Imaging Edge Webcam

[Peter_S.]

Sony announced the release of a new Desktop application, ‘Imaging Edge™ Webcam’, that allows users to easily transform their Sony digital camera[i] into a high-quality webcam by simply connecting it to a PC[ii] via USB[iii], free of cost.

‘Imaging Edge Webcam’ allows users to live stream and video conference in one easy step while also taking full advantage of Sony’s advanced imaging technology, such as industry-leading autofocus, high resolution picture quality and additional unique features of each compatible camera.

“We will continue to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of our customers. Their voice is critical to everything that we do in this industry” said Yann Salmon-Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “Given the growing demand for live streaming and video communication, we’re excited to share a new application that give so many loyal Sony’s customers the ability to quickly and easily transform their camera into a highly effective webcam for live streaming, video calls and so much more.”

‘Imaging Edge Webcam’ is currently compatible with 35 Sony camera models including: 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, vlog camera ZV-1 and moreⁱ. The newly announced Alpha 7S III is also compatible.

The new ‘Imaging Edge Webcam’ desktop application is available to download HERE.

[i] Please refer to the website for a full list of compatible models. Firmware must be updated on cameras to ensure compatibility.

[ii] Windows® 10 64bit required

[iii] Charges select Sony Camera models while connected via USB. Please refer to the website for a full list of compatible models.

[e.okorie.2020]

This is a very welcome announcement it makes it easier when recording videos.  I have and a6400 and a6000.  Tested on the a6400 which works brilliantly but does not work on the a6000, which i find pretty odd.  Nonetheless, good going from Sony on this one!

I save a few bucks buy not having to purchase an expensive capture card and I hope the software continues to be developed.

[Markh61]

Is there a version for Mac?

[Peter_S.]

@Markh61 Not yet...

[boriskaeski]

Hi!

Just realized yesterday that Sony has released this option, and I did downloaded it, and installed it, but, looks like it does not get installed. There are no icons nor program could be found in PC. I am Windows 10 user, with all latest updates being installed, and PC restarted. Did tried this several times, but, no luck. 

Any advice?

[Chiillii]

Works great for Zoom with the ZV-1, amazing quality and autofocus, but unfortunately only for Zoom with my iMac! Teams and Skype do not list the ZV-1. There is an issue with with charging or maintaining the battery whilst using the ZV-1 and the battery depletes at the same rate as it would if the USB was not attached, therefore Zoom is limited to 45 or so minutes whilst using the ZV-1 as a webcam. That said, it appears that some users have no problem at all. I have the very latest iMac, updated software and I am using the Sony micro USB cable... any thoughts on how to resolve this are most welcome?!

UPDATE:  

I wondered if Sony Imaging Edge Desktop might have some software driver or component that might help, so tried this workaround on my iMac:

1. Install Imaging Edge Desktop
2. Restart
3. Fully Charged Battery
4. Connect Sony micro USB cable
5. Launch Zoom, Select / Sony Camera (Imaging Edge)
6. ZV-1 / Movie Mode / Program Auto

Bingo! Managed 1.75 Hours of Zoom!

It is still depleting the battery, but at a much slower rate.

[Nixor.]

This is such a great move by Sony, thank you for making this at a time when we can really show off the prowess of our amazing Sony camera 😉

I have an Intel-based MacBook Pro with Bootcamp. I've managed to make this work with Windows 10 64-bit, but my main workflow is on macOS. Do you have a roadmap for when you expect to release for Big Sur 11.1?

[Pentium_Gladio]

The imaging webcam is now compatible with macOS 10.13 - 10.15, macOS 11. I will leave the download like for you below just in case you want to try to download it:

https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/webcam/en/download/

[Jonathan3528]

I was using Imaging Edge Webcam for Zoom on my old Mac and recently on my new M1 Mac mini, but as soon as I updated Zoom to the latest version (for the new M1 silicon) the webcam disappeared as an option. The only way I can still use it is through OBS which Zoom does recognise.

[Joe_Dohn]

Hey @Jonathan3528,

Have you tried asking about this omission with the Zoom support reps? If you can tell us more about that, it'd be really helpful.

- JD

[Jonathan3528]

Hello @Joe_Dohn,

It affects other virtual cameras on Zoom too. Some kind of security update.

I've seen workaround videos on YouTube suggesting reverting back to an earlier release, but Zoom tries to force you to update. They also suggest typing some commands into Terminal, but from some of the YouTube comments it can make things worse: https://youtu.be/pd5McZioPZk and https://youtu.be/qYirpCXLiHg 

[Joe_Dohn]

Hey @Jonathan3528,

Thanks a lot for sharing that!

Thankfully, I haven't encountered this, but thanks to you, now other people (and me) can avoid making the mistake others have.

- JD

[Nixor.]

When will Apple Silicon be supported please?

[EUSupport_EN]

Hi @Nixor,

We currently have no information about future updates. However, we appreciate your feedback regarding support for Apple Silicon, and we've passed it on to the proper channels for future consideration and product development.