Use Your Camcorder as a Webcam: Follow This Easy Process

There's no need to buy a special Web cam for your computer. In fact, you can easily turn your Handycam into one with just the cables that came in the same box. It's so simple, even I managed to do it, and that is saying something for a terribly non-techie person.

The first thing you need to do is check that you have the right software installed. For my camera, a Sony Digital 8 HandyCam, that was Picture Package. The disc ought to come with your camcorder. If it didn't or you've lost the disc, you can do a quick search on Google to find what you need.

Next, you will need to hook your camera up to your computer. Use the USB cord for this (that would be the one with the rectangle end, one half blocked off) and plug it into the computer. Most computers have at least a couple of USB ports available in front for easy access. Plug the other end into your video camera and you are almost ready to go!

Turn your camera on and you should see a "New Hardware Found" bubble pop up in the lower right hand part of your screen. That means your computer recognizes the camera, which is good. This will only happen when you turn your camera on.

Now, to test. Go into your favourite messenger system that has webcam options (should be all, I use Windows Live Messenger) and start up a chat with someone. Click on the webcam button to start broadcasting your video. This should all happen automatically. If it doesn't work, you will get an error message that will tell you what is wrong . . . usually a bad connection or your software isn't installed correctly.

A few tips . . . if you want to video call someone, get a headset with a microphone since using speakers can cause a lot of feedback which is really annoying. Also, adjust your zoom and camera angle (a bag of rice is perfect for balancing the camera safely on top of your monitor) so that your whole face is visible. You may need to set up a lamp near your workspace if there isn't much light, so the other person can see you.

Turning your video camera into a webcam is a great way to save a few bucks (provided you already have a camcorder!) and can be nice because you can actually film stuff and then play it back. The advantages to this are many. Plus, it is really simple . . . even I could do it, so go ahead and hook your camcorder up today.