Can I stream video with a Nikon D100?

[skinnedknuckles]

I've heard that even older DSLR cameras produce better streaming video than most webcams. A used Nikon D100 body can go for $50 - $75 on ebay these days. I'd like to pair one with a Sigma High-Speed wide 28mm 1:1.8 and put it behind my monitor to function as a webcam. I'm hoping to get some bokeh effect with the f=1.8 aperture.

Will I be able to stream video with a Nikon D100? I'm not sure if I need a capture card device but I already have a USB capture card that accepts HDMI input.

[Manfred M]

Short answer is no.

The first Nikon DSLR that had video capability was the D90. In order to stream video, the camera needs to have LiveView functionality (mirror locks up out of the way) and video output.

Even the D90 is marginal for this type of work as sensor overheating was a common issue with a lot of DSLRs operating in LiveView mode. They were limited to around 30 minutes of video output before they would shut down.

This is a problem with a lot of modern mirrorless cameras as well. Panasonic has implemented active sensor cooling (fan with heat exchanger) on their recent S1 and S5 cameras. This runs when shooting in video mode.