Canon has released a new tool for its cameras that essentially allow any device to double like a webcam when connected to a Windows 10 PC.

In other words, your Canon DSLR can now be used as a webcam for everything on a Windows 10 computer, from streaming to YouTube to staying in touch with colleagues on apps like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

It's all powered by the new EOS Webcam Utility Beta, which is available for download from Canon and just requires users to merely connect the camera to the computer via USB.

"In unprecedented times, it's imperative for Canon to provide our customers with useful, simple and accessible solutions to assist them in whatever imaging needs they have," said Tatsuro "Tony" Kano, executive vice president from the Canon U.S.A., Inc. Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. "Our goal is the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software can help reduce some of the remote workday stress for employees who are tasked with video conferencing and virtual meetings."

Windows-only for now

The new software comes with support for EOS DSLR cameras (all models are listed within the photo in the gallery here), EOS Mirrorless cameras, and PowerShot models.

What's important to keep in your mind is the software is still a beta, so certain things might not work exactly as anticipated. However, judging in the first reviews posted by users who tried it out, everything works smoothly and obviously, the quality from the streaming is substantially improved.

Canon says that its software is only aimed at Windows for the time being, but versions for other operating systems, like macOS, aren't ruled out just yet.

"EOS Webcam Utility Beta software is compatible for Windows operating system only at this time. Versions for additional operating systems may be available at a later date," the company says.