GoPro released its webcam utility, GoPro Webcam for Mac back in July 2020 just only recently released a beta version of information technology for Windows. And here'south the bad news, that utility merely works if yous have a Hero 8 Black or Hero 9 Black.

If you lot take a Blackness version of the Hero 7, half-dozen, five or iv then yous can still use it equally a webcam if you buy an HDMI-to-USB dongle which converts the HDMI output to USB and allows your Windows laptop or PC to see information technology as a webcam, which you tin and then select as normal in Zoom, Skype, Teams and other video calling apps.

These aren't overly expensive: yous can buy one from Amazon for about £10 -20/ $fifteen-$thirty: just search for USB capture HDMI and you'll find various options.

Note that you lot tin can't use a Hero vii White or Silver version equally a webcam, or whatever other model which does not have an HDMI output. The Hero 4 Silvery does, and so that can be used via a USB capture dongle like the other Black models.

The fill list of things yous'll need are:

  • To install the latest firmware on your GoPro camera (via the GoPro app)
  • A way to mount your GoPro and so it'due south stock-still in place
  • Either a USB-C cablevision (for Hero viii / 9)
  • OR a mini-HDMI to HDMI cable for Hero 4/5/vi/7
  • A USB capture device with HDMI input for Hero four/5/six/vii

How to Use a GoPro as a Webcam in Windows & MacOS

The WisFox capture dongle, above, is £15.99 from Amazon.

How to download GoPro Webcam for Windows

Oddly enough, GoPro hasn't put the utility on its website. Instead, you'll need a Facebook account and you'll have to join the private GoPro Webcam Beta grouping.

Once y'all've been granted admission you tin can download and install the software.

Now, connect your Hero viii or 9 Black to your computer using a USB-C cable (preferably the one that came with information technology) and you should find you lot tin select it as a webcam in Zoom or whichever video calling app you lot want to utilize.

Right-click on the GoPro Webcam icon in the system tray to notice options such every bit Digital Lens which changes the field of view to arrange.

How to Use a GoPro as a Webcam in Windows & MacOS
Image: GoPro

If you can't meet the GoPro listed, shut the app and reopen it. If you're using Zoom (or another app) in Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Camera. Check the options to brand sure the GoPro is selected and permission to use it has been granted.

Using GoPro as a webcam on macOS

If y'all're using a Hero 8 or nine with a Mac, install the utility and y'all should and then see a GoPro camera icon appear on the status bar. When you connect your GoPro with a USB cable - ideally employ a USB 3.0 port - that icon should gain a bluish dot to indicate a successful connection.

Click on the icon and choose Show Preview. You lot tin can utilise the Digital Lens carte du jour to choose the field of view.

Yous can now launch the app you want to employ, such as Zoom. If already open, close information technology and reopen it. You should run into GoPro Photographic camera in the list of available webcams.

How to utilize a Hero 4 / 5 / vi or seven as a webcam in Windows

As mentioned already, y'all'll accept to buy a USB capture dongle with an HDMI input. If you don't take ane, you'll also need an HDMI cablevision with a mini HDMI connector at ane stop (for the GoPro) and a total size HDMI connector at the other to plug into the dongle.

You don't need GoPro'due south Webcam utility, as the USB dongle will exist what you select in your video software as the webcam.

You won't need to update your GoPro's firmware either. On certain GoPro models, you'll demand to use the touchscreen to make the HDMI output live, and so swipe down, tap Preferences > Input/Output > HDMI Output > Live.

Related articles for further reading

  • How to use a phone as a webcam
  • How to look better on a webcam
  • How to get around Zoom's twoscore minute limit
  • All-time webcams to buy