Using a DSLR/Mirrorless Camera as a Webcam

Why use a DSLR or Mirrorless camera with OpenReel?

• High-quality image sensors lead to great image quality. 
• Better image control vs webcams due to more camera settings and interchangeable lenses.

Equipment Needed

• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera.
• Video Capture Device and any required software.
• Compatible cabling and adapters. Dependent on your equipment setup.

There are many cameras and capture devices to choose from so you can explore and find the ones that work best for you. Here is an example setup:

• • Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera
  • El Gato CamLink
  • HDMI Cable

Things to consider: 

• Maximum Resolution is 1080p. This will be the highest resolution you will be able to select in OpenReel because the platform will recognize this setup as a webcam. 1080p is the platform maximum for webcam recordings at this time.
• Check for compatibility. You will need to ensure the camera and video capture device you have selected are compatible with each other. You will also need to ensure the Subject's computer and operating system are compatible with the video capture device and any accompanying software that is required. 
• Computer Specs. We recommend the minimum specs listed below for this setup. You should also consult the system requirements for the video capture device you have selected on the manufacturer's website.
  
  • • Quad-core 3Ghz or higher
    • 8Gb RAM
• Schedule a Test Session. We recommend doing a dry run with any new setups before using it for an actual Session to smooth out any technical difficulties that may arise.

Subject Setup:

1. Connect the HDMI output of the camera to a video capture device via a compatible cable.
2. Connect the capture device to the computer.
   Note: If they are using an Apple computer that has USB-C Thunderbolt ports, they will also need to purchase an appropriate Apple dongle. For PC users, they will need to use a USB 3 port as the transfer rate with USB 2 is not fast enough to support this workflow with OpenReel.
3. Install any software that is required by the video capture device, and check the camera settings at both the computer system level and within the web browser to make sure the computer recognizes the camera as a webcam.
4. Check the Frame Rate and Resolution settings on the camera itself to make sure they match what you would like to record at in OpenReel. Turn auto-focus on or off, and make any other camera adjustments, depending on your preference.
5. In the camera settings on the camera itself, enable clean HDMI output so there is no HUD information on the video feed passed to OpenReel.

Now the camera should be recognized by the computer and browser as a webcam. When joining the OpenReel Session, the Subject may now select this device as the camera on the equipment selection page before entering the room. 

Director Checklist:

Familiarize yourself with the equipment the Subject will be using so you can coach them through any adjustments as needed. 

Within OpenReel, when the Subject joins the Session, set the Frame Rate and Resolution to match the output of the camera.