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Can I Use The Sony A7 IV as a USB Webcam?

Yes, you can use your Sony A7 IV (also known as the ILCE-7M4) as a webcam using a USB cable. 

Here’s how you achieve high quality video by using your Sony A7 IV as a USB webcam:

  • Use one of these USB cables to connect your Sony A7 IV to your computer (depending on what kind of ports your computer/ laptop has):
  • Use a compatible webcam application like OBS, Skype, Zoom etc.

That’s it!

Read on if you want the finer details and step by step instructions of how to use your Sony A7 IV as a USB webcam.

What USB Cable Do I Need to Use My Sony A7 IV as a Webcam?

To use your Sony A7 IV as a USB webcam you will need to use the USB cable supplied with the camera, or get a replacement with the right data transfer capabilities.

The USB cable supplied with the Sony A7 IV is a USB type A to USB type C cable with data transfer capabilities.

You might want to use a USB C to USB C if your laptop doesn’t have any USB A ports.

Here are some replacement cables that will work with the Sony A7 IV:

What Software Do I Need to Use My Sony A7 IV as a USB Webcam?

You will need to download and install the latest Imaging Edge Webcam software.

Here’s how to do that.

  1. Go to the support website for the Imaging Edge Webcam software.
  1. Scroll further down and click on ‘Download Windows’ or ‘Download Mac’ depending on what type of device you have. 
  1. Choose a suitable location to save the application on your device.
    • The file should look something like ‘IEW110_2111a’ if you’re on Mac.
    • The file should look something like ‘IEW112_2206a’ if you’re on Windows.
  1. Once it is downloaded, open up the downloaded file and it should start going through the installation and setup wizard. 
  1. Follow the instructions that are shown until setup and installation is complete.
  1. Once installation is complete you should restart your computer.

Now I’ll move on to show you how to set up your Sony A7 IV to work as a USB webcam with the software you just downloaded.

How to Set up Sony A7 IV as a USB Webcam

There are specific instructions you need to follow to ensure that the Sony A7 IV can work with the Imaging Edge Webcam software properly.

  1. Make sure the Sony A7 IV camera is not connected to a smartphone. You can do this by doing the following on the camera:
  1. MENU → (Setup) → [USB] → [USB Connection Mode] → [Sel. When Connect]
    • (This will let you choose USB streaming when you connect the USB to the camera)
  • MENU -> Network (this will have a globe symbol) -> [PC Remote Function] -> [PC Remote] -> [On]
  • MENU -> Network (this will have a globe symbol) -> [PC Remote Function] -> [PC Remote Cnct Method] -> [USB]

Now that the settings are correct you can move on to the next steps.

  1. Adjust the camera settings until you have your desired look in ‘Movie’ mode.
  1. Connect the USB cable we mentioned above to the Sony A7 IV.

    Use the other side of the USB cable to connect your Sony A7 IV to your computer.
  1. If you are unable to connect, then make sure you are not using ‘Imaging Edge Remote’.

    If you are then exit ‘Imaging Edge Remote’ and try to connect the camera again.
  1. Now open up your compatible application on your computer.

    This could be something like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype etc. Most video conferencing/streaming programs should work fine.
  1. Locate the Imaging Edge Webcam feed in your video settings for your webcam app. This should connect your camera’s video feed to your live streaming or video conferencing app.
  1. You should now have a much better quality image for your online video conferences or live streams. 

How to Change USB Streaming Quality on Sony A7 IV

You can adjust the USB streaming quality settings for your Sony A7 IV by doing the following:

  1. Go to your Shooting menu (this is the red tab)
  1. Go to ‘5: USB streaming’
  1. Here you can choose your Res/Frame Rate so you can pick your resolution
  1. I would stick with 720p 30fps or 1080p 30fps

If you have any issues then I’ve included some useful links and a video below.

Further resources