Sony Support

Article ID : 00249459 / Last Modified : 02/02/2021

How to use a Sony camera as webcam with the Imaging Edge Webcam software

    IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check the Applicable Products and Categories section of this article before starting these steps.

    What is Imaging Edge Webcam Software?

    The Imaging Edge Webcam software is an application that makes it possible to use a Sony camera as a high-quality webcam!
    This way, you can use your camera as a high-definition webcam for live streaming while taking advantage of its unique and diverse features.
    Imaging Edge Webcam does not handle audio, so use your personal computer’s built-in microphone or an external microphone.

    How to install the Imaging Edge Webcam software?

    View the video tutorial or skip to the steps below.


    Tip: Learn how to turn captions on or off when watching Internet videos from YouTube


    Installation & Settings

    1. Download and install the Imaging Edge Webcam software on your computer.
    2. Restart the computer (for the first time only).
    3. Turn on your camera.
    4. On the camera, perform the following sample settings:

      NOTE: The displayed terms may differ depending on the camera.

    Connecting ILCE-1 to a computer

    Connecting ILCE-7C / ILCE-7RM4 / ILCE-9M2 to a computer

    Connecting ILCE-7SM3 to a computer

    Connecting ZV-1 to a computer

    Connecting other suppoted cameras to a computer

    How to set up your camera

    1. Connect the camera and computer using the supplied USB cable.

      NOTE: It is not possible to connect to the camera when the Imaging Edge Desktop (Remote) software is active. Quit the Imaging Edge Desktop (Remote) software first and then connect to the camera.

      1. When using the ILCE-7M2, ILCE-7S, ILCE-7SM2, ILCE-7RM2, ILCE-5100, ILCE-6300, ILCA-68, ILCA-77M2, DSC-RX1RM2, DSC-RX10M2, DSC-RX10M3, DSC-RX100M4, or DSC-RX100M5

        Before proceeding to step 6 below, first set the camera to  (Auto Mode). After launching the livestreaming/web conferencing service and starting the video, change to movie mode.

      2. When using a camera other than those listed above

        Set the camera to movie mode.

    2. Launch the live distribution/web conferencing service on your personal computer.

      NOTE: You may have to install additional software or register an account beforehand.

    3. Change the appropriate setting in the live distribution/web conferencing service to switch the camera to be used from the PC’s built-in camera to the Sony camera.

      NOTE: The setting procedure will differ depending on the service you are using. For detailed setting instructions, refer to the user’s manual or help page of the service.

    Useful tips when using the Imaging Edge Webcam Software 

    • The aspect ratio is automatically set to 16:9. It will remain set to 16:9 after using the Imaging Edge Webcam software, so set it to the previous value if necessary.
    • We recommend that you disable the sleep mode of your PC when using the Imaging Edge Webcam. 
    • When using the Imaging Edge Webcam, do not unplug the USB cable of any USB devices such as a camera or headset, and avoid releasing the shutter or changing camera settings such as drive mode.
    • If your camera has USB Power Supply as an option, we recommend that you set it to On.
    • The resolution is set to 1,024 × 576 pixels.
    • To improve smooth movement,  try  (Auto Mode) instead of movie mode.
    • The camera turns off automatically when the temperature of the camera body rises beyond a certain point. If you will be using the camera for an extended period of time, use  (Auto Mode). On a camera with an Auto Power OFF Temp. setting, selecting the High setting will extend the length of time you can use the camera continuously.
    • If you can't start the video of the web conference,  the settings of different video conference software you are not currently using may be causing the problem. Make sure the camera setting of the other video software is set to something other than the Sony Camera (Imaging Edge).

    Other tips depending on the operating system.

    Windows OS

    macOS