DSLR Webcam Video Marketing for Business/Entrepreneurs
Fun facts about how I:
- spend 25+ hours weekly on Zoom and other video.
- have done more than 1700 video interviews with guests.
- almost NEVER use the phone.
- send a TON of correspondence to folks via VIDEO – NOT text emails.
- amaze people with my video quality, and ask how I do it.
If people are acting like they aren't really connecting with you and they do stuff like ‘ghost' you, then it's because you aren't building a strong enough connection with them.
Use video for everything that you possibly can.
“But, Josh… I'm afraid of video.” I get it… but while you are resisting growing beyond your fear you are…
- losing sales.
- missing out on opportunities.
- hampering your business growth.
Why??
Simply put… video is currently the highest touch medium you can offer via the web (until we adapt to more VR options).
As a consumer expert of more than 13 years, I can tell you that consumers have lost patience with reading text emails and long pages of text (even scanning this article is pretty taxing for most people – which is why I try to break up what I'm saying into bullet points, short paragraphs, etc…).
We (as consumers) have short attention spans like never before. If you are communicating via your voice transmitted on a phone, then you have no idea what each other are doing – so their mind and attention is likely wandering.
Additionally… Consider the power of non-verbal & HOW you communicate over the actual words you use. You are likely familiar with the studies. Thanks to BombBomb for this graphic.

Verbal vs non-verbal communication
The question to ask yourself is… How are you maxing out what you know about communication in your business? So – this brings me to the subject of how seriously you treat video in your business. Are you judged based on…
- how you speak in your video? Yes.
- your facial expressions in your video? Yes.
- what you are wearing, what your hair looks like, and what's in your background? Yes.
- the quality of your video & audio? Yes.
On this last one, I should point out that poor quality not only communicates the level of professionalism in your brand, but poor quality video and audio will also irritate people to the point of tuning out – or prematurely ending your communication.
We use a TON of video on UpMyInfluence.
How to run a DSLR camera as a webcam…
![Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] with 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS Sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF - Black](https://upmyinfluence.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/q-1.jpg)
Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] with 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS Sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF – Black
The hardware:
My webcam is a DSLR camera. I use a Canon 80D – which I love with a couple of issues I note below.
If you are going to invest extra money in a DSLR camera, perhaps get a less expensive camera with clean HDMI out – and invest in better glass… i.e. a GREAT lens.
For video, I like a narrow depth of field – much like you'll see on TV – where the background is all blurred – giving a nice bokeh effect. After talking with several friends, I chose the Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM ART prime lens. It provides a better value than the Canon lens, IMO, and the quality is spectacular. Have a look at my YouTube videos. The quality of this one is a good representation.
Update: Achieving balanced lighting was something I was after – so I upgraded to a wide lighting bar… the Epikos lightbar from PlanLED. The quality is impeccable – compared to having directional lighting aimed at me.
Audio:
Here's a video tour
Sound Treatment
When it comes to audio… great studios feature sound clarity. Think of what it feels like inside a studio – or at the audiologist.
It's a huge difference when you can remove room effects such as reverberation, echoes, room flutter, sound intensity, etc. The treatment that you see in the video takes care of that. I feel a sense of calm in my office, now. It's like being in a pillow fort.
When you create an acoustically clean environment, you ensure a more professional outcome for recording/ broadcasting/ detailed listening and more.
I achieved sound success with help from Mitch Zlotnik – who owns Audimute. Mitch is a good guy if you're ready to take that next step. I took him on a tour of the space with my phone and he recommended the right type and position of sound treatment to ensure high-quality audio for my podcasts, recordings, listening, and editing and engineering:
- Audimute Absorption Sheets – Easy to use, Effective, Affordable
- Audimute AcoustiColor Absorption Panels (HD Series) – Minimally invasive acoustic wall panels, durable, tackable, easy to hang
This was my FIRST go-around. Here's what's on my dream shopping list for the next version:
- Audimute AcoustiWood Absorption Panels – A corner to corner wall design of innovative, acoustic treatment that looks like wood! That will replace the sheets I currently have.
Audimute does free consultations – you'll just do a Zoom or facetime call and walk them around your space. 866-505-MUTE or here: https://www.audimute.com/free-room-analysis
Disclosure: If you do business with Mitch @ Audimute, I'll likely be able to earn my way to those wood panels if you mention me! 😍
The software:
I've been a Mac user for over a decade. I recently started using a PC, as well, because the Mac solutions are just more limited. I'll explain how to best do this on each OS.
Mac:
– Camera Live turns the USB signal into a usable Syphon Source
Adding your webcam source and adding a lower-third, screenshare, branding, background:
Option 1: Paid (Easy) – ManyCam
Option 2: Free (Harder) – OBS
PC:
USB through the Canon Webcam utility:
Some things you should know regarding HDMI output…
Other software I use (a lot):
Other tips for video:
Your appearance:
Firstly, you need to be aware of what you look like. Dress in something appropriate for the occasion but also comfortable that way you can put all your attention on your guest. You are being judged harshly on everything – so own your brand. Make sure the placement of the camera is set straight on your face (or slightly above) and that you aren't sitting to close to the camera. Obey the rule of thirds.
Finally:
Note: I hope you don't mind me using affiliate links in this article – if you found my work and research helpful. I'll buy my team some presents. You can Google anything above if I was only so-so helpful. 😇