How to use your Alpha or DSC camera to live stream using the USB port with Imaging Edge Webcam software

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

The Imaging Edge Webcam software allows you to utilize your Sony camera for live streaming through a USB connection. Check your operation manuals for detailed information and live streaming compatibility.

Before you start

• If your camera has USB streaming capability, refer to the article How to use your Alpha or DSC camera to live stream with the USB streaming function.
• If your camera doesn't support Imaging Edge Webcam software, you may be able to use your camera to live stream using the HDMI® port.
• The software is compatible with the following operating systems (OS) with the latest updates installed:
  • Microsoft® Windows® 10 (64-bit) operating system, Windows 11
    PC with Intel® or AMD processor (The software will not run on PCs based on ARM processors)
  • Apple® macOS® 10.14, macOS 10.15, macOS 11, macOS 12
• The software doesn't process audio signals. Use the computer's built-in microphone or an external microphone.
• If your camera has a USB Power Supply option, set it to ON. To allow streaming for extended periods, use your camera's USB power or USB Power Delivery feature.
  • A sufficiently charged battery has to be in the camera and doesn't charge while using USB power.
  • Refer to the Supplying power from a wall outlet section of your camera Help Guide for additional information.
• We recommend disabling the computer's sleep mode before using Imaging Edge Webcam software.

Steps to install and use the software

Watch the video or skip to the steps for instructions.

1. Verify that your camera is supported, select your model, and install the Imaging Edge Webcam software on your computer (restart the computer after installation).
2. Turn on your camera.
3. Depending on your model, follow these setup steps before connecting your camera to the computer:

   ILCE-1

   1. MENU → (Network) → Smartphone Connect → Smartphone Connection → Off
   2. MENU → (Network) → Transfer/Remote → PC Remote Function → On
   3. MENU → (Network) → Transfer/Remote → PC Remote Function → PC Remote Cnct Method) → USB

   ILCE-9M2 or ILCE-7C/7RM4/7RM4A

   1. MENU → (Network) → Ctrl w/ Smartphone → Ctrl w/ Smartphone → Off
   2. MENU → (Network) → PC Remote Function → PC Remote → On
   3. MENU → (Network) → PC Remote Function → PC Remote Cnct Method → USB

   ILCE-7SM3

   1. MENU → (Network) → Transfer/Remote → Ctrl w/ Smartphone → Ctrl w/ Smartphone → Off
   2. MENU → (Network) → Transfer/Remote → PC Remote Function → PC Remote → On
   3. MENU → (Network) → Transfer/Remote → PC Remote Function → PC Remote Cnct Method → USB

   ILME-FX3/FX30

   Note: Make sure the camera is not connected to a smartphone.

   1. MENU → (Network) → PC Remote Function → PC Remote → On
   2. MENU → (Network) → PC Remote Function → PC Remote Cnct Method → USB

   ILCE-7RM5/7M4 or ZV-E1/ZV-1M2

   Note: Make sure the camera is not connected to a smartphone.

   1. MENU → (Setup) → USB → USB Connection Mode → Sel. When Connect
      After connecting the camera and computer as described in step 4, select Remote Shoot (PC Remote) on the camera's screen.

   ZV-E10

   Note: Make sure the camera is not connected to a smartphone.

   1. MENU → (Network) → Smartphone Connect → Smartphone Connection → Off
   2. MENU → (Network) → PC Remote Function → PC Remote → On
   3. MENU → (Network) → PC Remote Function → PC Remote Cnct Method → USB

   ZV-1F

   Note: Make sure the camera is not connected to a smartphone.

   • MENU → (Network) → Transfer/Remote→ PC Remote Function → PC Remote → On

   ZV-1

   1. MENU → (Network) → Ctrl w/ Smartphone → Ctrl w/ Smartphone → Off
   2. MENU → (Network) → PC Remote Function → PC Remote → On

   Other supported cameras

   1. MENU → (Network) / (Wireless) → Ctrl w/ Smartphone → Ctrl w/ Smartphone → Off
      • Note: This operation is unnecessary on models without Ctrl w/ Smartphone.
   2. MENU → (Setup) → USB Connection → PC Remote

4. Connect the camera and computer using the supplied USB cable.
   • The camera will not connect if the Imaging Edge Desktop (Remote) software is active. Exit the software and then connect the camera.
5. Place the camera in the proper mode:
   • For the ILCE-7M2, ILCE-7S, ILCE-7SM2, ILCE-7RM2, ILCE-5100, ILCE-6300, ILCA-68, ILCA-77M2, DSC-RX1RM2, DSC-RX10M2, DSC-RX10M3, DSC-RX100M4, or DSC-RX100M5:
     • Set the camera mode to (Auto Mode). After the live streaming/web conferencing service and video start, change to movie mode.
   • For all other cameras:
     • Set the camera to movie mode.
     • If you use the camera with the Cinematic Vlog setting or the XAVC S-I DCI 4K setting, you can't use Imaging Edge Webcam in these modes. Use a setting other than Cinematic Vlog or XAVC S-I DCI 4K.
6. Launch the live distribution/web conferencing service on your computer.
   • You may need to install additional software or register an account.
7. Change the appropriate setting in the live distribution/web conferencing service to switch to the connected Sony camera.
   • The settings will differ depending on the service you are using. Check the user's manual or help page of the service.

Troubleshooting tips

If the Sony Camera (Imaging Edge) selection doesn't appear in the camera settings of the web conferencing system or the live view screen isn't displayed even after the camera setting is switched, the web conferencing system may not be compatible. If the web conferencing system is available in both an app and a browser, try both.

Other tips will vary depending on the operating system. Select your OS for more information.

Windows OS

macOS