Repurpose an old digital camera as a higher-quality webcam
Old digital cameras are experiencing an unexpected resurgence in popularity, with built-in-lens camera shipments growing 29.6 per cent in 2025 to approximately 2.44 million units. Rather than discarding older DSLRs and compact cameras, owners can repurpose them as webcams for video calls, potentially offering superior image quality with better low-light performance and background blur compared to standard laptop cameras.
Most major manufacturers including Canon, Nikon and Sony offer free webcam compatibility software for select models. Setup typically requires connecting the camera via USB cable and selecting it as the camera source in video call applications like Zoom or Teams. Users should verify their specific model's compatibility first, as not all cameras are supported, and those with HDMI output can use capture devices instead, though this costs up to £99.99 plus accessories. Some cameras have experienced significant resale value increases, with one Canon PowerShot S95 purchased for $130 in 2023 worth over $400 by 2026.
- Old digital cameras can be converted into webcams for improved video quality
- Canon, Nikon and Sony offer free compatible software for select models
- Unsupported cameras with HDMI can use capture devices; check resale value first
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Many people own older digital cameras that have been replaced by smartphones or newer models. Rather than throwing these cameras away, owners can repurpose them as webcams for video calls and meetings. Both compact cameras and larger digital cameras can be adapted for this purpose.
An older digital camera can provide better image quality than a laptop's built-in camera, particularly in low light conditions. Older cameras also allow users to create a blurred background effect, which many find desirable during professional video calls. The major camera manufacturers—Canon, Nikon and Sony—support this use by offering free software that makes connecting an old camera straightforward.
To use an old camera as a webcam, users simply connect it via USB cable and select it as their camera source within video calling applications like Zoom or Teams. Not all cameras are supported, so users should verify their specific model's compatibility first. For incompatible cameras, alternative solutions exist using HDMI and capture devices, though these require additional spending of up to £99.99.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Don’t throw away your old digital camera — do this instead”.