Sony makes it easy to use its digital cameras as webcams in Windows

Sony has unveiled a new program for Windows 10 that makes it easier to use the company’s digital cameras as webcams. The software is called Imaging Edge Webcam and allows you to connect your Sony camera to your PC via USB without the need for additional hardware like a USB capture card. This means that you can get a huge improvement in picture quality over most traditional webcams. Unfortunately, there is no mention of a version for macOS.

Sony says a total of 35 of its cameras are compatible with the new software, including the recently announced Alpha 7S III. Other supported models include Alpha 9 II, Alpha 9, Alpha 7R IV, Alpha 7R III, Alpha 7R II, Alpha 7S II, Alpha 7S, Alpha 7 III, Alpha 7 II, Alpha 6600, Alpha 6400, Alpha 6100 , RX100 VII, RX100 VI, RX0 II, RX0 and ZV-1 vlog camera. A full list of cameras is available on this Sony support page, and software setup instructions can be found here. Some cameras can also charge via USB while in use.

Screenshot: Sony

Sony isn’t the only camera maker releasing software like this. Over the past few months, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic, Fujifilm, and even GoPro have all launched programs that make it easier to use their cameras as webcams.

The trend was sparked by this year’s huge shift towards remote working, which at times has led to some of the more popular webcams being sold online. Reusing an existing digital camera is a win-win: you use hardware you already own and you get much better image quality than you would get even with a good standalone webcam.

If you are a Windows user and have a compatible camera, Windows 10 software can be downloaded for free from the Sony site. However, even if you are a Mac user or have a camera that is not officially supported, you may still be able to use it as a webcam using additional hardware. We have a full guide on how to do it here.