A global webcam shortage due to millions of people working from home during the coronavirus pandemic has pushed camera makers into action.

Canon and Fujifilm have already rolled out software updates to allow their cameras to be used as webcams when connected to a computer – something that was largely impossible before the pandemic.

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Panasonic Lumix GH5 4K Digital Camera, 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera with Digital Live MOS Sensor, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2.0, 4K 4:2:2 10-Bit Video, Full-Size HDMI Out, 3.2-Inch LCD, DC-GH5 (Black)

List Price: $1,297.99

New From: $1,297.99in Stock

Used From: $1,099.00in Stock

Now Panasonic has joined the party, adding a beta update to its Lumix Tether app which lets owners of certain mirrorless cameras use them as a webcam.

In hindsight, it is surprising that such a feature wasn't always part of digital camera software, given their vastly superior image quality over a dedicated webcam.

Regardless, the new Lumix Tether for Streaming software is now available. For Windows users only, it is free to download, and once installed your mirrorless Panasonic works as a webcam for video call applications like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams and more. You can also use the camera to stream live on services like YouTube and Twitch.

The software works with the following Panasonic cameras:

• DC-GH5
• DC-G9
• DC-GH5S
• DC-S1
• DC-S1R
• DC-S1H

Here are the computer requirements for the application:

• Windows 10 (32 or 64 bit)
• Intel CPU of 1GHz or higher
• 1024 x 768 pixel display or higher
• 1GB of RAM or higher for 32bit, 2GB or higher for 64 bit
• Free space of at least 200MB for installation
• USB 3.0/3.1 port

To get started you can download the software from here, and follow the instructions in Panasonic's video embedded below.