Budget Mirrorless / DSLR with USB-Webcam Function (< $1500)

Lfatdoggie on 31/07/2020 - 07:06
Last edited 31/07/2020 - 07:06

Hey folks, I work as a music teacher and deal with a variety of musical performances from 40-100dB.

Looking for recommendations for all-rounder camera <$1500 which has easy USB-webcam connectivity for streaming / recording in a School Hall.

Currently using Zoom Q2n (love the audio and webcam functions) but the picture won't do in a large space like a hall.

Looking for a 4/3 or DSLR camera
* Must have USB-Webcam option for PC
* Audio can't be absolutely shocking. (I will use the Zoom Q2n to handle audio in ideal situations, but I can imagine the camera would be used alone on lazy days too)
* with zoom and wide capabilities (don't mind buying extra lens for different purposes)
* budget $500-1500

Any ideas, pointers would be appreciated!

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • Presence on 31/07/2020 - 08:15

    Canon has a list of cameras that can be used as a webcam - some of the model names are slightly different to Australia.

    https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/se…

    A DSLR is probably overkill but they go very cheap second hand, and there are heaps of lenses for cheap too.

  • cabler365 on 31/07/2020 - 08:42
    +5

    https://www.troyhunt.com/building-the-ultimate-home-office-a… —> Look for the "Camera" section. This author is based on the Gold Coast. He was originally going to go with a DLSR (probably) Canon but ended up going for a Sony Mirrorless. Worth a read as to why!

  • AustriaBargain on 31/07/2020 - 09:32

    You could probably use any modern camera you want if you bought a little HDMI capture card dongle thing. Any camera with a live HDMI output. Just disable the auto sleep mode. You'd want a little to normal size HDMI adapter as well. I think all mirrorless cameras worth buying come with HDMI output nowadays. Some have specific software for webcam mode, but why limit yourself. You could buy any preowned or discounted mirrorless with a HDMI output instead of a $1500 one that has the specific software.

    • Caped Baldy on 31/07/2020 - 09:48

      I'm fairly sure the only Sony mirrorless camera with a full sized HDMI port is the newly announced a7s3. That'll only be around $6k.

      • AustriaBargain on 31/07/2020 - 10:04
        +1

        Yeah, cheaper to by the little adapter or a cable with small on one end and big on the other.

  • jace88 on 31/07/2020 - 09:49
    +1

    I contemplated using my DSLR as a webcam but even the 200D which is meant to be light, would still be awkwardly heavy and have to be angled upwards without another tripod or something. I think if you have the full set up and it's angled right, it could look amazing, but I ended up just getting a good quality normal webcam so I didn't have to worry about any of that.

    • AustriaBargain on 31/07/2020 - 10:08
      +1

      https://www.amazon.com.au/Neewer-Adjustable-Reflector-Monoli… this baby will do the trick.

      And one of these https://www.amazon.com.au/Neewer-Standard-Convertor-Threaded…

      And may as well use one of these instead of just screwing the camera straight into the spigot https://www.amazon.com.au/Joby-Ball-Head-Black-Red/dp/B074WG…

      And you may as well buy some soft boxes, lamps, more stands for the soft boxes, a green screen and stand for the green screen, and some dedicated lights for the green screen. And while you're at it, go with a multi-cam setup so you can really impress the boss during zoom meetings. There's dedicated software streamers use to quickly switch between cams.

      Also may as well practice doing studio makeup on yourself.

      • jace88 on 02/08/2020 - 09:47

        LOL I actually did look into a lot of those types of items… particularly green screens.

        I ended up settling on XSplit VCam which whilst not ideal, does a sufficiently decent job to blur my background on WebEx.

        • AustriaBargain on 02/08/2020 - 09:59

          I want a green screen, I didn't know how easy it was to use chroma key in after effects. And green fabric is cheap. All this time I could have been making the next Iron Man film, like millions of other teenagers who will always be better at it than me.

  • fatdoggie on 01/08/2020 - 03:40
    +1

    Thanks heaps for all the pointers everybody!

    To clarify, I'm intending for the ability to shoot subjects 5-20m away with reasonable clarity.

    Based on your valuable advice, my current understanding is:

    *Canon EOS Webcam Utility allows USB-Webcam function, but is currently in beta and doesn't transmit Audio.
    *Zoom (Recorder)'s offerings are more suited to subjects <5m away and ironically has no zoom.
    *Most other solutions require a HDMI Capture device and a clean "HDMI" camera output (eg. no HUD)

    So based on this, I think I'll temporarily get myself a couple of HDMI-USB capture cards and dig around for an existing camera until I work out a better solution!

    Down the track I'll probably go down the "Zoom Recorder hot-shoe mounted on top of DSLR" route.

    Cheers everybody.

  • bazingaa on 03/08/2020 - 10:19

    I have tested Canon 6D (used one are cheap but not supported in the list, but better to go for a new camera with official support) with 70-300mm (canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is) lens as a web cam. For audio, it is always better to a separate prosumer mic, like ones used by youtubers.

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