Old digital cameras are making a weird comeback, with shipments of built-in-lens digital cameras growing 29.6 percent in 2025 to approximately 2.44 million units, projected to increase an additional 13.6 percent in 2026.
If you have an old camera lying around, it can be used as a webcam. Many older DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and compact cameras offer improved low-light performance, framing control, and natural background blur compared to laptop webcams.
Check your camera model against manufacturer compatibility lists. Supported models include Canon's EOS 6D and EOS Rebel T6, Nikon's D5300 and D750 with its Webcam Utility, and Sony's A5100, A7 II, and RX100 IV with Imaging Edge Webcam. Setup involves installing software, connecting via USB, and selecting the camera in apps like Zoom or Google Meet.
If USB isn't supported, cameras with clean HDMI output can work via a capture device, but consider costs: Elgato's Cam Link 4K is $99.99, while the Anker PowerConf C200 webcam costs $60. Also check resale value, as older digicams like the Canon PowerShot S95 have increased in value.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing