Canon has also launched its beta version of the EOS webcam utility for macOS. Users need a supported Canon camera with the right USB cable. The free application works on Apple computers with macOS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14 (Mojave) or 10.13 (High Sierra).
After many countries around the world implemented strict social distancing policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of videoconference calls exploded. While most people consider webcams for desktop or laptop computers to be sufficient, some want better picture and sound quality. For those who have a Canon camera, there is an application that turns it into a web camera.
When Canon launched its EOS Webcam Utility for Windows in early May, it caught the interest of many people. The free app turns any supported Canon camera into a webcam using just a USB cable. One of the things that Canon customers wanted most was to bring the app to macOS so that Apple users could enjoy it as well. The macOS version is finally here. Canon has made a useful Youtube video with instructions on how to use the application on macOS.
The Canon EOS Webcam Utility Beta application for Mac only works on Apple computers with macOS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14 (Mojave) or 10.13 (High Sierra). Interestingly, Canon states that this software is intended for use in the United States and will not be supported outside of this area. Although I know many people who use the app outside of the United States, there may be compatibility issues with cameras designed for different markets.
Download instructions
- Go to the Canon EOS Webcam Utility website.
- Select your camera model from the list.
- Select the “Drivers and Downloads” tab.
- Select the “Software” tab.
- For Windows users: Select Windows 10 (x64), if it is not already detected, in the Operating system list.
- For Mac users: Select 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14 (Mojave) or 10.13 (High Sierra)., If not already done, in the list of operating systems.
- Search for “EOS Webcam Utility Beta” and click the “SELECT” button.
- Click the download button to start the download.
Canon EOS Webcam Utility – Troubleshooting
After immense comments and many questions from Canon customers, the company has released a list of notes and tips for using their EOS Webcam Utility.
- When using the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software with macOS 10.14 (Mojave) and 10.15 (Catalina), the following applications will not list or allow the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software to run on the device: Safari (use Google Chrome), FaceTime , Skype, Zoom, WebEx (use Web-based Skype, Zoom and WebEx in Google Chrome instead of a native application).
- When using the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software with your camera, the video source image will not be visible if the EOS Utility application is running on your computer. In order for the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software to function properly, you must “Quit” the EOS utility.
- When using EOS Webcam Utility Beta software with your camera set to Photo shooting mode, a black border may appear around the video source image or the video source image may be cropped. Canon suggests using EOS Webcam Utility Beta software with your camera set to video recording mode, if available.
- When you use the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software, switch the modes of your camera between photo shooting mode and video shooting mode, or turn on your camera from the off position during video conferencing, retrieving your video stream may take several seconds.
- When using the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software, only one video conferencing application will receive a video stream at any given time. Other applications running simultaneously, where EOS Webcam Utility Beta has been selected as the video source, will display a default title screen. Canon recommends that you “Quit” any other unused video conferencing application.
- When using the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software, if the USB connection is disconnected during the video conference, the video conference application may not be displayed correctly. If this happens and you cannot recover the video stream after reconnecting the USB connection, you may need to restart your video conferencing application or restart your computer.
- When using the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software with the EOS M50 camera, Canon suggests that the LCD screen be opened and oriented toward the user for optimal performance.
Supported Canon EOS SLR cameras
- EOS-1D X Mark II
- EOS-1D X Mark III
- EOS 5D Mark IV
- EOS 5DS
- EOS 5DS R
- EOS 6D Mark II
- EOS 7D Mark II
- EOS 77D
- EOS 80D
- EOS 90D
- EOS Rebel SL2
- EOS Rebel SL3
- EOS Rebel T6
- EOS Rebel T6i
- EOS Rebel T7
- EOS Rebel T7i
- EOS Rebel T100
Supported Canon EOS mirrorless cameras
- EOS M6 Mark II
- EOS M50
- EOS M200
- EOS R
- EOS RP
Supported Canon PowerShot cameras
- PowerShot G5X Mark II
- PowerShot G7X Mark III
- PowerShot SX70 HS
Canon collects feedback from users of the EOS Webcam Utility, so if you have problems or just want to thank you, you can do so on the Canon Community Forum (Windows version, macOS version).
Have you ever tried the EOS utility? How do you like it? Let us know in the comments section under the article.