Sony releases free software to use system cameras as a webcam

Sony comes with a software package that makes it possible to use digital cameras as a webcam on Windows 10. In addition to the software, only a USB cable is required. Sony says it supports 35 cameras.

The program is called Imaging Edge Webcam. With the free software, a Sony camera can be connected to a PC with a USB cable and used as a traditional webcam. No further external hardware is required. Sony recommends setting the camera to automatic mode in the instructions. It is only possible to get an image via the camera; for sound, an external microphone is required.

According to Sony, Imaging Edge Webcam works with 35 of the company’s cameras. This includes A cameras, including the recently announced A7S III, and the special ‘vlogging cameras’ such as the ZV-1. The software is currently only available on Windows 10. Sony makes no mention of a possible macOS version.

Since the corona pandemic broke out, the demand for webcams has risen sharply. Sony is therefore not the first company to make system cameras available as a webcam. Recently, for example, Fujifilm, Panasonic and Olympus did the same.