With self-isolation and social distancing becoming our new norm to combat COVID-19, live streaming is the best alternative to keep us connected. Whether you need to have a video conference call for work, want to put on a live concert on Youtube, or want to talk with your friends and family, streaming is the way to do it! But with such amazing technology, why use your low-quality webcam when you can use your Sony camera in three easy steps? Here is our how-to guide so you can start using your Sony camera for live streaming!
Before we get started, you’ll first need your Sony camera. Most Sony cameras, including all of the Alpha series full-frame (α7x/ α9x) and APS-C (α6000 series) models, as well as the RX line, can be used to stream. To make sure your Sony will work for live streaming, just check to see if it has an HDMI output port.
Now we can start with the three easy steps!
1. Connect your Sony camera to your computer using an HDMI to the USB capture card
Important note, you must use a “capture card,” not just an HDMI to USB cable. We recommend the Elgato Cam Link 4K HDMI to USB Converter. Using only the cables on their own will display your camera’s screen on your computer’s monitor, but not a feed of what your camera is actually capturing.
Using the capture card, connect your camera’s HDMI output to the card’s HDMI input. On most Sony Alpha cameras the output is a Micro-HDMI port, so you’ll need a Micro-HDMI to full-size HDMI cable.
2. Set up your camera
This part is easy. Just set your Sony camera to Movie Mode. In addition to this, we recommend setting it to Continuous AF mode (AF-C) with Face Detection/Eye Detection. This will help the camera focus on and track whatever face it sees in front of it.
3. Final setup & live stream!
Once your camera is connected to the capture card and the capture card is connected to your computer via USB, your computer will see your Sony camera as another webcam source. From there you can go into the video/audio settings and choose the capture card as your source.
Now that you’re all set up, you can start live streaming! Here are the links on how to live stream on Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Zoom!
Featured in this blog:
Sony a7R III Mirrorless Body
Sony a6100 Mirrorless Body
Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 VI
Elgato Cam Link 4K HDMI to USB Converter
