Tired of using the low-res 720p FaceTime camera built-in to your MacBook Air, Pro, or iMac? Canon just expanded its beta software to macOS today that lets you use an EOS or PowerShot camera as your webcam for much-improved video quality.

‎Control and view the Monster Digital 1080p Action Sport Camera via WiFi from your iPhone or iPad. View the live video stream, take pictures and start and stop video recordings. Many settings can also be controlled. Connection procedure: 1. Turn ON Wi-Fi on both the iPhone/iPad and Camera 2.

Apple has taken a lot of criticism for sticking with just a 720p resolution for its MacBook and iMac built-in FaceTime cameras. The iMac Pro does have a 1080p resolution, but the majority of Mac users — including those with the 16-inch MacBook Pro and new 13-inch Pro and Air — are stuck with 720p that often produces grainy video, especially in low-light conditions.

Outside of buying an external webcam, what else is there to do? Well if you have a compatible Canon EOS or PowerShot camera, you can now use it for high-quality webcam video with your Mac.

Canon announced the news in a press release today and created a tutorial video on getting set up.

Unfortunately, there are some limitations since the EOS Webcam Utility is in beta, like no support for FaceTime or Safari, and you need to use the web versions of Zoom, Skype, etc. It’s also only available for users in the US at the moment. But if that’s not a dealbreaker, it’s definitely worth checking out!

If you don’t have a Canon camera (or your Canon model isn’t compatible) there are some other ways to use your DSLR or mirrorless camera as your Mac webcam.

Cascable Pro Webcam is a good alternative that works with most Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony cameras over WiFi and Canon EOS and Nikon cameras over USB. Cascable offers a free trial then runs $30 as a one-time purchase (this still is in beta).

Another option includes using two pieces of software, Camera Live and CamTwist. Read more about how to get going with this option here.

Finally, Camo is a sharp-looking app that allows you to use your iPhone as your webcam. It’s not fully launched yet but signups for early access are open.

How to use a Canon EOS camera as a high-quality Mac webcam

1. Download the EOS Webcam Utility Beta from Canon (check that your specific EOS or PowerShot camera is supported here)
2. After installing you’ll need to restart your Mac
3. Now you can turn on your Canon camera and set it to movie mode
4. Dial-in your exposure, then plug in the USB cable to your camera, followed by your Mac
5. Close out the EOS Utility if it auto opens
6. Now when picking a camera in a video call app/service (needs to be web-based, Chrome recommended) choose “EOS Webcam Utility Beta”

As mentioned above, at this time, FaceTime and Safari are not supported. And Mac apps like Zoom and Skype aren’t either, so you’ll need to use the web versions to make use of this beta utility for now.

Check out the full video walkthrough below:

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BestWebcams for MaciMore2020

If you're looking for an external webcam to enhance your streaming, chatting, or conference call, we have the solution. Whether you want the best webcam that money can buy or prefer a low-cost option, we've rounded up some of the best webcams you can find for your Mac.

Note: While our picks for best webcam remain the same, you can expect widespread shortages due to COVID-19. If you need a webcam right now, here's where you can check the latest in-stock items.

Best for Most: Logitech BRIO

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Staff Favorite

The Logitech BRIO is a plug-and-play external webcam that films in 4K, meaning you're going to look as crisp as possible while you're using it. It can display two different viewing angles — 65 or 78 degrees — so you can include as much or as little of your surroundings as you want.

$160 at Amazon

Best for Skype: Logitech C920

Logitech partnered with Skype to create the ideal video-conferencing webcam. Get full HD 1080p video calls with Logitech's Fluid Crystal Technology. The H.264 encoded compression that makes video calling so fast and smooth also makes for excellent video capture.

$220 at Amazon

Universal compatibility: TedGem 1080P Full HD Webcam

Just plug and play this universal 1080P full HD webcam suitable for your PC or Mac. No special drivers or software are needed. The 90-degree wide-angle lens means fewer dead angles. The .264 video compression technology, fast transmission, autofocus and light correction combine to give you clear, high-quality video.

$146 at Amazon

Versatile: Tandberg PrecisionHD

While the Tanberg PrecisionHD only films in 720p, it does so at 30FPS, giving you a smooth-looking video at all times. It doesn't need any drivers to work, so it's truly plug-and-play. It really shines when it comes to the internal optics – the light correction is almost unparalleled. It even has an optical zoom, meaning the resolution is maintained no matter how close you get.

$79 at Amazon

For Gamers: Logitech C922x

The Logitech C922x records video in 1080p at 30FPS and is optimized for social gaming and entertainment sites like Twitch and YouTube. It has a pretty wide 78-degree viewing angle, autofocus, auto light correction, and no-drop audio.

Rugged: Logitech C615

Recording in 1080p, this little webcam has a 360-degree swivel mount, making it easy to find the perfect spot that works best for your desktop set up. With a built-in microphone and easy access to all of Logitech's supportive software, the C615 is easy on the bank account and doesn't leave you wanting more.

$36 at Amazon

Affordable: Logitech C270

Best for people who don't need anything fancy, the Logitech C270 has a built-in stereo microphone. It features noise cancellation to help deal with background noise, ensuring you always sound as clear as possible. It still records in HD, although it is only 720p.

High Speed: Spedal Full HD Webcam

The Spedal Full HD Webcam is a super reliable and sharp webcam that's designed with a 7-layer lens coating and 100-degree wide-angle for versatile views. It has built-in dual digital noise-canceling microphones and records in 1536p HD.

$36 at Amazon

Well Priced: Stopmotion Explosion USB 2.0 HD Pro Webcam

The Stopmotion Explosion USB 2.0 HD Pro Webcam is a Mac accessory with a full 1080p HD and a 1920 x 1080 high-resolution image for all of your video call and streaming needs. It's designed with an internal noise-canceling microphone and works by simply being plugged into a USB port.

$30 at Amazon

Sleek Design: Allinko 610 Webcam

The Allinko 610 Webcam is a sleek and stylish HD 1080p webcam that's perfect for streaming, recording, Skyping, and more. It's universal mounting clips also come with a tripod thread, while a noise-canceling microphone captures clear audio while erasing the noise commotion around you.

From $60 at Amazon

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Great for Streaming: Logitech StreamCam

Capture full HD 1080P at 60fps in portrait or landscape mode. The USB-C connection is fast and reliable. Smart auto-focus and exposure utilize AI-enabled facial tracking for smooth and precise video.

From $265 at Amazon

Professional: Supertemblor Pro Stream Webcam

The Supertemblor Pro Stream Webcam is a rugged and professional webcam designed with an HDR sensor and facial enhancement technology for the clearest and sharpest images possible. It allows you to stream in 1080p HD and has a max resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

$46 at Amazon

Finding the perfect webcam for your Mac can make all the difference

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The Logitech C920 is the best for most people, in our opinion. Its 78-degree angle means you can fit more than one person into the frame, and it records at 1080p resolution, which is as high as most people need.

All external webcams offer some great benefits over the built-in webcams that come with your Mac. They are more versatile in terms of placement. Depending on which one you get, it will do a much better job of exposing its video, so you don't end up as some dark blob. Webcams like the Supertemblor Pro Stream Webcam focus on delivering the clearest, brightest image possible, even in dim or backlit settings.

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