How to Use Blackmagic Camera as Webcam

By Tim Munene Last updated Apr 11, 2023

How to Use Blackmagic Camera as Webcam

To have impressive zoom and autofocus capabilities when using apps such as Skype and Zoom, you need to have a good webcam.

However, a good webcam can be hard to come by, mainly due to the pandemic, and manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand.

So if you have a hard time getting on at a relatively affordable price no need to panic; you can use a professional camera as a webcam.

If you’re a shutterbug and have a Blackmagic camera lying around, borrow a trick from YouTube personalities and use it as a webcam.

You can use a Blackmagic camera as a webcam in two ways first is via Blackmagic’s video assist firmware. This software has been updated, and now you can use your Blackmagic camera as a webcam using the video assist monitor

Also, you can use your Blackmagic camera as a webcam using a video capture device. That said, let’s look at the step-by-step processes of using a Black magic camera as a webcam.

Using Blackmagic Camera as Webcam with Video Assist Monitor

What Do You Need?

To use your Blackmagic camera as a webcam with the video assist monitor, you’ll need some equipment and software. The equipment and software you need are as follows:

Tripod/Mount: You’ll need a tripod/mount to fasten your camera and mount your video assist monitor. You might want to get small tripods/mounts that can fit on a desk

Power source: You can just run your Blackmagic camera on power when using it as a webcam; the battery will drain very fast because it’s not designed to capture continuous footage over long periods. You can find dummy batteries that allow you to plug your camera into power.

Video Assist monitor: Black magic has approved the webcam update for Video Assist 3G and Video Assist 12G HDR models.

The Setup Process

Firmware is automatically updated on the Video Assist Monitor. However, if this is not the case, you can download it manually on the black magic website.
Then run an HDMI or SDI cable and connect it on one end to your Blackmagic camera and the other end to your Video Assist Monitor.
Next, connect the Video Assist Monitor to your PC using a USB-C cable
Finally, select your Blackmagic camera as a webcam device on the platform you’re using, such as Skype for Business, YouTube, Zoom, etc.

Using Blackmagic Camera as Webcam with a Video Capture Device

What Do You Need?

Video Capture Device: Your Blackmagic camera has an HDMI port that outputs clean video. For this reason, you’ll need a video capture device such as the Elgato Cam Link 4K.

The signal will be channeled into the capture device and rendered into usable output, which will then proceed to your computer

HDMI Cable: In the setup process, you’ll use the HDMI output on your Blackmagic camera. But, the HDMI port on the camera is not a standard size. As such, you’ll need a micro HDMI-HDMI cable to connect your camera to the video capture device

Tripod Stand: You’ll also need a tripod to mount your camera and face it to the desired position. The Tripod also gives you space to organize your cables.

Power source: Once again, your camera is not built to withstand long Zoom or Skype calls that run for about 5 hours. As such, you’ll need to get a power source such as a dummy battery because the battery inside the camera won’t run for that long

The Setup Process

Start by plugging in the power source (dummy battery) into your Blackmagic camera to get extended use.
Next, turn on your Blackmagic camera.
Plug the smaller end of the MicroHDMI-HDMI cable into the HDMI port situated on the side of your Blackmagic camera.

Then connect the larger end of the MicroHDMI-HDMI cable to the video capture device

Next, connect the video capture device into an unoccupied USB port on your PC

Fasten your Blackmagic camera on the Tripod.
Launch the video conferencing app you are using and choose ‘USB Video’ as your video source. Now your Blackmagic camera is configured as your computer’s webcam.