I have a Pentax Optio M50 digital camera. It can do a lot of tricks, including recording video clips and then displaying them on a TV. I have a cable to connect it to a computer to download photos, etc. I’m just wondering if there is a way to use it with Yahoo Messenger or Skype, etc. for video conversations? Anybody know how?
November 1st, 2010 on 10:24 am
Check the manual of your digital camera to see if it can be used as a webcam. Some digital cameras have this function and include software for this purpose. You’ll need a USB connection from the camera to the computer unless your video card ( graphics card ), has a connection like a TV would have. If your digital camera can perform this function, plug your digital camera’s power adapter into the camera. This helps on battery usage. Connect a video cable into your digital camera’s video "out" port. Your camera likely came with a cable made for connecting it to a video source. Plug the other end of the video cable into your video card’s (graphic card ), video "in" port on your computer. Place the camera where it will focus on you. you may need to use a microphone if your digital camera doesn’t transmit sound when used as a webcam. You may also have a microphone plug in the video card ( graphic card ), for a microphone on the computer. Bottom line is…your camera instruction should tell you if this is possible at all, and how to proceed.