How to use just about any camera as a webcam for video calls

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Les Shu/Business Insider

• Webcams are in demand as more people are working from home, but it has also created a supply shortage.
• Traditional camera companies, such as Canon, Nikon, and GoPro, have released software that lets you turn a regular camera you may already own — or want to buy — into a webcam.
• If you need a webcam and are willing to invest in a camera that you can also use for photography or videography, here are several options.

As more and more people work from home, there is an increase in demand for webcams, which allow them to connect remotely with their colleagues via web conferencing software.

People who own desktop computers may not own a webcam, for example, while those with laptops may want to capture better image quality than what their laptop's built-in webcam can muster. In addition, you can also position a webcam wherever it best suits you, especially if you use multiple monitors, according to Ed Lee, the director and founder of Rise Above Research, a firm that analyzes the digital imaging market.

However, because of a surge in demand, like many products in recent months, webcams face a shortage due to disruption in the supply chain and temporary closure of camera factories.

"The only products available for sale today are those that were already here in stores' inventories," Lee said. Although Lee sees webcam production and supply ramping back up to normal, you may not need to wait until then. Several camera manufacturers have released software that lets you utilize a camera you may already own as a webcam alternative, including GoPro and Canon.

With a quick software installation and a USB connection to a computer, you can turn many cameras into webcams. You get an enhanced picture quality, and cameras like DSLRs let you zoom in or out without degrading the image. Because many of these cameras use better sensors than what's generally found in webcams, they work better in low-light situations as well. We tested several cameras against the built-in webcam in a MacBook Pro and found this to be the case.

There are some caveats. You'd need to purchase a stand or tripod, and you may need to add an external microphone — the one in your computer should suffice unless you want better sound quality. Although some cameras can shoot up to 4K resolution, you're limited by either the webcam software or the web conferencing service, which is usually around 720p. It's important to note that a 720p image captured by a high-end camera is still better than a standalone 720p webcam. Some cameras also require an external power source, which could be an issue if your meetings last for hours or you have several meetings a day.

Lastly, most cameras are expensive and you may not be in the position to spend hundreds just for basic webcam purposes. Unless you already own one of these supported cameras, we recommend looking at the Wyze Cam V2 as a budget option. However, if you are looking to invest in a new camera for photography or videography, you may want to see if there's webcam support; it may come in handy.

In addition to cameras that offer webcam support, we also highlight third-party software, a video-capture accessory, and the smartphone as webcam alternatives.