Old digital cameras are making a noticeable comeback, meaning that getting rid of an older camera and sending it to an electronics recycling bin may no longer be the best decision.
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According to the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA), shipments of digital cameras with built-in lenses rose 29.6% in 2025 to approximately 2.44 million units. Shipments are expected to increase by another 13.6% in 2026, although the association has not specifically linked this growth to the current resurgence in interest in older digital cameras.
If you have an old camera at home, however, there is another reason to keep it: you may be able to turn it into a better webcam for your computer, according to a report published by Engadget.
Many DSLR and mirrorless cameras, as well as some compact models, can be used as webcams.
Doing so may provide better low-light performance, greater control over image composition and natural background blur, something laptop cameras often attempt to recreate through software.
Before buying any accessories, however, first check whether your camera already supports webcam functionality. Otherwise, what starts as a free upgrade could turn into an expensive project.
Start With USB
Begin by identifying your camera’s model number and checking the manufacturer’s compatibility list on its website.
For example, some Canon models, including the EOS 6D and EOS Rebel T6, are still supported. Nikon cameras such as the D5300 and D750 can also be used through the Webcam Utility, while certain Sony models, including the A5100, A7 II and RX100 IV, support the function through Imaging Edge Webcam.
If your camera is supported, setup may be extremely simple.
In some cases, all you need to do is install the manufacturer’s software that converts the camera into a webcam, connect it to the computer using a USB cable capable of transferring data, put the camera into the appropriate video or remote-control mode, and then select it as the camera source in applications such as Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams.
In other words, you may already have everything you need.
A Bigger Camera Doesn’t Always Mean a Sharper Image
Don’t assume that using a large DSLR will automatically give you a better image than a modern webcam.
Some older supported Nikon DSLR cameras use only a VGA-resolution portion of the XGA Live View display when used this way, meaning that a modern webcam may actually capture more detail.
However, some cameras can make up for this limitation with their larger sensors, better low-light performance and interchangeable lens control. These advantages can give the image a more professional appearance, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
Don’t Forget Audio and Power
There are two other factors to consider: audio and power.
Nikon and Sony state that their webcam conversion tools do not transmit audio from the camera’s microphone to the computer.
This means you will need to rely on the laptop’s microphone or use a separate microphone for audio.
Running a camera in Live View mode for extended periods, especially during long meetings, will also drain the battery.
If your camera supports an external power source, using one may therefore be worthwhile instead of relying on the battery throughout the call.
What If Your Camera Doesn’t Support USB?
If your camera does not support USB webcam mode, that does not necessarily mean the idea is off the table.
Some cameras provide a clean HDMI output that can be connected to a video capture device, allowing the computer to recognize the camera as a webcam.
A clean HDMI output is important because you do not want autofocus boxes, exposure settings or a flashing battery icon appearing over your image during a Teams meeting.
You should also make sure the camera can operate continuously, as some older models were never designed to function as desktop webcams for several hours at a time.
Elgato recommends checking whether power-saving features can be disabled and whether the camera can operate from an external power source while continuously outputting video.
Consider the Cost Before Buying Accessories
The main drawback of using HDMI is the cost.
The Elgato Cam Link 4K costs $99.99, not including an HDMI cable, camera mount or potentially a dummy battery to power the camera continuously.
By comparison, modern webcams can be considerably cheaper. The Anker PowerConf C200, for example, offers 2K resolution for around $60 and includes built-in microphones with a much simpler USB setup.
Therefore, if you are going to spend around $100 or more converting an old camera into a webcam, buying a new webcam may make more sense.
You may not even need to buy anything if you already own a modern smartphone. In some cases, Mac users can use a compatible iPhone as a webcam, while Windows 11 users can use a compatible Android phone as a webcam for free.
Your Old Camera May Be Worth More Than You Think
There is another reason to think twice before spending money on accessories: the camera itself may have significant resale value.
Some older digital cameras have become highly sought after as interest in the distinctive look of early digital photography has returned. Their prices on the used market can sometimes rise well beyond what their owners expect.
According to B&H, one of its writers purchased a Canon PowerShot S95 for $130 in 2023, but the camera was selling for an average of more than $400 in 2026.
Before converting an old camera into a webcam, check its current value on the used market. Selling it could be more worthwhile than using it for work meetings, particularly if it is one of the models that has increased in value amid the renewed popularity of older digital cameras.
Ultimately, if your camera already supports USB webcam functionality, you may have a simple and inexpensive way to improve the image quality of your video calls.
But if you need to purchase an HDMI capture device and additional accessories, compare the total cost with that of a modern webcam before making a decision.
Source: Al Arabiya
