Can Bridge Cameras Be Use Ad Webcams

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

If you're still working and socializing from home due to coronavirus spikes across the country, it may be fourth dimension to upgrade your webcam to make sure you look your best on video chats and livestreams (changing your Zoom background and turning on the beauty filter can only do and so much).

If you have a Sony digital camera, there's now a free desktop application that will turn it into a high-quality webcam, so you tin video chat or live stream while taking advantage of your camera'due south features, like autofocus and high-resolution picture quality. (If you don't have a Sony camera, you lot can likewise turn your GoPro into a webcam, or turn your phone camera into a webcam.)

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

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

Which Sony cameras will work with the new webcam software?

You'll need one of 35 models of Sony digital camera that are compatible with the Imaging Edge Webcam software. These include a number of the Alpha and RX models. Find the full list of compatible cameras on the page where yous tin can download the software.

You'll also demand a PC running Windows 10 ($130 at Amazon) to download the software. (If you oasis't upgraded still, yous can still download Windows ten for free post-obit these steps.) Make certain your operating system and drivers have been updated to the latest versions.

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

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

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

How to turn your Sony camera into a webcam

1. Download the software

Download the Imaging Edge Webcam software to your Windows ten PC from Sony's website (you lot should always cheque privacy policies before downloading software). Select your photographic camera model (you can choose more than ane), and click the download push.

2. Change your photographic camera settings

This step depends on which Sony camera model y'all have. Generally, you're looking to go to Menu > Network, and plow off the option to control with a smartphone, and turn on the option for PC remote. Notice specific instructions for your camera model on Sony's support site.

3. Connect the photographic camera and reckoner using your USB cable

Plug your camera into your reckoner using your USB cable. Then fix your camera to Auto style.

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

On your figurer, pull up Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Come across or any other video chat or live streaming software you lot're using. Subsequently doing this, alter your camera from Auto fashion to Picture mode.

5. Change your settings

In whatever service y'all're using to video chat or livestream, go into the settings to alter the camera from your reckoner's built-in camera to the Sony photographic camera. You'll take to cheque how to do this for each private service, equally they may be different.

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

There are lots of other means to repurpose the equipment you already have, like your one-time phone and old laptop. Once y'all get your setup going, yous can also cheque out the online classes and equipment y'all need to become a YouTuber, or just pick upwards the best gear for online meetings.