How Do I Connect My Sony Camera To My Computer?

If yous're nonetheless working and socializing from home due to coronavirus spikes across the country, information technology may be fourth dimension to upgrade your webcam to brand sure you look your best on video chats and livestreams (changing your Zoom groundwork and turning on the beauty filter tin just practice so much).

If you lot take a Sony digital camera, there'south now a gratis desktop awarding that will turn it into a high-quality webcam, then you can video chat or live stream while taking advantage of your camera's features, similar autofocus and high-resolution picture quality. (If you lot don't have a Sony photographic camera, you lot can likewise plough your GoPro into a webcam, or turn your phone photographic camera into a webcam.)

Here's how to download Sony's new Imaging Border Webcam software, to turn your digital camera into a webcam.

Read more: Ultimate webcam tips: How to look and sound peachy online

Which Sony cameras will work with the new webcam software?

Yous'll need one of 35 models of Sony digital camera that are uniform with the Imaging Border Webcam software. These include a number of the Alpha and RX models. Notice the total list of compatible cameras on the page where you can download the software.

You lot'll also need a PC running Windows 10 ($110 at Amazon) to download the software. (If you oasis't upgraded even so, y'all tin yet download Windows x for free following these steps.) Make sure your operating system and drivers have been updated to the latest versions.

Finally, you'll need a USB cord (in that location's 1 that comes with the photographic camera that will work) to plug the camera into your computer once the software is installed.

Read more than: Best gear for video chats from dwelling: Webcams, lights, mics and more

The software will work with 35 different Sony digital camera models.
Lexy Savvides/CNET

How to plow your Sony camera into a webcam

1. Download the software

Download the Imaging Edge Webcam software to your Windows 10 PC from Sony's website (yous should always cheque privacy policies earlier downloading software). Select your camera model (you lot tin choose more one), and click the download button.

ii. Modify your camera settings

This pace depends on which Sony camera model you have. Generally, you're looking to become to Menu > Network, and turn off the selection to control with a smartphone, and turn on the choice for PC remote. Find specific instructions for your photographic camera model on Sony's support site.

3. Connect the camera and reckoner using your USB cable

Plug your camera into your computer using your USB cablevision. Then set your camera to Automobile manner.

four. Launch your video chat or livestream service on your computer

On your computer, pull up Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Encounter or whatever other video chat or live streaming software you lot're using. After doing this, change your camera from Auto mode to Motion picture mode.

5. Change your settings

In any service y'all're using to video chat or livestream, become into the settings to modify the camera from your computer'due south built-in photographic camera to the Sony camera. You'll take to bank check how to do this for each individual service, equally they may be different.

Then, change your camera settings. The aspect ratio will remain set to 16:ix using the software. (Note that the webcam does non include audio, so you'll have to use your estimator'due south built-in microphone, or an external microphone.) You're done! Enjoy using your new webcam.

There are lots of other ways to repurpose the equipment you already have, like your old phone and old laptop. In one case you get your setup going, you can also check out the online classes and equipment you need to become a YouTuber, or just selection up the best gear for online meetings.