How to Use GoPro Hero7 Black as a Webcam on a Mac?

Can you use a GoPro as a webcam? You can use a GoPro HERO7 Black as a webcam for live streaming to a Mac… But instead of plugging the camera via USB, like the HERO8 upwards, you have to use the HDMI to USB converter and the following.

1. Micro-HDMI to HDMI cable
2. HDMI to USB Video Capture Device (Elgato Cam Link 4K, or cheaper alternatives Unisheen | Magewell | Atem Mini | AVerMedia | Pyle | more video capture cards)
3. USB to USB cable (Note required for Elgato Cam Link / USB to USB-C adapter required for new MacBook Pro)

I have been streaming with my laptop’s webcam, but I don’t like the quality.

I could always buy an external webcam, but I already have an idling GoPro.

Here’s how I set up my GoPro Hero7 Black as a webcam on my MacBook Pro.

Chapters… 0:00 How to Use GoPro as a Mac Webcam 0:10 External Camera vs External Webcam 0:39 What Do You Need for the GoPro Set-up 1:08 Which GoPro Will Work for this Method 1:48 The Best GoPro Settings as a Webcam 3:01 The Best Mount for GoPro as a Webcam 3:47 Getting Long Duration Power for GoPro 4:44 How to Connect the GoPro as a Webcam 5:53 How to Connect to the Streaming Software 6:45 Multiple Camera Setup For Live Streaming

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What do you need to connect the GoPro as a webcam

Here are the items required.

1. Micro-HDMI to HDMI cable
2. HDMI to USB Video Capture Device (Elgato Cam Link 4K, or cheaper alternatives Unisheen | Magewell | Atem Mini | AVerMedia | Pyle | more video capture cards)
3. USB to USB cable (Note required for Elgato Cam Link / USB to USB-C adapter required for new MacBook Pro)

…https://youtu.be/raPKMAfqBX4

Which GoPro camera will not work as a webcam

Does it work on all GoPros? No…

• This method works for GoPro Hero5 Black, GoPro Hero6 Black, and GoPro Hero7 Black.
• The Hero8 Black does not have the HDMI output. An extra unit is required called the Media Mod.
• This method does NOT work for non-“Black” versions. They do not have HDMI output ports.

Side Observations:

• Hero5 and Hero6 have better light sensitivity in a dimmer environment than the newer Hero7. Sad, but it’s true.

What is the best GoPro setting as a webcam

Here are the settings required in the GoPro to make the video quality better.

• Turn on Protune.
• Turn off Stabilization to reduce lag.
• Set to a higher EV Comp for a brighter image.
• Switch HDMI output setting to live (Preference – Input / Output)
• Connect a USB power source.
• Attach to a camera support.

How to set up the GoPro as a webcam

1. Connect the GoPro Hero7 Black micro-HDMI output port to the HDMI Capture Device.
2. Connect the HDMI Capture Device output to the Mac USB port.
3. On the Mac application, select the HDMI Capture Device camera input.

How to set up multiple cameras for live streaming

To use more than one GoPro or other camera at the same time, I use this…

1. Using Blackmagic Design Atem Mini Pro… watch my comprehensive review here… https://www.videolane.com/atem-mini/
2. Using SlingStudio Hub to wirelessly connect up to 10 cameras, smartphones, and drones.

Cheaper alternatives to the Elgato Cam Link… https://www.reddit.com/r/Twitch/comments/brgrps/cheaper_alternative_to_the_cam_link/

Having trouble with Elgato and GoPro Hero7 Black? Check this out… https://www.reddit.com/r/ElgatoGaming/comments/ayinir/help_with_camlink_and_gopro_hero_7/

Video Capture Cards

For live streamers, if you own a DSLR, mirrorless camera, camcorder, GoPro or any camera with HDMI output, a HDMI to USB video capture device will allow you to use your camera a webcam.

For gamers, if you own a PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch or pretty much any other console, a good capture card will allow you to record and store material externally.

Check out the list of popular video capture cards here… https://www.videolane.com/video-capture-cards/

UNISHEEN USB 3.0 HDMI Video Adapter Card

Plug and play | No need to install driver | Automatically detects the input video format | Automatically adjusts to the set output size and frame rate | High-quality video recording | 1080P 60fps video capture and streaming | USB 3.0 high-speed port compatible with USB 2.0 | Supports multiple streaming software for live video streaming, webcasting, and video conference | Supports Windows, macOS or Linux | Check out the UNISHEEN USB 3.0 HDMI Video Adapter Card…

IF-LINK HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture Box

#1 Best Seller on Amazon | sleek and small | ideal for live streaming, conference rooms, video recording, webcast, and more | requires no external power | no external power and eliminates visual clutter | no drivers to install | plug and play in Windows, Mac OS X and Linux | supports up to 1920×1080@60fps (1080p) of video without CPU interaction | Converts video and audio from HDMI to USB | Cons: Video latency is 10 seconds, produces 5 Mbps bit rate output at best | Check out the IF-LINK HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture Box…

More Video Capture Devices… Elgato alternatives…

• Guanguan Video Capture Card, HDMI to USB 3.0, Full HD 1080P
• TreasLin HDMI Video Capture Card, 1080P@60HZ
• Elgato HD60 S – Camera to Computer Video Capture Device

• 

Your Next Action Steps

After you get this setup going, you can also check out the online classes and equipment you need to become a YouTuber, or just pick up the best gear for live streaming.

Leave a comment for more.

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Adrian Lee
VIDEOLANE.COM

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