• Article ID 000044869
  • Date Published 17/03/2021
  • Date Last Updated 26/09/2023

Webcam Utility Software Compatibility and Troubleshooting

Webcam Utility lets specific Nikon cameras be used as a webcam when connected to a computer via USB. The camera will function as a webcam when “Webcam Utility” is selected as an external camera in a web conferencing app. To download the software click here.

Compatibility information
 
 WindowsMacintosh
Compatible OS
  • Microsoft Windows 11
  • Microsoft Windows 10 Home
  • Microsoft Windows 10 Home
  • Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
  • Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise
Note: Pre-installed versions. 64-bit edition (32-bit systems not supported).
  • macOS Ventura version 13
  • macOS Monterey version 12
  • macOS Big Sur version 11
Compatible cameras¹
  • Z 9, Z 8, Z 7II, Z 7, Z 6II, Z 6, Z 5, Z f, Z 50, Z 30, Z fc
  • D5, D6, D500, D750, D780, D810, D850, D3500, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7200, D7500
Image resolution²XGA output (1,024 x 768) 
  • Z 9, Z 8, Z 7II, Z 7, Z 6II, Z 6, Z 5, Z f, Z 50, Z 30, Z fc
  • D5, D6, D500, D780, D850, D7500
VGA output (640 x 480)
  • D750, D810, D3500, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7200
Compatible applications³Apps: 
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Skype
  • Zoom
  • Facebook Messenger
  • Google Meet
Intel CPU

Web version: 
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Skype
  • Zoom
  • Google Meet
  • Facebook Messenger
Safari is not supported, use Chrome.
    
App: 
  • Zoom
  • Facebook Messenger
Not compatible with applications that lack support for virtual cameras.

Apple Silicon CPU

Web version: 
  • Microsoft Teams 
  • Skype
  • Zoom
  • Facebook Messenger
  • Google Meet

Safari is not supported, use Chrome. Note that the Webcam Utility functions as a universal plugin and on Apple Silicon machines run as an Apple Silicon native app in the universal version of Chrome.
¹ Other Nikon cameras not listed above are not compatible with Webcam Utility.
² Some applications may use different aspect ratios; this can result in a black frame around the image.
³ Compatibility with applications not mentioned in this article has not been confirmed.


Troubleshooting

The camera is connected but there is no Live View?
  • When using a DSLR camera, check if the retractable lens barrel is retracted.
  • When using a DSLR camera, check if the aperture ring is stopped down to the minimum aperture.
  • When using a D750, D7500, D7200, D5600, D5500, D5300, or D3500, select P, S, A, or M mode.
  • When using a D750, D7500, D7200, D5600, D5500, D5300, or D3500 with a non-CPU lens, select M mode. 
  • When using a D5, D810, D750, D500, D7500, D7200, D5600, D5500, D5300, or D3500 with no memory card inserted, select Enable release for Slot empty release lock in the Setup menu.

Live View does not end automatically when the camera is turned off?
  • Turn the camera on and off again.

There is no sound in my streaming?
  • There is no audio feed coming from the camera since it is using a USB connection. Please use the microphone on your computer or an external microphone.

The image is too dark/too bright.
  • Adjust camera settings. You might not be able to make adjustments while the camera is connected to a computer. Before adjusting settings, turn the camera off and disconnect the USB cable.
  • Bear in mind that the color, brightness, and AF settings displayed in the online meeting application are the ones selected on the camera.

The camera turns itself off.
  • Check the battery: As the Live View increases the drain of the battery, always use a fully charged battery.
  • Check the camera’s temperature: After periods of extended use, the camera’s temperature may rise. Turn the camera off and wait for the camera to cool.

Powering the camera for continuous streaming
  • USB power is only supplied while the camera is used as a webcam with the Z 9, Z 8, Z 7II, Z 6II, Z 5, Z f, Z 30 and Z fc models.
  • Power connectors and AC adapters can be used to power some camera models for extended periods. The list of compatible accessories can be found here.

Webcam Utility does not show on the software list on my computer.
  • Webcam Utility is not a stand-alone software. You have to select your Nikon camera directly on the compatible web meeting app you are using. 

Can I take pictures and record movies while using the camera as a webcam?
  • It is not possible to record movies while outputting the signal. 
  • Images can be taken with the mechanical and silent shutter; a brief blackout will occur while the image is taken.

Why is the image on my screen mirrored/reversed?
User-added image
  • The image you see of yourself is mirrored by default in most webcam apps reproducing how we see ourselves when we look in a mirror. This can be turned off in the app's camera settings, but note that the image of you that webcam participants see is not mirrored. The reason for this is that when the image is not mirrored this can be disorientating as body movement is shown reversed i.e. when moving your right hand, this will show movement on the left of the image, which can be distracting when presenting.

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