Comment by jjcob

Comment by jjcob a day ago

12 replies

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In case you are considering Nikon as an alternative, their Webcam Utility might be free, but it doesn't work on the latest version of macOS.

There are 3rd party utilities (paid), but I had trouble with autofocus when I tried them.

I wish camera manufacturers put half as much effort into usability as smartphone companies. Why does a camera need drivers to be recognized as a webcam at all? Why doesn't my 2000€ camera come with GPS and LTE built in? Why is the software still as crappy as in the 90ies?

a-french-anon a day ago

> Why doesn't my 2000€ camera come with GPS and LTE built in?

2 seconds later on HN: why does my 2000€ camera spies on me? If you want a smartphone, use one, leave us be with our sane tools.

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  • jjcob a day ago

    The problem is that right now, you need to install a Nikon Spyware app on your smartphone if you want geotagged photos.

    If the camera had GPS built-in, you could have geo-tagged photos without needing spyware on your phone.

    Geotagged photos are extremely useful, there's a reason why they sell GPS dongles for cameras. Cameras really should have that built-in (and I think the top-of-the-line models do)

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tobyhinloopen a day ago

Modern Sony cameras can be used as webcam without any software. Just plug in, select usb streaming, and done.

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  • matwood a day ago

    Sonys are some of the better cameras for software, but that's a low bar. I love my Nikons for picture taking though.

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    • tobyhinloopen a day ago

      Nikon has been killing it lately. Z8, Z9, Z6iii, lots of cool lenses! If you're in the market for a full frame body and "the holy trinity" (16-35, 24-70, 70-200 F/2.8), you can't go wrong with any of the major 3. They're all very competitive.

      (but I would go with the Sony because I like their designs the most, Nikon would be my 2nd choice)

      Nikon users are missing out on a 16-35 2.8 though, but I'm sure Nikon is working on it.

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      • matwood a day ago

        I've only ever used Nikon starting with a D40 ~20 years ago. I regularly still use my D7100, but primarily use my Z5. The only time I'm ever envious of another camera system is when connection options like this come up. But then I go out and take pictures and I'm reminded why I'm probably Nikon for life :)

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rozenmd a day ago

I'm running my full frame Nikon DSLR as a webcam using a $15 USB to HDMI dongle - works great.

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  • calgoo a day ago

    Same, i also got a "remote clicker" cable, and have modified the button to always stay pressed, so it does not switch off after MAX_TIME (camera model D3300)

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matwood a day ago

Wow, you made me go check and Nikon still hasn't fixed the software. Supported OS:

macOS Ventura version 13 macOS Monterey version 12 macOS Big Sur version 11

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stray 20 hours ago

Nikon's HDMI output works just fine on MacOS.

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  • jjcob 20 hours ago

    Yes, but that requires extra hardware.

    I wish Nikon would just include useful features like USB webcam mode out of the box.

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