How to use a DSLR/Dedicated Camera with StreamYard

With StreamYard, you can use any camera your computer recognizes, including most DSLRs and other high-quality cameras, so your streams can look their best!

Connecting a DSLR:

Canon:

1. Make sure your Canon EOS or PowerShot camera is on the supported list for the EOS Webcam utility at the bottom of this page.
2. If your camera is supported, click on the model of it to head to the downloads page.
3. Choose your operating system version from the dropdown list, select the EOS webcam utility, and click Download.
   
   
4. Install the EOS webcam utility software, and restart your computer.
5. Connect your camera to your computer using the included (or another supported) USB cable, following Canon's instructions (click "Getting started guide" at the bottom of the Canon page)
6. In StreamYard, choose the EOS Webcam Utility as your camera.
   

Nikon:

1. Make sure your Nikon camera is compatible with the Nikon Webcam Utility (most Z series and some other Nikon DSLRs are).
2. If your camera is supported, download the Nikon Webcam Utility for your operating system from this page.
   
3. Install the Nikon Webcam Utility software, and restart your computer.
4. Connect your camera to your computer using the included (or another supported) USB cable.
5. In StreamYard, choose the Nikon Webcam Utility as your camera.
   

Connecting a Mevo camera:

Mevo cameras are popular for livestreaming, and provide an easy to use high quality option for wired and wireless cameras.
Mevo has instructions on connecting a camera (wired and wirelessly) to StreamYard available here.

1. Decide which connection method to use (wired, wireless, or wireless NDI), and connect your Mevo camera to your computer using Mevo's instructions here for wired/wireless, or here for NDI.
2. If using the wireless or NDI method, restart your computer after installing the software.
3. In StreamYard, choose your Mevo device as your camera.
   

Connecting a GoPro:

Some GoPros can be connected directly to your computer over USB to be used as a webcam.
GoPro has instructions on connecting a camera to your computer available here.

1. Make sure your GoPro is compatible with the GoPro Webcam Utility.
   Currently, the GoPro Hero 8 Black and above are compatible.
2. Download the GoPro Webcam Utility here for MacOS, or here for Windows.
3. Install the GoPro Webcam Utility software, and restart your computer.
4. Connect your GoPro to your computer using the included (or another supported) USB cable.
5. In StreamYard, choose "GoPro Camera" as your camera.
   

Connecting any Camera or Video Source over HDMI:

Any camera or video source that has an HDMI output option can also be used as a camera in StreamYard, using an HDMI capture device. We recommend the Elgato Cam Link 4k as a good, easy to use option.

1. Download the 4k Capture Utility for your operating system from this page.
   
2. Install the 4k Capture Utility software, and restart your computer.
3. Connect the Cam Link to your computer using a USB 3.0 or better port.
   Note: USB 2.0 ports may work, but the video will be lower quality, or may stutter/lag.
4. Using an HDMI cable, connect your camera/video source's HDMI output to the HDMI port on the Cam Link
5. In StreamYard, choose the Cam Link 4k as your camera.
   

Having Lagging With Your Camera?

The first thing to check is the camera itself. Does the feed appear laggy on the camera screen too? If so, check that your framerate is 30fps and the shutter speed is at least 1/60s.

Another cause for lag is often the USB connection, specifically if you have connected your camera through a USB hub of some kind. It's recommended to use one of the open USB ports on your computer to make the connection. USB hubs are handy, but when sending video information to the computer, it can introduce lag, latency, etc.