How to Use GoPro as Webcam (2 Methods) Capture Card vs Software
Reading Time: 9 minutes Can I use my GoPro as a webcam? Yes. But your GoPro wasn’t really made for this. But if you want to give it a go, here are two methods to use GoPro as a webcam. I include gear, settings, and tips.
When I first wrote this guide, GoPro didn’t recommend using their camera as a webcam. But there was a great way, and we taught it in this post. They’ve since come around and even made a desktop utility that converts the newer models into webcams without the need for a capture card.
Guide to Using GoPro as a Webcam
I understand the attraction. Why not get double duty from your GoPro? It isn’t cheap – and it has outstanding video capture. Lots of people are using their GoPro as a dashcam – with seemingly good results.
It’s not a bad idea and it can be easily done. In this post, you’ll learn the gear, software, and settings to make a webcam out of your GoPro.
Should I Use My GoPro as a Webcam?
First, GoPro didn’t make their camera to be used as a webcam. It’s all sort of an afterthought. And they don’t even recommend it.
Over in the Community Support Hub, GoPro Admin, EJ (Aragon1006) advises that “we do not suggest this type of setup”. This doesn’t mean it won’t work. Or that it will hurt the camera. They just don’t want to have to answer customer support issues when someone can’t configure this correctly.
But if you have your heart set on using your action camera as a webcam, this post will give you everything you need.
Method 1: GoPro Webcam App (4 Steps)
During the pandemic, the demand for webcams was exponentially greater than the supply. So GoPro developed an app to convert their camera into a webcam. And this was without the need for an external capture card (see method 2).
Compatible GoPro Cameras
Not all GoPro cameras are compatible. You’ll need one of the following GoPro cameras for this method.
- Hero12 Black
- Hero11 Black
- Hero10 Black
- Hero9 Black
- Hero8 Black
Don’t have one of these newer models? Get your GoPro Hero11 Black on Amazon, B&H Photo, or Best Buy.
Here’s how to use your GoPro as a webcam on Windows and Mac.
1. Update Your Camera’s Firmware
Connect your GoPro to GoPro Quik and update to the newest firmware.
2. Download the GoPro Webcam App
Next, you’ll download the GoPro webcam utility for your computer. There is a unique one for Windows and another one for Mac.
Install the program. It will display the GoPro icon in the status bar.
3. Connect Your GoPro via USB 3.0
Turn on your GoPro and connect it to your computer via USB 3.0 cable.
Click on the GoPro icon (right-click in Windows) and select Show Preview. This will display what the camera sees and will broadcast as a webcam. You can also mirror the image, as preferred.
Here’s more about GoPro cables.
4. Select GoPro as Your Video Source
Now that it’s working, you can set your GoPro as the video source in your software. Zoom has a menu that indicates “Select a Camera”.
Like with any webcam, you can tweak settings, like resolution and the field of view.
Here’s a brief video showing how to connect GoPro as webcam to a Mac.
Method 2: Capture Card (Setting Up GoPro as a Webcam)
To set up your GoPro as a webcam, you’ll need a couple of pieces of gear. One you might have kicking around (HDMI ) and the other one you’ll probably have to pick up.
Here’s how to use GoPro as webcam without an internal capture card.
Gear List for GoPro Webcam Setup
- HDMI Cable: Not just any HDMI cable – you’ll want an HDMI to Micro HDMI cable. This will connect your camera to the Cam Link dongle (see next item).
- Elgato Cam Link 4K: This tiny USB dongle will connect your GoPro (also most DSLR and camcorders) to your PC or MAC.
- GoPro Camera: From Hero4 (Black or Silver) to the Hero7 Black. For this system to work, make sure that your GoPro has a micro HDMI output jack.
- Small Tripod: Basically any tripod will work, but you’ll need something to get it up and stable. Otherwise, your camera will just be sitting on your desk at a weird angle. And it will wobble because of the two cables feeding into it. I think that the GoPro Shorty tripod would work best for a webcam. It extends to almost 9 inches in height.
- USB Cable: You’ll want to direct power your camera. Otherwise, your battery will konk out after an hour or so – probably less than ideal for a webcam setup. I’m sure you have one – it’s the same cable you use to offload your image and to recharge your battery inside the camera. Here’s more about GoPro battery life.
Please note: Newer GoPro cameras (From Hero11 Black back to the Hero8 Black) don’t come with an HDMI out port. To use the above system, you’ll need to purchase the Media Mod – which adds this feature.
Software for GoPro Streaming
It doesn’t take much to make your GoPro feed correctly into your computer. Here are the two things you’ll need.
- Streamlabs OBS: Use this free, open-source software to connect your camera to your computer. Download OBS here.
- Elgato Cam Link: Your computer will probably auto-identify the new piece of hardware and install what it needs to make the dongle work. If not, just download it here.
Settings for GoPro Webcam Setup
- Plug your Cam Link into your USB 3.0 port.
- Connect your micro HDMI cable to your GoPro. And connect the other end of the HDMI cable to your Cam Link dongle.
- Connect your USB cable to your camera and the other end to a powered USB port on your computer.
- Turn on your GoPro
- Open your webcam software (like Skype or OBS) and choose your GoPro as your source. It will often display as the name of your Cam Link dongle. For Skype, go to Settings > Audio & Video > Camera.
- Set for streaming: In the in-camera menu, go to Preferences > Input / Output > HDMI Output. Choose “Live”. This will keep your camera broadcasting the signal. And some users have mentioned that this keeps the camera from going to sleep during recording.
You can now use your GoPro as a webcam.
Here’s a video summary of the process:
Which GoPro camera can I use as a webcam?
Basically, any model with a micro HDMI output. These include the numbered Hero Black models: Hero4 Black through Hero7 Black.
- Hero4 Black
- Hero5 Black
- Hero6 Black
- Hero7 Black
- Hero8 Black to Hero12 Black: Please note that the new GoPro models don’t come with a micro HDMI output. For this function, you’ll need to purchase the Media Mod.
Hero3 and Hero3+: What about Hero3 (Black and Silver) and Hero3+ (Black and Silver)? Because the requirement is a micro HDMI port, both of these should work as a webcam.
Which GoPro models won’t work as webcams?
Basically, any model without an HDMI output won’t work as a webcam.
The incompatible models include:
- All GoPro Session Cameras: Session, Hero4 Session, Hero5 Session. None of these Session models have HDMI outputs.
- All Unnumbered Hero Cameras: These include Hero 2014, Hero+LCD, Hero+. None of these low-end cameras have HDMI outputs.
- 360 Degree Cameras: Fusion and MAX 360. These 360-degree cameras don’t come with HDMI output. Although if they did, they would make the coolest webcam ever.
- Hero8 Black is incompatible without the Media Mod (an add-on housing).
- Hero7 Silver and White: These entry-level cameras don’t have an HDMI port – which means this method won’t work.
Can I Stream GoPro 4K Via HDMI?
No. Despite the capability to capture 4K (and 2.7K) video, GoPro doesn’t transmit this resolution via HDMI. Currently, GoPro will only stream up to 1080p at 60 frames per second via HDMI.
This puts your GoPro webcam on par with a standard webcam – as far as resolution goes. Of course, it’s likely that this will change in the future. I expect that GoPro will improve the resolution settings that can be output via micro HDMI cable.
But image quality is much more than just resolution. Without question, you’ll notice the quality difference between a standard webcam and your new(er) model GoPro.
More Reading: How to View GoPro Videos
4 Pros / Cons of Using GoPro as Webcam
- Pro: Better Image Quality. I don’t think it would be a stretch to say that a GoPro has a better image sensor than a webcam. And while GoPro only transmits video via HDMI at just 1080p – equal to most webcams, the quality of that footage is going to be much crisper. And GoPro is famous for excelling in daylight – webcams … not so much.
- Pro: No need to buy a webcam. I guess this one is obvious.
- Con: Dongle costs more than a premium webcam. You can pick up the Logitech C922 for less than the price of the dongle. Is the image quality as good? No.
- Con: Setup. The GoPro setup is a little more complicated than a plug-and-play webcam.
Is GoPro the Best Webcam for Streaming?
For the average user, probably not. First of all, it costs more than just buying a decent webcam. For almost every user, a camera like the Logitech C922x will do more than they need. It has good video and audio – and it auto-installs.
And because you need to have the port door open for HDMI and USB output, you lose the benefit of the camera being waterproof. You can’t use it as a webcam in a wet, salty or dusty environment – because your camera is exposed – and so will your computer.
I can see applications for travel bloggers and other content creators. The Cam Link dongle allows the connection to other cameras (not just GoPro cameras).
That means that with the same setup as above, you can connect your DSLR or camcorder as a webcam – creating some outstanding video quality for live streaming.
If you want to do this just because it’s possible, I get that. And no one is disputing the quality of the GoPro image sensor.
Learn more about setting up a GoPro Live Stream in our Creator’s Guide.
Learn more about choosing the best GoPro microphone for your setup.
You might also enjoy: How to use your DSLR as a Webcam
Your Turn
Have you setup your GoPro as a webcam? Have a tip or question? Let me know below. I would love to hear from you.
This all works great whilst running the GoPro Hero 7 Black camera on battery, as soon as I add the USB to power it it then displays the USB symbol on the front of the camera and stops outputting the video feed? Any tips?
I hooked my gopro 7 usb power to an old apple iPhone wall charger which outputs 1 amp. Careful not to use chargers over 1 amp, not sure if it will damage the gopro.
I have the same problem. I need to use the USB from my computer. But it fall into USB mode.. and lost the camera. Did you find a way tom ?
I have the same issue. Works fine on battery. Connect the USB and live video drops and usb/battery symbol starts flashing on the front panel.
OK so I got it working. I used a macbook pro with the macbook charging cable. Would seem that the usb wasnt supplying enough power (which is surprising). I did try a number of different usb plugs before this solution with no success.
Solution : Don’t plug the Power USB into a computer or it will try and connect and cause the blank screen / USB symbol to display instead of the HDMI video signal. Instead run the Power USB from a USB wall plug.
Trying to use this on Zoom software. The dongle’s I am finding are around $150-200 on Amazon. This seems cost prohibitive. Is that because they are in short supply these days or that is the normal cost?
There definitely is a shortage of capture cards (and webcams) right now. Depending on the model, that sounds about right. Right now, the Elgato Cam Link 4K is available on Amazon – it wasn’t last week. This is the dongle that I recommend and it comes in under the $150 price.
Has anyone tried the LEADNOVO Audio Video Capture Card, HDMI to USB 3.0 [2020 New Upgrade], Full HD UP to 1080P 60fps Live Video Recorder Game Capture Card for Laptop High Definition Acquisition, Live Broadcasting available on Amazon. its about $20.00
Thanks
Does the Gopro hero 7 White also work for this set up? I don’t believe you mentioned it
Hi Sasha – no, I missed that detail. Both the Hero7 White and Silver lack the required HDMI port. So unfortunately, neither will work as a webcam. I just clarified the post.
Thanks!
Thanks for the great article. I want to do this except I have an internal captue card, 4k60 pro, instead of the external dongle. Can I access that as a camera option. I don’t seem to be able to. Thanks.
Yes, internal capture cards should work well. Internal video converters do the same thing as the external dongle.
Elgato Cam Link 4k is $375 today (5/7/2020). Triple price change because of the demand?
It appears so. There seems to be a shortage and the vendors who have stock and put the price up like crazy.
I have a GoPro Hero 3+ with micro HDMI. Will this work? Thanks.
Good question. If it has micro HDMI port it should work. I just checked my (vintage) Hero3 Silver and it also has a micro HDMI. I would love to hear how you make out.
Thanks Bill!
My company just bought the Hero8 so we could do WebEx meetings. Looks like with the Hero8 there will be a lot of accessories that have to be bought to use it as a WebEx camera. Am I right?
Yes – without the Media Mod accessory, you won’t be able to use your Hero8 as a webcam. The Media Mod adds a micro HDMI port. The earlier models have this in the base camera.
I picked one up today as my company wants to do virtual tours. My initial research told me that I would be able to connect to the camera via bluetooth or wifi. The bluetooth won’t connect and the wifi doesn’t help if we want to use it for WebEx. The way it seems you can only connect via bluetooth to transfer files. Is this correct? I could stream on Youtube through the Android app but it definitely isn’t what I was expecting.
Hey Jason – I think this post will help answer your question. It covers live streaming to YouTube and Facebook.
Hey, I have a GoPro Hero 8. When I connect it to the media mod, micro HDMI to HDMI, and a cam link card it still is not working as a webcam. I was hoping to use it fro Zoom Meetings and Skype Meetings, neither of which are recognizing the camera. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Bryan
Thanks for the instructions!!
Wondering if I need the dongle to use my GoPro Hero 6 Black as a webcam (zoom, Slack etc)?
I have a Macbook Pro 15″ (2013 model running Catalina 10.15.3) with a full size HDMI port. I’m wondering if I can just simply go direct from GoPro (via micro HDMI) straight into the Mac (full size HDMI) port and MacOS will pick it up and avoiding the cost of the dongle?
I’ll make sure the GoPro is set-up accordingly (HDMI output to Live etc)
Wondering if you or anyone on this site has had success (or failure) with this.
Cheers
Anthony
Good question Anthony. We don’t run Mac computers so I haven’t tested that. From what I understand, you’ll need a video converter – most commonly in the form of the Cam Link dongle. But I could be wrong…
If you have the camera and the microHDMI to HDMI cable, its worth a try. Just plug it in and see what you get on screen.
I would love to hear how you make out.
Just tried connecting my 2015 MacBookPro to a Hero4Black via HDMI to micro HDMI Cable. The computer does not recognize the camera.
Hey, Brian. Good, informative post! One question. I’m setting up my GoPro for livestreaming acoustic concerts over facebook. I’ll be playing guitar and singing. My question is: generally, how would you compare video/audio quality of streaming with GoPro as a webcam, to that of streaming with the camera connecting through the GoPro app on my mobile phone? Which I guess is what they recommend. I guess it depends on my wifi-speed as well. I’ll definitely be trying the latter setup first, as I already have all the hardware for that. Thanks. 🙂
I have also used Hero3+ black and silver with the analog video out cable and a capture dongle, because that’s all I had at the time!
I have a Hero 5…. how are you able to connect the cables and leave the “case” on to mount it to the tripod?
never mind… I figured out how to remove the door
I recently bought A hero 8 with media mod. Part of the reason I got it was to enhance the webinars I am running these days. I have a new Macbook Air, so I got a micro HDMI to HDMI, Then a dongle that is HDMI to USB-c. I can’t seem to get it to work. I am a Luddite for sure, so I could use any tips you could provide to help me figure this out! Thanks in advance!
I have a 2013 imac, a gopro hero 7 black and a ‘USB 3.0 HDMI Capture 1080P low’. I cant seem to get any video to stream through facebook live, mediashout 6 or streamlabs. all of these programs let me select the ‘ezcap u3 capture’ option but the screen is simply black.
do you have any idea as to how i can fix this?
Hey, I just got the Hero 7 Silver version. Do you think it could work as a webcam by getting a USB Type-C to HDMI with the ElGato Chat Link?
Thanks!.
I have tried and failed. I can get my DSLR to work but not GOPRO. It just wont show a picture at all. I have all the correct cables, software and blackmagicdesign ultra studio recorder
Any suggestions?
The ultra studio recorder works with the GoPro Hero 5 Black, not the 7 for some reason. One forum post suggested it was the ultra studio recorder which couldn’t handle the 1080i output from the GoPro (it can only handle 1080p) so why does the older GoPro model work. The problem now is the GoPro 5 keeps switching off even though the Sleep is set to “Never”.
Hi Bryan,
Thank you for the instruction. For some reason (might be the pandemic) all the Cam Link 4K distributors in Australia are out stock. So, I wonder if you can suggest any other similar capture card! by the way, I need to connect 4 cameras simultaneously to my laptop (It is a Dell laptop with a thunderbolt port, so I imagine there is no bandwidth issue).
Cheers,
Iman
I have the Hero 7 i tried to connect the cam link 4k doing exactly everything you mentioned before to Live Stream on Ecamm and Cam Link Flash light for a second then go off…
i have the elgato video Capture app on my macbook pro
my cables HDMI Micro like i have everything i need and nothing so far.. 🙁
I was able to use my Hero3+ as a Video source in OBS. Question though, how do I remove all the status indicators such as “1080 Narrow,” the Wifi Indicator, and the Plug Indicator. These are all showing up as white text on my video.
Hi!
I had this same question as well and for the same model (Hero3+ Silver). I found there is an option in the settings menu titled OSD that allows you to turn on/off the on-screen display information. This may be a bit late and I hope you found the answer too, but for those who come across the same issue now we all know!
Dave,
Drill down into the Hero3+ settings menus and turn off the OSD (on screen display).
@Dave, Did you connect the Hero 3 via wifi or via cable?
I agree. At that price, seems like buying a new webcam is cheaper easier….
However, (end of July 2020) I’m seeing a lot of hdmi to USB capture cards in the $20-30 price range. The thing is, there are lots of variations.
hdmi – usb
hdmi – usb c
hdmi – usb 3
etc.
(found them scrolling down to related products in amazon)
Anyone try anything more affordable? Any pitfalls to avoid? Things that won’t work with gopro?
Hi, I use GoPro Hero Camera, My question is how to recover deleted photos from GoPro Camera? Can we use data recovery software such as Stellar Photo Recovery, Recuva, or any other. Thanks!
Hi. Excelent Post. I have an issue with this connection.
I have:
– Go Pro HERO 5 Black
– HDMI – Micro HDMI (connected to a USBC – Multiple Input adapter)
– Power cable
In one hand, I wonder to know if i can use this configuration by removing the Battery (for safety purposes).
In other hand, after configuring my camera (Live), I noted that the different apps (Google Meet, Skype, Zoom, Teams, WebEx, Discord, etc), recognize the camera, but no video is showed… this is something strange, but maybe there is something that I’m missing.
Do you know something that could help to trouble my issues ?
PD: Sorry for my english, is not my native language 😀
Hero 4 Silver has a micro HDMI port however it does not have “Preferences” menu and it does not allow to configure HDMI stream as live. I wonder if anyone has found a workaround?
Hello, I have hdmi port in my notebook.
Why I have to use cam link for much more money?
Is there any way to use gopro (HERO5) as webcam then use cam-link or any device hdmi to usb?
Could a less expensive video capture dongle work such as the LEADNOVO Audio Video Capture Card, HDMI to USB 3.0 [2020 New Upgrade], Full HD UP to 1080P 60fps Live Video Recorder Game Capture Card for Laptop High Definition Acquisition, Live Broadcasting from Amazon: hdmi capture usb 3?
so im trying to use my hero 4 silver, do I need that dongle? can I not just plug my hdmi end into a adapter to my usbc ports?
Hi there i have a gopro 9 im trying to set up for streaming through my MAC for zoom… i have all the gear you’ve suggested but the camera isn’t giving me the option in ‘preferences’ to change to HDMI output mode. Any suggestions?
Its better to use a decent camera instead of go pro with this setup…unless you have go pro lying around.you can get a decent camera for that kind of money