as a Webcam

Whether you want a professional look for your livestreams or simply to look better during your next video chat, one of the best options is to use a dedicated camera with excellent video specs, such as your Sigma fp Mirrorless Camera. You will need a few key accessories to make it happen, but the benefit is well worth it.

Why Use the Sigma fp Instead of a Webcam?

Quality, quality, quality. There is a reason we don’t use webcams to shoot feature films. The Sigma fp is an impressive little camera with a powerful full-frame sensor that delivers outstanding 4K video. That should be plenty of reason to opt for your fp instead of the webcam built into your computer, tablet, or phone.

Recommended Equipment

Currently, the only current Sigma camera that will work well for webcam use is the Sigma fp. This is because it is already configured to work as a webcam with a simple USB connection, meaning if you have the camera in hand, all you really need to worry about is getting a good USB-C cable. What we can do instead is recommend a couple of lenses that might work well.

• Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
• Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary
• Sigma 2470mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
• Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

For lenses, you’ll want something a bit wider, which is why the 24mm and 24-70mm made our list. I also like tossing in the 45mm because it’s just so small, making it easier to place the camera somewhere odd or on a light-duty mount. The 35mm is also a great in-between choice if you don’t want something too wide.

Consider picking up a tabletop tripod to get it set up on your desk and a USB microphone for even cleaner audio. Another option is to just use the fp’s audio input and your regular microphone.

How to Set up Your Camera and Computer

Since the Sigma fp has built-in webcam capabilities, it is arguably the easiest camera to set up for use in streaming. Here’s the step-by-step.

• In the System menu, you’ll find “USB Settings.” Set this to “Video Class (UVC).”
• Plug the camera into your computer using the USB cable.
• Select the fp as your video/audio input device either through the computer or in your video conferencing app of choice.
• Done!

Additional steps you can take include setting a custom picture profile to give a clean, contrasty look to your footage. No need for flat or log footage here. Once it is all looking good, you are ready to start your stream. Do note that after it is connected to your PC, you won’t be able to make any adjustments to the camera’s settings, meaning you’ll want to preview it before you get it going.

Additional Info

Considering how easy it is to set up the Sigma fp, this might move it up some of your lists on what camera to pick up next. Or maybe you are one of the lucky few who already have one! In either case, please be sure to drop by the Comments section, below, if you have any questions about streaming, or stop by our Learn About Livestreaming page for additional content.