Show
i bevangoldswain/iStock/Getty Images A webcam enables you to keep in touch with your friends and family through video chat. Many Sony camcorders are equipped with a USB Streaming port that enables you to use them just like you would normally use a webcam. However, you must use the AC power adapter to power your camcorder and have the USB Streaming driver installed on your computer before you can attempt to use the device as a webcam. You can find the USB Streaming driver on the disc that came with the camcorder. Step 1Connect the Sony camcorder to an electrical outlet using the AC power adapter that came with the device. Step 2Connect the Sony camcorder to your computer using the USB cable that came with the device. Step 3Move the "Power" switch to the "Camera" position to turn on the Sony camcorder. Step 4Press the "Menu" button on your camcorder, select "Settings," select "Camera," select "USB Streaming" and set the "USB STREAM" option to "On" to turn on USB Streaming. If you can't find this option, consult the manual that came with the device to see if your camcorder has a USB Streaming port. Step 5Launch the webcam software on your computer. It should detect and use the Sony camcorder automatically. If it doesn't, consult the documentation that came with the software. Tips
Warnings
Writer Bio Kirk Bennet started writing for websites and online publications in 2005. He covers topics in nutrition, health, gardening, home improvement and information technology. If you are like me you have a lot of friends that have moved away from home, and are living thousands of kilometers away, or you have friends that you went to university with that are all living in different places. I personally hate phones and instant messaging but when you combine their features with a webcam, it is almost like you are hanging out with those friends again.
You can see them, their families, their messy rooms. It makes chatting a lot more fun. Downside is you need a webcam and the best webcams have quality issues. So I found a way to use my camcorder as a webcam! You will need: A Camcorder (Firewire or Analog) A way
to connect the Camcorder to the corresponding cards. The Eagletron TrackerCam Software. Step 2: Analog Camcorder InstructionsFor this instructable I am using an Analog Camcorder since that is all I have. Setup your camcorder somewhere within the cables reach of the computer, and plug it into your video editing card (mine is an old Pinnacle DC-10+ that I have had for years) or your TV Tuner Card. Step 3: Install TrackerCam SoftwareInstall and Run the TrackerCam software, mine automatically detected my Video Editing Card and instantly started showing my Camcorder's output. Step 4: Start Sharing You Webcam With Your Friends!Now you can start sharing your webcam, using Windows Live Messenger or Yahoo Messenger. There are other options to this, but I had a webcam and videoediting card lying around not doing anything so it works for me. One other option is to use your digital camera as a webcam if it supports a webcam function. There are also many addons to the TrackerCam software that allow you to remotely control the camera, (ie:zoom and pan) or automatically track moving objects, which would be cool if you were operating a sexcam or were paranoid and wanted to use it as a security camera. Be the First to ShareRecommendationsOn-board and basic webcams may be easy to use, but they don't always give the clearest picture. Using your Sony Handycam as a webcam could give you a sharper image and could be a good substitute if your standard webcam fails. You'll need a Handycam with a USB port to stream images as a webcam, because the device uses a standard USB connection to stream images over the Internet. Some older Handycam models, however, may not support USB connection and those models cannot be used in this capacity.
Can I use my camcorder as a webcam?Turn on the camcorder by moving the POWER switch to the CAMERA position. Open the video/audio settings of the capture/streaming software on your computer. The software should recognize the video capture device and therefore your camcorder as a webcam.
How do I connect my camcorder to my computer via USB?Connect the camcorder directly to an USB port that is build into the computer; do not use a port replicator or USB hub. Make sure the USB cable is securely connected to the camcorder and the computer. Turn the computer on and wait until it has booted completely.
Can I use my Canon camcorder as a webcam?With your own Canon camera or camcorder, a video capture card and some software, you are able to take your video conferencing and livestreaming to the next level!
How do I connect my Handycam to my computer?Connect the camcorder to the computer with the supplied or built-in USB cable. Insert the memory card with your pictures and videos on the card slot of the camcorder. Open the LCD screen of the camcorder to turn it on. On the LCD screen, touch the Computer or USB Connect option.
|