Have you ever wondered why some video content creators like streamers (and the likes) have really nice "webcam" and it looks so professional and high quality? Because I have. So I found out how they did it.
Back when I still had my ASUS Rog Strix gaming laptop, it didn't have a webcam attached to the laptop (yeah that type of laptop exists XD) and a few times I needed one but I didn't find an excuse to invest on it. I think I came across something on Youtube about connecting a DSLR camera directly to the PC and using it as a webcam so that's when I had my realization that this is what they use that's why the quality is really DSLR-like, because they literally are using DSLR cameras lol. I thought they were just investing in some really expensive camera specifically as a webcam, and only for that (not for taking normal pics or something).
After learning this, I tried it on my laptop before which worked for a very short while... I was using my old Nikon D3200 which was a camera from 2012 so very very old haha and it just overheats so fast that after maybe 10 or 20 minutes it just turns off on its own. So even though I was able to use it as a webcam (literally), I just can't use it on anything since it turns off after a few minutes so if you're on live stream or on a meeting it would be embarrassing technical issue. :P
Ok back to the present...
Since I am planning on creating content such as gaming videos and I already have all the gears and tools with me, I just needed one thing: to finally connect a camera and use it as a webcam without it causing too much issues.
I have a Fuji X-T4 which I bought a year ago and the right lenses for what I need it for - which in my case is an 18-50mm since my 23mm is too wide and my 50mm is also too close to my face.
A USB-C to USB-C cable is also needed (not sure if USB-C to USB-A works). I'm using the USB-C cable that's included with the camera box cos I didn't need a longer cable for that so it works.
Then of course a tripod for the camera to stand (it doesn't float ya know).
A dummy battery (this connects the camera directly to an outlet) is optional but it is a lot better for continuous use. I was able to use my normal battery in full charge for 1 hour before battery died. I'm planning to buy a dummy battery soon for longer recordings.
And a Fuji Webcam software.
It was such a lovely surprise to know that Fujifilm actually created a software specifically for it to be used as a webcam. They have other apps like Fujifilm RAW studio (to process RAW files) and Fujifilm Cam Remote for smartphones so it's very convenient for us to have these apps for different uses.
I downloaded the app on their website and installed it on my Windows PC. They have both for Windows and Mac so that's really nice.
These are the compatible devices for the app so far. It ain't much but it's honest work.
Before connecting the camera to the PC, there are a few stuff needed to be set first.
The pre-auto focus should be turned on. This makes it so it will continuously focus on the subject even though there were no shots taken since we're gonna use it as a webcam.
The face detection should also be on so it will focus on your face and not some other objects like your microphone or something.
And the connection mode should be in USB tether shooting auto.
Other settings like ISO and shutter speed should also be set on the camera.
Then I connected it using USB-C to USB-C. The tripod was just behind the monitor on the table cos I have no space anymore to put the tripod on the floor. If I had a bigger room I could use my 50mm f/1.0 and the blur would be soooo nice.
Of course it needs a nice lighting as well so I had a ring light beside to light up my face and some nice light in the background hihi. Some of the things I learned in photography over the years have been applied here. :P
Ok, so everything connected... All you gotta do is open the Fujifilm X Webcam and your PC will automatically detect the camera as a "webcam". You have to open any apps that uses camera like OBS, Skype, Facetime and the settings in Fujifilm X Webcam app will be clickable. You can change the exposure, white balance, and even use different film simulations! Very noice.
So when I record gameplay videos, it will look like this. Very pro camera. But not sure if pro gameplay hahah.
This app is really useful for those who have a Fuji camera and are looking to use them as webcams. I really thank Fuji for this wonderful development. I knew the struggle of having an old camera and had to do things manually. T_T
This is only for Fujifilm cameras though (obviously) but some other brands might have this kind of app too. :D
