Using iPhone/iPad as Main Camera in OBS Studio and Streamlabs

Using your iPhone or iPad as the main camera in OBS Studio and Streamlabs can be a great way to improve your live streams, video conferences, or content creation. This tutorial will guide you through various methods to achieve this on both Windows and macOS. We'll cover three primary approaches: using the built-in tools like Camera for OBS, third-party apps like NDI, and USB connections.

Method 1: Using Camera for OBS (iOS)

1. Install OBS Camera for iOS: Download and install the "Camera for OBS Studio" app from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Connect to OBS: Ensure your iPhone or iPad and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open OBS Studio on your computer.
3. Add a New Video Source: In OBS Studio, click the "+" button in the "Sources" section. Select "iOS Camera" from the list.
4. Configure the Source: A window will appear with options to select your device. Choose your iPhone or iPad. You can adjust settings like resolution and frame rate as needed.
5. Position and Resize: Drag the video source to position it on your scene. Resize it as necessary to fit your layout.
6. Start Streaming: When you're ready, click the "Start Streaming" button in OBS Studio to use your iPhone or iPad as the main camera.

Method 2: Using NDI (iOS and macOS)

This method involves using the NewTek NDI app on your iOS device and the NDI plugin in OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS.

1. Install NewTek NDI Tools: Download and install "NewTek NDI Tools" on your macOS computer and "NDI|HX Camera" on your iOS device from the App Store.
2. Enable NDI Output on iPhone/iPad: Open the NDI|HX Camera app on your iOS device. Tap the gear icon to access settings and enable NDI output.
3. Set Up OBS: In OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS, install the NDI plugin if you haven't already.
4. Add NDI Source: Click the "+" button in the "Sources" section. Choose "NDI Source."
5. Configure NDI Source: Name your source. Select the NDI source from your iOS device in the "Source Name" dropdown.
6. Position and Resize: Adjust the source's position and size as needed.
7. Start Streaming: Click the "Start Streaming" button to use your iPhone or iPad as the main camera.

Method 3: Using USB Connection (iOS)

This method requires a USB cable and the use of OBS Camera for iOS:

1. Install OBS Camera for iOS: Download and install "Camera for OBS Studio" from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Connect via USB: Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Select USB Camera: Open OBS Studio and add a new video source, choosing "iOS Camera." Select your connected iOS device.
4. Adjust Settings: Configure settings like resolution and frame rate if needed.
5. Position and Resize: Position and resize the source as required.
6. Start Streaming: Click the "Start Streaming" button to use your iPhone or iPad as the main camera.

These methods should help you use your iPhone or iPad as the main camera in OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS. Choose the one that suits your setup and preferences, and start creating high-quality content or improving your live streams.