How To Use Hero5 As A Webcam - GoPro Step By Step Guide

Table of Contents

You might want to use your GoPro as a traditional webcam for video conferencing, Zoom meetings, classes, or virtual cocktail hours. Or maybe you’re a teacher looking to record classes or tutorials or a vlogger trying to build a following. Using a dedicated camera rather than your computer’s built-in camera can give you potentially higher video quality, gives you much more control over positioning, and the GoPro’s very wide field of view is great for including a lot more scenes in the shot, say, a room view or maybe a cooking class.

Which Go Pro Hero5 You Can Use As A Webcam?

The very first thing we need to know while selecting the suitable GoPro Hero5 Camera we need to specify that there are two models of Go Pro Hero5,

a) GoPro Hero5 Black

b) GoPro Hero5 Session

Among these two models, only Go Pro Hero5 Black is compatible to be used as a webcam. The Reason Go Pro Hero5 Session doesn’t suit as a webcam is because it doesn’t have the HDMI port that we need to make it work.

What Are the Features of Go Pro Hero5 Black

We thought it would be better if we knew about the features of Go Pro Hero5 Black. The Go Pro Hero5 Black is a top-of-the-line digital camera perfect for capturing action shots and as a webcam. It has many features that set it apart from other digital cameras, including:

A 12-megapixel camera that captures stunning images and videos.
4K video recording capabilities allow you to capture video in high definition.
Automatic image stabilization ensures that your videos are smooth and steady even when moving around.
A touchscreen interface makes it easy to control the camera and view your photos and videos.
The ability to connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allows you to share your photos and videos with others easily.
A waterproof design allows you to use the camera in wet environments without fear of damage.
A rechargeable battery that provides up to 2 hours of recording time.
The ability to mount the camera on various surfaces, including helmets, bikes, and cars.
A variety of shooting modes allow you to capture different types of footage.
The ability to store up to 128GB of data on the camera’s internal memory.

How to Use GoPro Hero5 Black As a Webcam

Before you start using the camera as a webcam, you will need some extra hardware to make it work.

HDMI to USB Video Converter: Go Pro Hero5 Black has a built-in HDMI port you will connect the camera to your TV or Computer. However, for your computer to utilize that video signal, it must be converted into a format that the computer can understand. An HDMI-to-USB video capture device can help with this. These are little gadgets that connect your camera to your computer. The HDMI signal from the GoPro HERO5 Black is converted to a USB signal by this device.

You can connect your laptop to a TV or projector using an HDMI connector found on several laptops and notebooks. It is useful for displaying Powerpoint presentations on large screens or watching a movie on a large-screen TV. However, HDMI connections are often used for output rather than input. So, it would be best if you had it on your computer.

HDMI Cable With Micro-HDMI Connector: You’ll probably need to buy an HDMI cable separately because video capture devices don’t normally come with one. HDMI connectors come in various shapes and sizes, similar to USB connectors. A micro-HDMI connector is required for the HDMI port on the HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black.

The end with the smaller connector (the micro-HDMI end) plugs into the camera’s HDMI port (, the smaller one, immediately next to the USB-C port). The HDMI capture equipment is connected to the end with a bigger connector. The capture device is then plugged into a USB port on the PC.

How to Set Up

The setup is pretty straightforward once you’ve got the capture device and the HDMI cable. Here’s the process:

Set the Output Type

First, turn on the camera, go to the camera’s settings, select Preferences, Scroll down to Input/Out, and change the HDMI Output setting to Live.

You can also use the Monitor Setting or Media. With that set, you can turn off the camera again.

Connect the HDMI Cable

Turn off the camera and plug the HDMI cable into the camera and the capture device. It’s not technically a requirement, but sometimes video streams may not switch over properly.

Change the Input Video and Audio Sources in Your Software

Whatever software you’re planning to use the camera with, change the video source and audio source to the capture device. Precisely how you do that varies by software or service.

Now you have it. Start using your GoPro Hero5 Black as a webcam. You can start doing Zoom Conferences or business meetings, streaming for YouTube or other streaming platforms.

Why Go Pro Hero5 Is a Good Fit As a Webcam

If you’re a content creator, there’s a good chance you’ve considered using a GoPro as a webcam. The GoPro Hero5 Black is a great option for several reasons.

First, the Hero5 Black is capable of capturing a 4K video. You can use it to record high-quality videos for your webcasts or live streams.

Second, the Hero5 Black is a small and lightweight camera. That makes it easy to transport and set up, even if you’re traveling.

Third, the Hero5 Black has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. That means you can easily connect it to your computer or laptop as a webcam.

Fourth, the Hero5 Black has a wide field of view. You can easily capture a wide shot of your surroundings, perfect for live streaming.

Finally, the Hero5 Black is an affordable option. That makes it a great choice for content creators on a budget.

So, if you’re looking for a webcam capable of capturing high-quality video, is easy to transport and set up, and is affordable, the GoPro Hero5 Black is a great option.

What Are The Benefits Of Using GoPro Hero5 Black As A Webcam?

Using your GoPro Hero5 Black for your computer lets, you get more usage from your investment. In contrast, it allows you to record in full High Definition and use the other features that come with it, such as the ability to use the wider angle lens that is often compromised on most traditional webcams available today.

The pixel and color clarity on the GoPro Hero5 Black range generally far exceed those found on available webcams.

With the proper setup, you can make a much more professional appearance and record when using visual platforms such as Google Meetings, GoToMeeting, Skype, etc. If you are someone that enjoys gaming and who wants to stream tier gaming onto the internet, this setup will have you looking like a professional presenter.

Firstly you will need to make sure that your GoPro Hero5 Black is in good condition and records well in other environments, as it will need to work correctly for it to be repurposed for your webcam needs. The benefits of using this model are that you can use the Super Wide and Ultra Wide settings, which may enhance your recordings depending on your use. These instructions will also work for the Hero6 and Hero4 range of cameras.

Considering that most home computers run at 1080p video standard, using your GoPro Hero5 Black will get 120 frames per second on both the Hero4 and Hero5 Black models. 120 frames per second will give you a good, clear, crisp resolution as you would expect from using the GoPro normally. Lesser models will drop your frame rate per second and may not be of the high standard quality that you are seeking.

GoPro Hero5 Black As A Webcam for Zoom Meetings Or Video Streaming

People have been trapped in their houses for almost two years because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Most of the work is being done from home with video conferencing. People use video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Facebook Meeting, Skype, or Google Meet for virtual meetings.

People use their phone cameras or PC cameras to chat face-to-face. But if you have a low-resolution camera, it feels weird while other chat members’ pictures are crystal clear. So, if you have a GoPro Hero5 Black action camera, it would be an excellent choice to use it as a webcam. Not just live meetings, If you want to be a streamer, you can use GoPro Hero5 Black as your streaming device.

Final Thought

We hope you understand How to Use GoPro Hero5 As A Webcam. We tried to discuss the solution in detail so that you can get an instant solution. If you still can’t figure out how to do that, it would be best if you talked to an expert.

You May Like To Read Also:

Author

Alex Parker

View all posts