There’s two methods of using the Nikon Z 7II as a webcam…
This post shows you the best method of using your Nikon Z7 II as a webcam.
It requires the use of a ‘Clean HDMI’ output and a capture card…
Don’t worry, I’ll tell you how to do it easily.
To summarise, here’s how to use the Nikon Z7 II as a webcam using a capture card:
- Connect your Nikon Z 7II camera to a capture card using a ‘Mini HDMI to HDMI‘ cable.
- Plug the capture card into your computer into a USB 3.0 port.
- Use a suitable webcam software and use the feed from the capture card for high quality video for video calls or live streaming.
- Enable a clean HDMI output on your Nikon Z7 II for the best results.
This post will guide you through the above steps in further detail and provide you with helpful tips to get the most out of this setup.
Table of Contents
What Accessories Do I Need to Use My Nikon Z 7II as a HDMI Webcam?
To use your Nikon Z 7II as a webcam using HDMI output you will need a few accessories.
| Essentials | Optional |
|---|---|
| Mini HDMI (HDMI C) to HDMI cable (HDMI A) | HDMI Extension cable |
| Elgato Cam Link 4K | Tripod |
| Webcam software e.g. Zoom, OBS Studio | Elgato Key Light Air (Best lighting for streaming |
Essential Accessories
1. Mini HDMI (Type C) to HDMI (Type A) cable
You will need this to connect your Nikon Z7 II to your capture card.
The small side is the Mini HDMI (HDMI Type C) and the larger side is the standard HDMI (HDMI Type A).
2. Capture Card (I recommend the Elgato Cam Link 4K)
You need this.
The best way to use the Nikon Z 7II as a webcam is to use a HDMI output and a capture card.
The capture card will be outputting the footage straight from your camera to your webcam or live stream via a HDMI output.
I recommend the Elgato Cam Link 4K as Elgato is a reputable company with a product which is easy to use.
The Elgato Cam Link 4K is also the most recommended product because it uses a UVC driver.
This basically means it is universally compatible with any conference software that is able to use webcams e.g. Zoom, Skype or OBS Studio.
You can check the current price and availability for the Elgato Cam Link 4K on Amazon at the link below.
3. Webcam software e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, OBS Studio
You have quite a bit of freedom here…
You will need a webcam/streaming software that you want to use.
Luckily, the Elgato Cam Link 4K should work with most popular webcam or streaming software.
For extra information you can check out Elgato’s page for ‘Supported Software for the Cam Link 4K’.
Optional Accessories
1. HDMI Extension cable
This is only necessary if you need a long cable length from your camera to the capture card.
Most people should be fine with just the Mini HDMI to HDMI that I linked earlier.
If you think the Mini HDMI to HDMI cable you have is too short for your setup then you can get a HDMI male to female extension cable.
This will allow you to extend the length of cable between your camera and the capture card.
E.g. A Mini HDMI to HDMI cable fits into the female side of the HDMI extension cable and the male side fits into the capture card.
Tip: To reduce the need for this, get a Mini HDMI to HDMI cable that is already long enough on its own.
2. Tripod & Lighting
Having somewhere stable for your camera to sit is essential when using it as a webcam.
The last thing you want is shaky footage or a camera that gets knocked out of place during a video call or stream.
If you don’t already have a tripod then you may want to invest in one as they can provide more flexibility and stability to your setup.
- Neewer Table Top Tripod – if you need to place your tripod on your desk or table.
- GorillaPod 3K – if you need a lot of flexibility you can attach this to pretty much anything.
You’re also going to want some lighting if you really want to level up your setup. You can have the best lens and best camera but if you don’t have good lighting it’ll still look a bit crap.
The Elgato Key Light Air is a solid option for streaming and video calls.
What Software Do I Need to Use My Nikon Z 7II as a Webcam?
To use the Nikon Z 7II as a webcam or for live streaming you will need webcam software that is compatible with the capture card you decide to use.
Elgato Cam Link 4K is universally compatible with any conference software that is able to use webcams, like Zoom or Skype.
You can also use it with popular streaming software like OBS Studio.
To read more about compatibility with the Cam Link 4K check out the following link ‘Supported Software for the Cam Link 4K’.
If you decide to use a different capture card then please check the compatibility for that specific capture card with the webcam/streaming software that you intend to use.
Set Up the Nikon Z7 II for Webcam or Streaming
- Make sure your camera has enough battery.
- Use your Mini HDMI cable to connect your camera to the capture card.
The small side of your Mini HDMI cable should go into the Mini HDMI port on your Nikon Z7 II. The larger side can go straight into the Elgato Cam Link 4K.
- Plug the Elgato Cam Link 4K into a USB port on your computer.
You should be using a USB 3.0 port (these USB ports are blue on the inside).
- Go to your ‘Custom Menu’ (this is the pencil icon).
- Select ‘Timers/AE lock’.
- Scroll to ‘c3 Power off delay’ and select this option.
- Under the ‘Power off delay’ settings go to ‘Standby timer’ and set this to ‘no limit’. This makes sure that the camera doesn’t go into standby mode.
- Open your webcam software on your computer and make sure your camera is turned on.
- Select the appropriate setting so that the Elgato Cam Link 4K is your chosen video feed.
This will depend on the software you decide to use but you can use the Elgato help website for assistance.
- Now you should see a direct feed from your Nikon Z7 II on your webcam/streaming software.
Adjust your camera settings to suit your preference.
- Enable a clean HDMI output on your Nikon Z7 II if you haven’t already. (See next section for help)
To make the most of this setup you need to make sure you have the ability to use a Clean HDMI feed on your Z 7II.
This basically means that the camera can output what it is seeing without having all of the icons from the user interface such as the frames per second, battery life etc.
Luckily the Nikon Z 7II is able to output a Clean HDMI feed…
How to Enable Clean HDMI on the Nikon Z 7II
To enable a clean HDMI feed on the Z 7II you just have to make sure that the camera is in video mode instead of photo mode when outputting the HDMI feed.
Can I use Nikon Webcam Utility for the Nikon Z 7II?
You may see online that you can use the Nikon Webcam Utility to use the Nikon Z 7II camera as a webcam.
While this is an alternate method of using the Nikon Z 7II as a webcam, you won’t achieve the same level of quality as you would when using a capture card.
If you really want to use Nikon Webcam Utility then I’ve included a link in our further resources section at the end of this post.
Quick Recap of Items
The 3 main items you need to use your Z 7II as a webcam with clean HDMI output are as follows:
- Your Nikon Z 7II camera
- A capture card
- A ‘Mini HDMI to HDMI‘ cable
Further Resources
The video below is about the Z6 II but is also useful for the Z7 II.
The video below is about the Z6 and Z7 but is also useful for the Z7II.
Related Reading:
You might also want to know what the recording limits are on the Nikon Z 7II.