How can I use my Samsung camcorder as a webcam?

If you are like me you have a lot of friends that have moved away from home, and are living thousands of kilometers away, or you have friends that you went to university with that are all living in different places. I personally hate phones and instant messaging but when you combine their features with a webcam, it is almost like you are hanging out with those friends again. You can see them, their families, their messy rooms. It makes chatting a lot more fun. Downside is you need a webcam and the best webcams have quality issues.  So I found a way to use my camcorder as a webcam.

Step 1: What do you need?

Most Samsung digital video camcorders and a some Hi-8 camcorders can be used as a webcam. Once you've installed the camcorder driver, you're only a step away from sharing streaming video with friends and family.

Note: the camcorder driver can be found on the disc provided with your purchase or on the Samsung Support website by searching for your devices model code under Manuals & Downloads.

You will also need to obtain webcam software. There are many popular and free websites that provide webcam software and video calling.

After installing the camcorder driver and webcam software please follow these instructions:

• Connect your camcorder to the PC using USB cable 

• Power-on the camcorder and activate REC mode 

• Windows will detect the device. Note: if you are using a DuoCam, you must use the camcorder side 

• Launch your webcam software 

• Your video will begin streaming

For more information regarding webcam usage or troubleshooting, you must refer to the manual for the software you are using.  Samsung does not support webcam software.

Note: with the exception of zoom +/-, all buttons become inoperable when using your camcorder as a webcam.

Step 2:  What do you need?

You will need:

• A Camcorder (Firewire or Analog)
• A Firewire Card (For Firewire Camcorder)
• A Video Capture Card or TV Tuner (For an Analog Camcorder)

A way to connect the Camcorder to the corresponding cards.

The Eagletron TrackerCam Software.

Go to trackerCam http://www.trackercam.com/TCamWeb/download.htm to download it, it is a free download. You need additional hardware to get full use of the software, but for a basic webcam this software is enough.