Good news for Nikon photographers using Mac systems (but also for Windows users): after the release of the beta version of the software some time ago Nikon Webcam Utility , initially with support only for PC systems with Microsoft Windows operating system, in recent days Nikon has made available for download the official version of the software, which now also includes support for computers with operating system from Apple.

Webcam Utility (Windows) is now version 1.0.1, while Webcam Utility (Mac) is version 1.0.0. Click on the respective links to directly access the download page in Italian language .

The Nikon camera becomes a webcam

The software task is simple, but definitely useful, also given the return to lockdown in some areas and the consequent need for videochat and videoconferencing , perhaps supported by a higher quality than that made available by webcams built into laptops: Webcam Utility allows you to use a Nikon camera as a webcam when connected to a computer via USB .

Once the software is installed the camera will function as a webcam when “Webcam Utility” is selected as an external camera in a web conferencing app. The app has been tested with the following videoconferencing systems: Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Google Meet on Windows .

Regarding Apple systems, there are a couple of caveats in the system requirements:

?? Web version : Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, Google Meet and Facebook Messenger. Safari is not supported ; use Chrome.

?? App : Zoom and Facebook Messenger. Not compatible with applications that do not have support for virtual cameras.

Regarding compatible cameras, here is the list provided by Nikon: Z 7II, Z 7, Z 6II, Z 6, Z 5, Z 50, D6, D5, D 850, D 810, D 780, D 750, D 500, D 7500, D 7200, D 5600, D 5500, D 5300 and D 3500 .

The Japanese manufacturer also adds a series of notes relating to use, which we report in full:

?? Select mode P, S, A or M when using a D 750, D 7500, D 7200, D 5600, D 5500, D 5300 or D 3500.

?? Camera microphones are not supported . Use an external microphone or the microphone supplied with your computer.

?? If live view ends prematurely, choose higher values ​​for Auto off delay. monitor> Live view in camera menus.

?? The live view displays for D 810, D 750, D 7200, D 5600, D 5500, D 5300 and D 3500 They are small.

?? The camera temperature may rise and live view may end after long periods of use. Wait for the camera to cool down.

?? Using live view increases the consumption of the rechargeable battery .

? ? Close Nikon Transfer 2 and Camera Control Pro 2 before connecting to the camera.

?? When accessing the Webcam Utility from multiple web conferencing apps at the same time, live view will only be available for one app.

? ? When using Nikon Transfer 2 or Camera Control Pro 2, terminate the connection to “Webcam Utility” in the web conferencing app.

?? You may not be able to adjust camera settings while the camera is connected to a computer. Before adjusting settings, turn the camera off and disconnect the USB cable.

?? The frame size is 1. 024 x 768 pixels (XGA) . Some web conferencing applications may use different aspect ratios.

?? After establishing a connection to the camera, be careful not to remove the memory card while the memory card access lamp is on .

?? Live view may not end automatically when the live view sleep timer expires.

?? Live view may not end when the camera is turned on and off. Turn the camera off and then on again.

?? The camera may not exit PC mode when the web conferencing app closes. PC mode can be terminated by disconnecting the USB cable.