How to use your Sony camera as a PC webcam

Do you own one of the latest Sony cameras ? S apevate that you can now use it as a webcam for your PC ? In this guide, we explain how to use your Sony camera as a high-quality webcam for your Windows 10 PC .

How to use your Sony as a webcam

Using your Sony camera as a PC webcam is simple, but requires a little initial setup. By following the steps listed below you can easily use your camera for video calls on Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Zoom.

Prerequisites

• A PC with Windows 10 64– Bit updated to the latest version available – From this link you can download the latest October 2020 Update.
• A latest generation Sony camera– At this address you will find the complete list of supported models. Below we list the main ones.
  • DSC/ Vlog – RX100, HX95, ZV-1, WX700 / 800
  • ILCA– 77M2, 99M2, 68
  • ILCE– 7M, 7RM, 7S, 9, 5100/6100/6300/6400/6500/6600
• Data cableto connect the camera to the PC

NOTE | The Imaging Edge Webcam software does not handle audio , so you need to use your computer’s built-in microphone or use an external one connected directly to your PC.

1. Download and install the Sony plugin on your PC

1. On your Windows 10 PC, open the link at the bottom of the article.
2. From the Imaging Edge Webcam page, select your Sony camerafrom the model list.
3. After selecting your camera model, clickthe Download button ( Windows ).
4. Save and run the file. exe which will be downloaded to your PC.
5. Follow the instructions to install the Imaging Edge Webcam pluginand click Install in the driver installation pop-up to use the camera as a webcam.

6. Restart your PCat the end of the installation.

2. Configure your Sony camera

Depending on the camera available to you, the procedure may vary. Be sure to perform the operations listed below before connecting the Sony camera to your PC .

For ZV-1 and ILCE-9M2 cameras

1. On the camera, press the MENUbutton .
2. Go to the Networksection .
3. Ctrl w/ Smartphone (via smartphone Control)> No .
4. Still in the Networksection , click on PC Remote Function > Yes .

For all other supported Sony cameras

1. On the camera, press the MENUbutton .
2. Go to the Network/ Wireless section .
3. Ctrl w/ Smartphone (via smartphone Control)> No .
   NOTE | This is not necessary on cameras without this feature.
4. In the section Setup(or Configuration)> Link . USB (or USB connection)> Contr . remote from PC (PC Remote).

Use the Sony camera as a PC webcam

At this point we are almost ready to use the Sony camera as a computer webcam. You can use the USB cable to connect the camera to your computer , but be sure to set the camera to AUTO mode (the mode can be changed after starting the video). At this point you can open your favorite app to view the camera video stream as a PC webcam .

You can use the Windows 10 Camera app, video calling services like Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Zoom, and even streaming programs like OBS; the Sony camera will be identified by the PC as Sony Camera ( Imaging Edge ) if there are multiple video sources on the PC to choose from.

Some important information to keep in mind

Here are some important information and tips to keep in mind when using the Imaging Edge Webcam software.

• The resolution is set to 1‘ 024 x 576 pixels and can not be changed.
• To restore operation of the Imaging Edge Webcam in the event of a malfunction, you can use the USB Reset executable, which will be automatically installed along with the software.
  • You can find USB Reset by opening the Windows 10 Start menu, looking for the Imaging Edge Webcamfolder and expanding it.
  • Perform USB Reset only when the camera is turned off.
• When the camera is connected and using the Imaging Edge Webcam, avoid disconnecting other USB devices connected to the PC, such as headphones or cameras.