Webcams are a great way to make Internet communication more personal. To start video conferencing, video chatting or even broadcasting events live over the Internet, you don't need to own a webcam. Many digital cameras cannot only function as a webcam, but function better than most designated webcams.
Check the manual of your digital camera to see if it can be used as a webcam. Many digital cameras have this functionality and even come with webcam software. If your camera didn't come with webcam software, use a third party web cam application such as SarmSoft WebCam. Find SarmSoft WebCam at ShareUp.com.
Plug your digital camera's power adapter into the camera. Some won't function as a webcam unless they are plugged into A/C power. Even if your digital camera functions as a webcam while on batteries, A/C power saves your batteries and prevents your camera from shutting off in the middle of a broadcast.
Connect a video cable into your digital camera's video "out" port. Your camera likely came with a cable made for connecting it to a to a video source. Plug the other end of the video cable into your video card's video "in" port.
Set up your camera as close to your monitor as possible. This allows better face to face communication.
Position yourself about 2 to 3 feet away from your digital camera. Most digital camera's focus best at this distance when used as a webcam.
Use a separate microphone if your digital camera doesn't transmit sound when used as a webcam. Plug the microphone into the microphone jack of your sound card.