How to use the GoPro as a computer webcam
It is well known by many that when we buy a desktop or laptop, whether to work, study or play, we usually include or check that you bring a regular or normal performance webcam. Good enough to allow us to obtain an adequate resolution, both in photos and video. While in our mobile devicesOn the contrary, we usually try to make the mobile device camera be of the highest possible qualityboth for photos and videos.
For this reason, many tend to try to use, if necessary, the cameras of your mobile devices such as webcams. However, many others often have photographic and video cameras, normal or advanced, like the known GoPro. Which can serve as excellent webcams with high quality, both for photos, videos and videoconferences. For this reason, today we will explore the process of «use GoPro as a webcam» on a computer.
And as usual, before delving into this present publication on a point more related to the video management, more specifically on how «use GoPro as a webcam», we will leave for those interested the links to some of our previous related posts with the same. So that they can do it easily, in case they want to increase or reinforce their knowledge about it, at the end of reading this publication:
“The only way to improve the video quality of our video calls is to buy a webcam (Logitech is one of the most recommended). However, there is another solution, a much cheaper solution that allows us to use our mobile as a webcam”. How to use your mobile as a webcam with these programs
Using a GoPro as a webcam: Excellent media cameras
What is a GoPro?
Before delving into the installation and configuration process to be able to use GoPro as a webcam, it is worth clarifying a little about the GoPro cameras. And for this, we will quote a descriptive fragment of the GoPro official website which says the following:
“GoPro is the tool you use through all four seasons to capture perfect footage from all your adventures, whether it's an epic family snowball fight or up-and-down flips. Or while you ski, snowboard and all the fun activities that await you in your snowy garden. Plus, your GoPro is compatible with the full range of GoPro mounts and accessories to help you capture the perfect shot, while protecting it from the ravages of a raging river. GoPro cameras are designed with this concept of portability in mind. You can be immersed in the activity and at the same time capture every second with ease, that's the beauty of GoPro”. GoPro Tips
And much of the reason why, the GoPro cameras Thus, it is due to life profile of its creator, as can be seen in the following official description:
“GoPro was founded in 2002 by Nick Woodman, a photo and video lover looking for a better way to video himself surfing with friends. Since then, GoPro has become an innovative brand with a worldwide following for its incredibly versatile and functional products." Our history
For more usage information about GoPro cameras We recommend exploring the following link.
How to use the GoPro as a computer webcam?
For both Windows and macOS, the short procedure is basically the same. And it consists of the following steps:
- Step 1: Update the GoPro camera to the latest firmware version: As long as the device allows it, that is, it has this possibility, since not all models come with said functionality. So this step is more of a recommendation than an essential requirement. And this is usually done by software called GoPro Quick or a manual update.
- Step 2: Install and launch the GoPro Webcam app: Once the first thing is done, you must proceed to download the software utility for computers called GoPro Webcam and install it on the computer where the GoPro camera will be connected. Please note that it is only suitable to work with Windows 10 or higher, and macOS v10.14 or higher.
- Step 3: Connect the camera: Finished the previous step, now you only have to turn on the GoPro camera, to connect it to the computer via a USB cable. Once this is done, it will enter USB mode, and we will be able to use our GoPro camera on our computer.
For more details, you can explore the full official procedure on the GoPro website.
Summary
In short, knowing how to use gopro as a webcam of our computers, both desktop and laptop, either with Windows or macOSIt will surely be very useful. Both for those who already have a gopro camera, and want to test to see how well they work on their computers. As for those who were looking to acquire a new high-quality webcam. And that now, they would think of a GoPro camera as a cool dual purpose alternative.
And if you are a passionate user of Free and open operating systems, such as GNU/Linux we recommend you try the GoPro software on your Distro by Bottles application. To see if it is usable on them, as we showed that if it was possible, with the Apple's Safari Browser Software for Windows on GNU/Linux.