Connecting two DSLR cameras to Zoom for use in a video meeting involves several steps. You will need to set up each camera to act as a webcam, and then switch between them during the Zoom call. Please note that using multiple cameras simultaneously will require you to switch between them manually or use additional software to manage the inputs.
Here's how to set it up:
Requirements:
1. Two DSLR cameras with video output capabilities. 2. Two video capture devices (such as Elgato Cam Link, or any USB capture card that supports HDMI). 3. Two HDMI cables compatible with your DSLR output. 4. Two USB cables to connect the capture devices to your computer. 5. Camera power adapters (to ensure the cameras don't run out of battery mid-call). 6. A computer with Zoom installed. 7. Camera control software or a switcher application, if you wish to switch more seamlessly between cameras.
Setting Up Your DSLR Cameras:
1. Check Compatibility: - Ensure that your DSLR cameras have a clean HDMI output, which means they can output video without any on-screen displays like autofocus points or camera settings.
2. Set Up the Camera: - Place your DSLR cameras on tripods in the desired locations. One can be a wide shot, and the other a close-up angle, for example. - Adjust the focus, exposure, and any other necessary settings to get a good video feed. - Disable any power-saving settings that could turn off the camera automatically. - If your DSLR cameras support continuous power options (such as an AC adapter), use them to prevent the camera batteries from running out.
3. Connect Cameras to Capture Devices: - Connect each DSLR camera to the capture device using the HDMI cable. - Plug the video capture device into your computer using a USB cable.
4. Install Necessary Drivers:
- If your capture device requires drivers or software, make sure to install them. Otherwise, they might not be recognized as video input sources.
Setting Up Zoom:
1. Install and Open Zoom: - Download and install the Zoom app on your computer if you haven't already. - Open the Zoom app and log in to your account.
2. Join or Start a Meeting: - Click on 'New Meeting' or 'Join' to enter a Zoom call.
3. Select the First Camera: - Click on the caret (^) next to the 'Start Video' button on the bottom left. - Select the first video capture device corresponding to one of your DSLR cameras.
4. Switch Cameras During the Call: - To switch to the second camera, click the caret (^) next to the 'Start Video' button again. - Select the second video capture device. - Repeat these steps every time you want to switch between the two cameras.
5. Video Preview: - Before going live in the meeting, you can click on 'Video Settings' to preview your video and make sure everything is working correctly.
Advanced Switching (Optional):
If you want to switch between the two cameras seamlessly during the call without going into Zoom settings each time, you might want to use additional software that can create a virtual webcam and switch between different video sources. Some examples of such software are OBS Studio (Open Broadcast Software) or vMix.
1. Install and set up OBS Studio. 2. Add each camera as a scene. 3. Use the OBS virtual camera feature to send the feed to Zoom. 4. Switch between scenes within OBS to change camera views without manually selecting a different capture device in Zoom.
Remember to test your setup before any important Zoom calls to ensure that everything is working smoothly and you're comfortable switching between cameras.
