That old digital camera in your drawer could upgrade your video calls
Many older DSLR, mirrorless and even compact cameras can double as webcams, offering better image quality than a laptop's built-in camera. Before tossing an old camera out, it's worth checking whether it supports a USB or HDMI webcam connection.
While old-style digital cameras are experiencing an unexpected revival — the Camera & Imaging Products Association reports built-in-lens camera shipments grew 29.6 percent in 2025 to roughly 2.44 million units, with another 13.6 percent increase projected for 2026 — anyone who already owns one has an extra reason to hold onto it rather than recycle it.
A number of older DSLRs and mirrorless models, along with some compact cameras, can function as webcams, delivering better low-light performance, more control over framing, and a natural background blur that laptop cameras typically try to fake through software.
Check USB compatibility first
The starting point is the exact camera model and the manufacturer's webcam compatibility list. Supported examples include Canon's EOS 6D and EOS Rebel T6, Nikon's D5300 and D750 (via Webcam Utility), and Sony's A5100, A7 II and RX100 IV (via Imaging Edge Webcam). If a camera is listed, setup is usually straightforward: install the manufacturer's software if needed, connect via USB, and select the camera within the video-calling app.
A bigger camera doesn't automatically mean a sharper picture, though — some older Nikon DSLRs only use a portion of their display's resolution in live-view mode. Audio and power also need attention: Nikon and Sony both note their webcam utilities don't carry the camera's microphone audio to the computer, so a separate microphone is needed, and long calls can drain the battery quickly, making external power worth considering.
The HDMI route and its cost
Cameras without USB webcam support but with a "clean" HDMI output — free of on-screen displays like autofocus boxes or battery icons — can be connected through a capture device instead. This option comes at a price, though: Elgato's Cam Link 4K costs $99.99 before cables or mounts, compared to cheaper dedicated webcams. It's also worth weighing a camera's resale value before investing in accessories, since some older digicams now sell for far more than expected — one example cited is a Canon PowerShot S95 bought for $130 in 2023 that was reselling for an average of over $400 in 2026.
