GoPro的HERO 8 Black运动相机是该公司有史以来最精致的产品之一。这是从多代运动相机中汲取的经验教训的结晶。
现在，它是一款多功能相机，可提供4K分辨率、高帧速率、多种纵横比以及直接WiFi流媒体等功能。然而，GoPro继续为HERO 8添加新功能，这些新功能也将在其全新的HERO 9 Black相机中推出。
这两个摄像头共享的一个非常有趣的功能是有线网络摄像头功能。没错，您可以将高端运动GoPro摄像机用作Windows或 macOS 中的网络摄像头！让我们回顾一下您需要了解的内容。
为什么将 GoPro 用作网络摄像头？
为什么不直接使用普通的网络摄像头？简单地使用笔记本电脑内置的网络摄像头或普通的廉价USB(USB)网络摄像头并没有错。也就是说，如果您对他们的视频输出质量感到满意。即使是高端笔记本电脑也只提供带有微小针孔镜头的 720p 网络摄像头。合适的 1080p(Proper 1080p) 高清 USB(HD USB)网络摄像头也非常昂贵！鉴于您只能将它们用于一个目的。
如果您已经拥有GoPro Hero 8或更新版本，则无需花更多钱购买高质量的网络摄像头。您现在还拥有具有卓越视频质量的全高清摄像机。但是， GoPro(GoPro)成为优秀网络摄像头 的原因还有很多。
例如，您可以利用许多现有的GoPro安装解决方案来随意放置您的相机。您还可以使用任何受支持长度的USB C电缆，方便进行专业设置。
将GoPro HERO(GoPro HERO)用作网络摄像头(Webcam)需要什么
技术上可以使用比HERO 8更早的(HERO 8)GoPro摄像机作为网络摄像头，但前提是您还愿意购买一些昂贵的第三方配件。HERO 8和 9 现在支持将网络摄像头功能作为相机的原生功能。为了使用它，您需要以下内容：
- GoPro Hero 8 或 9 Black
- 安装在相机上的最新固件
- 用于连接计算机的合适USB C电缆(USB C)
- 适用于您操作系统的GoPro网络摄像头实用程序(GoPro)
就是这样！让我们继续阅读技术说明。
如何在Windows中将(Windows)GoPro HERO设置为网络摄像头(Webcam)
在您作为Windows用户继续之前，您需要知道适用于Windows的(Windows)GoPro网络摄像头实用程序仍是测试版软件。它可能还不如 macOS 版本稳定或兼容。这是做什么：
- 首先，在此处下载(here)Windows GoPro网络摄像头实用程序并进行安装。
- 该向导很简单，除非您愿意，否则您不必修改任何选项。
- 您需要批准虚拟网络适配器安装
- 最后，您的 PC 必须重新启动才能完成操作。
回到Windows后，您会在通知托盘中看到一个新的网络摄像头图标。
打开GoPro并将其连接到计算机。该图标现在应该显示一个小的蓝光。这意味着相机已连接并正在工作。您现在可以在Skype(Skype)或Teams等应用程序中选择它作为网络摄像头选项。
如何在 macOS 中将GoPro HERO 8和 9 设置为网络摄像头(Webcam)
macOS GoPro网络摄像头实用程序已经是最终的稳定软件。所以几乎所有用户都不应该遇到麻烦。让我们逐步完成设置。
- 首先，在此处下载 macOS GoPro网络摄像头实用程序并进行安装。
- 该向导很简单，除非您愿意，否则您不必修改任何选项。
- 您需要提供TouchID或管理员密码。
- 最后，您必须重新启动Mac才能完成操作。
当您再次登录 macOS 时，您应该会在通知区域中看到这个GoPro网络摄像头图标。(GoPro)这将是相机操作的状态指示灯。
您现在需要做的就是打开相机电源，使用USB C数据线将其连接到计算机，然后检查应用程序图标上是否出现蓝色指示灯。如果是这样，则您的GoPro处于网络摄像头模式！当您进行流式传输或录制时，该指示灯将变为红色。
现在，您应该在Skype或Microsoft Teams等应用程序中将(Microsoft Teams)GoPro作为外部网络摄像头选项！
重要的网络摄像头应用程序功能
无论(Whether)是在Windows还是 macOS 上，如果您右键单击网络摄像头应用程序图标，您可以访问一些重要功能：
- “数码镜头”可让您在宽、窄和线性视野之间切换。
- “显示预览”会打开一个窗口，向您显示相机视图的外观。
- 目前似乎只有 macOS 版本允许分辨率切换。
网络摄像头应用程序就是这样，它并不比此时需要的复杂。
这并不完美
虽然我们认为这个新功能很棒，但我们仍然希望看到一些改进和一些错误需要注意。
首先(First)，尽管Heros 8和 9 都支持直播，但没有无线网络摄像头功能。我们认为这将是一个杀手级功能，特别是因为它可以让相机在电池门关闭的情况下工作。允许在水下或恶劣条件下拍摄。
如果没有GoPro(GoPro)中的电池，我们也无法让网络摄像头模式工作。目前尚不清楚这是否是正常行为，但最好将GoPro电池放在手边，而不是在需要时无法将其用作网络摄像头。
可悲的是，也没有 4K 视频质量的选项。虽然出色的光学和完整的 1080p 图像仍然比典型的网络摄像头好得多，但不提供这些摄像头能够提供的 4K 质量似乎是一种耻辱。我们希望GoPro在未来能够实现更高的分辨率。
(Final Tips)充分利用GoPro 网络摄像头的(Your GoPro Webcam)最终提示
将GoPro用作外部网络摄像头可为您提供许多有趣的机会。我们在测试中使用了 USB 2.0 C-to-C 电缆，将 1080p 图像传输到计算机上没有问题。USB 2.0 Type-C 线缆最长可达 4 米。我们使用Oculus Quest(Oculus Quest)的 3 米USB-C电缆对此进行了测试，没有出现任何问题。
使用如此长的电缆，您可以有效地将相机放置在任何地方。我们始终推荐GoPro Jaws flex 夹(GoPro Jaws flex clamp)作为最通用的解决方案，但您可以将GoPro放在三脚架或任何其他兼容的支架上。它可以轻松进行物理演示、培训演示和任何其他需要更宽视野、可移动摄像头和空间的流媒体。
花点时间进行试验，您会发现将GoPro用作网络摄像头是标准USB网络摄像头的绝佳替代品。快乐流媒体！
How to Use GoPro HERO as a Webcam
GoPro’s HERO 8 Black action camera is one of the most refined products the company has ever created. It’s a culmination of lessons learned over many generations of action cameras.
Now it’s a versatile camera that offers 4K resolution, high frame rates, multiple aspect ratios and features such as direct WiFi streaming. However, GoPro has continued to add new features to the HERO 8, which are also available at launch in its brand new HERO 9 Black camera.
One very interesting ability these two cameras share is a wired webcam function. That’s right, you can use your high-end action GoPro cameras as a webcam in Windows or macOS! Let’s go over what you need to know.
Why Use a GoPro As a Webcam?
Why not just use a regular webcam? There’s nothing wrong with simply using the webcam built into your laptop or a normal cheap USB webcam. That is, if you’re OK with the quality of their video output. Even high-end laptops only offer 720p webcams with tiny pinhole lenses. Proper 1080p HD USB webcams are also pretty expensive! Given that you can only use them for one purpose.
If you’ve already got a GoPro Hero 8 or newer, then there’s no need to spend more money on a high-quality webcam. You now also have a full HD camera with exceptional video quality. But there are plenty of other reasons why a GoPro makes a good webcam.
For example, you can make use of the many existing GoPro mounting solutions to position your camera however you wish. You can also use any supported length of USB C cable, allowing for convenient professional setups.
What You Need to Use a GoPro HERO As a Webcam
It is technically possible to use GoPro cameras older than the HERO 8 as webcams, but only if you’re also willing to purchase several expensive third-party accessories. The HERO 8 and 9 now support the webcam function as a native feature of the camera. In order to make use of it, you’ll need the following:
- A GoPro Hero 8 or 9 Black
- The latest firmware installed on the camera
- A suitable USB C cable for connection to your computer
- The GoPro webcam utility for your operating system
That’s it! Let’s move on to the technical instructions.
How to Set Up a GoPro HERO As a Webcam in Windows
Before you go any further as a Windows user, you need to know that the GoPro webcam utility for Windows is still beta software. It may not be as stable or compatible as the macOS version yet. Here’s what to do:
- First, download the Windows GoPro webcam utility here and install it.
- The wizard is straightforward, you shouldn’t have to modify any options, unless you want to.
- You’ll need to approve a virtual network adapter installation
- Finally, your PC will have to restart to finalize the operation.
After you’re back in WIndows, you’ll see a new webcam icon in the notification tray.
Power on your GoPro and connect it to the computer. The icon should now display a small blue light. That means the camera is connected and working. You can now select it as a webcam option in applications like Skype or Teams.
How to Set Up a GoPro HERO 8 & 9 As a Webcam in macOS
The macOS GoPro webcam utility is already final, stable software. So almost all users should not run into trouble with it. Let’s go through the setup step by step.
- First, download the macOS GoPro webcam utility here and install it.
- The wizard is straightforward, you shouldn’t have to modify any options, unless you want to.
- You’ll need to provide TouchID or your administrator password.
- Finally, you’ll have to restart your Mac to finalize the operation.
When you log into macOS again, you should see this GoPro webcam icon in the notification area. This will be the status indicator for the camera’s operation.
All you need to do now is power on your camera, connect it to the computer with a USB C cable and check if a blue indicator light appears on the app icon. If it does, your GoPro is in webcam mode! That light will turn red when you’re streaming or recording.
Now you should have the GoPro as an external webcam option in applications like Skype or Microsoft Teams!
Important Webcam App Functions
Whether on Windows or macOS, if you right-click on the webcam app icon you can access some important features:
- “Digital Lens” lets you switch between wide, narrow and linear fields of view.
- “Show Preview” opens a window to show you what the camera view looks like.
- Currently only the macOS version seems to allow resolution switching.
That’s about it for the webcam app, which is no more complex than it needs to be at this point.
It’s Not Perfect
While we think this new functionality is brilliant, there are still some things we’d like to see improved and a few bugs to be aware of.
First of all, despite both the Heros 8 & 9 supporting live streaming, there’s no wireless webcam functionality. We think this would be a killer feature, especially since it would allow the camera to work with its battery door closed. Allowing for underwater or harsh condition filming.
We also were not able to get webcam mode to work without a battery in the GoPro. It’s unclear if this is normal behavior, but it’s best to keep your GoPro battery on-hand rather than be unable to use it as a webcam when you need it.
Sadly, there is also no option for 4K video quality. While the fantastic optics and full 1080p image is still much better than the typical webcam, it seems a shame to not offer the 4K quality these cameras are capable of. We hope GoPro makes higher resolutions possible in the future.
Final Tips For Getting the Most Out of Your GoPro Webcam
Using a GoPro as an external webcam gives you a number of interesting opportunities. We used a USB 2.0 C-to-C cable in our testing and it had no trouble carrying the 1080p image to the computer. USB 2.0 Type-C cables can be up to 4 meters in length. We tested this with a 3 meter USB-C cable from the Oculus Quest and there were no issues.
With such a long cable you can effectively put the camera anywhere. We always recommend the GoPro Jaws flex clamp as the most versatile solution, but you can put your GoPro on a tripod or any other compatible mount. It makes it easy to do physical presentations, training demonstrations and any other type of streaming that requires a wider view, a movable camera, and space.
Take the time to experiment and you’ll find that using your GoPro as a webcam is an amazing alternative to standard USB webcams. Happy streaming!
