EOS Rebel T7 will not link with EOS webcam utility

[dandman1]

I want to use my EOS Rebel T7 camera to shoot a podcast but when I hook it up to the computer using the HDMI cord and the EOS webcam app, the only picture I get on the app is a black screen that says EOS WEBCAM UTILITY, which is also the only thing showing up on my streaming app. The camera's viewfinder is showing the image I'm filming, but it won't link to the computer program. I don't think it's a bad HDMI cord, or the black screen wouldn't show up with the message. I've tried two computers, updated them both twice and re-downloaded the EOS app twice, with no results. What am I missing?

[Waddizzle]

You are supposed to use a USB cable with the Webcam Utility.  

[dandman1]

Thank you so much for responding. Your solution did not work, however. Another 20 bucks spent on yet another adapter! I'm beginning to think I bought a lemon of a camera. The experience has been beyond frustrating, making me question my life choices up to this point of my existence. Canon support absolutely sucks, and getting ahold of a real human being who understands the product and wants to help is next to impossible. Thanks again for volunteering a solution. I truly do appreciate getting a response of any kind.

[Stephen]

Hi.

I apologize if you're having trouble reaching support. Our phone number is 1-800-OK-CANON (800-652-2666). 

The issue you're facing is that the HDMI port on your camera is output-only, not input. That means if you're trying to connect your camera's HDMI to anything other than an input, it will not work.

If you're trying to stream with your camera, you have one option for video without the camera's display: the EOS Webcam Utility. It uses the camera's USB output, not the HDMI output. You can learn more about the EOS Webcam Utility at https://canon.us/ewu 

[dandman1]

Thank you for your response. I've ordered (hopefully) the correct cable to add to my ever-growing  computer, TV, video, audio, camera, charging, game-controller cable collection, and we'll see if it works once it has arrived. As is, apparent, I'm a complete beginner to operating any camera that isn't attached to my phone. In my defense, there is little to no information in the Cannon camera instructions regarding what cable to use for transferring information to your computer, what port does what for what purpose, etc. It's been overwhelming and frustrating trying to get started. Thanks for your input and let's hope it works out. I'll let you know either way.