Turn your Sony camera into a webcam with this simple trick

Turn your Sony digital camera into a webcam with this new free software.

sony

If you are still working and socializing from home due to p>

coronavirus spikes

across the country, it might be time to upgrade your webcam to ensure you look your best on video chats and live streams (

change your Zoom background

and

activate the beauty filter

can't do much).

If you have a

digital camera, there's now a free desktop app that will turn it into a high-quality webcam, allowing you to video chat or live stream while taking advantage of your camera's features, such as focus automatic and high-resolution image quality. (If you don't have

sony camera

, you can also

turn your GoPro into a webcam

, or transform it

camera of your phone in webcam

.)

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

Learn more:

Ultimate Webcam Tips: How to Look Great and Sound Great Online

Which Sony cameras will work with the new webcam software?

You will need one of the 35 Sony digital camera models that are compatible with the Imaging Edge Webcam software. These include a number of Alpha and RX models.

Find the complete list

compatible cameras on the page where you can download the software.

You will also need a PC running

Windows 10

(

$147 on Amazon

)

to download the software. (If you haven't upgraded yet, you can still

download windows 10 for free

following these steps.) Make sure your operating system and drivers have been updated to the latest versions. .

Finally, you will need a USB cable (there is one supplied with the camera that will work) to plug the camera into your computer once the software is installed.

Read more:

The best gear for home video chats: webcams, lights, mics and more

The software will work with 35 different Sony digital camera models.

Lexy Savvides/CNET

How to turn your Sony camera into a webcam

1. Download the software

Download Imaging Edge Webcam Software

on your Windows 10 PC from the Sony website (always check the privacy policies before downloading software). Select your camera model (you can choose more than one) and click the download button.

2. Change your camera settings

This step depends on the Sony camera model you have. Typically, you are looking to access the

Menu

>

Network

and disable the option to control with a smartphone and enable the option to

PC remote

. Find specific instructions for your camera model at

Sony support site

.

3. Connect the camera and computer using your USB cable

Plug your camera into your computer using your USB cable. Then set your camera to

Automatic mode

.

4. Launch your video chat or live streaming service on your computer

On your computer, open

Zoom

,

Microsoft Teams p>

,

GoogleMeet

or any other video chat or live streaming software you use. After that switch your camera from Auto mode to

Movie Mode

.

5. Change your settings

Whatever service you use for video chatting or live streaming, go to settings to change the camera from your computer's built-in camera to the Sony camera. You will need to check how to do this for each individual service as they may be different.

Next, change your camera settings. The aspect ratio will remain set to 16:9 using the software. (Note that the webcam does not include audio, so you will need to use your computer's built-in microphone or an external microphone.) You're done! Enjoy your new webcam.

There are many other ways to reuse the equipment you already own, such as your

old phone

and

old laptop

. Once you've started your setup, you can also view the

online courses and the equipment you need to become a YouTuber

, Or simply

take the best equipment for online meetings

.

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