It did not work out. Or rather, I could not get a result I was happy with.
What I tried, take 1
- Installed EOS Webcam Utility
- Bought this sketchy adapter that plugs into a power source -> https://amzn.to/3avKj1z
- Plugged the adapter into a power bank I had lying around and used it as the X7i’s battery
- Careful not to forget to close the battery compartment door. If the door is open, it will not work as a battery.
- Connected it to my Mac via Mini-B USB
- In Zoom, selected EOS Webcam Utility under Preferences-Video
- The picture shows up, but black bars appear on the left and right.
- You can crop them out in OBS and the like, but that just feels wrong—would it not be better to simply buy a decent webcam? -> This is where I am now!
- Apparently this issue is reported all over foreign forums, but in the Japanese-speaking web there are only “EOS Webcam Utility works!” posts. (sob)
What I tried, take 2
- Followed an article I happened to stumble upon
- https://dev.classmethod.jp/articles/want-to-zoom-bae-use-of-old-digital-camera-without-captureboard/
- It does work flawlessly as far as it goes, but the black bars on both sides never went away.
Conclusion
It is most likely an issue with the camera itself, so instead of using it as a webcam, I will just use it as a regular DSLR. Better to leave things to the specialists—I will go look for a proper, decent webcam.