Need Clean Feed Out of EOS-7D
For Live Stream Video

by Joe W
(Virginia)

Canon 7D Camera

Hello, I seem to be in a bot of a mess. I have a Canon 7D I got back in 2012, and it still works great, accept the card reader for the camera. The pins got bent and broken. I was hoping I could still use it as a streaming camera since the picture is so good. But I have a few problems. I can't get a clean feed out because the camera says it needs a card. And when I put one it at just throughs up a sign saying the card can not be read. I was thinking maybe a software update could work, but I cant update with a card, and when I tried the computer using EOS Utility, the update function is disabled. I have a feeling that is because there is no card being read. All I want from this camera is to get a clean feed without needing a card in it. What are my options? am I backed in a corner to where all I can do is try to have the card reader in camera fixed?

Let me know what you think!

Thanks!
Joe W

Hi Joe, sorry for your troubles with your 7D, livestreaming, and memory card slot issues.

There are many readers of the Canon Geek blog who have asked about using their Canon cameras as webcams, particularly since the pandemic came out. Many people want to video chat and meet or interact socially through their computers. Many Canon shooters have tried to use the Canon software (or other) without success, particularly when they're using an older camera like the 7D.


Unfortunately, I think you'd be better off replacing your 7D. That camera was released in 2009. That's ancient in digital camera world. Canon repair centers won't even touch it, so it may be challenging to find someone who will be able to fix your EOS 7D. It would cost way more to repair it than to buy another. If you love the camera you can buy another used 7D for dirt cheap on ebay or from my favorite source for used gear, KEH in excellent condition. Or, you can update to a newer Canon camera that can live stream.

It's probably not the answer you were hoping for, but I don't have a good work around for using your 7D for live streaming video.

Good luck, let me know what you decide to do.
Bruce