TECHNICALLY speaking, can Sony implement USB video output like Canon's Webcam Utility software?

[Moses]

Canon is really doing something special with their beta Webcam Utility Software where the camera can put a signal into a USB C port without needing any adapter (HDMI Capture card) in between such as the Elgato. I chat with a Elgato seller and he is seeing a drop in Elgato demand (though those are still in short supply) due to Canon. Even their cheapest models are getting this free software upgrade. Just buy the kit camera for $500 with lens, add a USB cable, and one is streaming. Pretty remarkable. And what is more remarkable is that this was provided recently for almost all of their models including those a few years old. No one knew that Canon's cameras had that technical capability until the free software upgrade.

Anyone know if technically speaking that Sony's current crop of APS-C cameras can also have that kind of internal software update? This will be a boon.

Thanks. (Apologies if this has been discussed.)

 

[TryMat]

Technically? 100% yes. Any cameras that can do a remote connection to PC (a.k.a tethered shooting) is capable of doing it. You may have never used the feature but you can try by downloading sony imaging edge for pc and do remote shooting via usb cable or if you're using a9 via RJ45. That's why you see brands like canon and fuji are offering future update to make their camera as webcam because almost similar thing is already baked in, they just need to do their software wizardy to make it happen for streaming.

Honestly, I don't know the bitrate can be sent via that microUSB in a6xxx body. I reckon maybe 720p at ease, 1080p if you're pushing it. I'm not a tech wizard so I'm not really sure how far you can push microusb. Via USB-C? That cable is capable doing quite a lot.

 

[BrentSchumer]

So we know that it is possible, as people have jerry-rigged their A6X00s into webcams over USB:

I imagine that the A6X00 might havea lower bit rate than cameras with faster USB ports, though the relevance for video chatting is probably not huge. They'll likely notice the out-of-focus background from your prime lens but not 720P vs 4K.

 

[Moses]

Thanks! Fuji is now doing the same thing as Canon. Talking to a dealer, Canon's sales spiked when the software came on the market.

 

[bloodlmt]

The new Sony ZV-1 comes with micro-usb port. In July 2020 (according to famous youtubers) Sony will release a free software that will be able to turn the ZV-1 into usb webcam.

Considering Canon and Fuji already released their own version of software, I think its pretty safe to assume most newer Sony mirrorless camera should be able to used as USB Webcam too. Just wait, for now there are multiple workarounds that works just fine.

 

[BrentSchumer]

The new Sony ZV-1 comes with micro-usb port. In July 2020 (according to famous youtubers) Sony will release a free software that will be able to turn the ZV-1 into usb webcam.

Considering Canon and Fuji already released their own version of software, I think its pretty safe to assume most newer Sony mirrorless camera should be able to used as USB Webcam too. Just wait, for now there are multiple workarounds that works just fine.

July? Man Sony can be reactive, sometimes.

 

[Sympa]

The workaround solution is just that, a really terrible workaround. Use the preview of USB tethering and capture that from the screen to stream.

But I see that HDMI-to-USB capture sticks can be had for $15 these days. So why bother waiting?

 

[geopapa]

But I see that HDMI-to-USB capture sticks can be had for $15 these days. So why bother waiting?

Good to know. Could you link something specific?

 

[BrentSchumer]

But I see that HDMI-to-USB capture sticks can be had for $15 these days. So why bother waiting?

Good to know. Could you link something specific?

Yeah, I'm having trouble seeing something for less than $100.

 

[GaryW]

What's amazing is that it took all of the camera companies this long to figure out that maybe video streaming would be something they could tap into.... as they continue to lose business to cellphone cameras.

 

[bloodlmt]

What's amazing is that it took all of the camera companies this long to figure out that maybe video streaming would be something they could tap into.... as they continue to lose business to cellphone cameras.

Seeing few years old Canon DSLR camera is able to be used as a webcam/streaming...man those are years of wasted huge opportunities....the functionalities are there, lies dormant for years

It takes worldwide coronavirus pandemic to force those Japanese companies to start coding simple software that "unlock" the feature of their camera

 

[Sympa]

Note that they grab video at 1920x1080 resolution and not at 4K. Most take 4k/30p input.

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www.aliexpress.com

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www.amazon.de

(Can't check prices on amazon.com due to no shipping in Covid-19 times).

 

[geopapa]

Thnx

 

[NetSlob]

I use an old Nikon D750 as my webcam via USB. I bought some aftermarket software (Sparkocam) to enable it. The output seems to be limited to 720p (or at least that has been the case with the streaming services I have been using). Although the resolution may be limited, the overall image quality is excellent with great dynamic range. It's a shame I couldn't one of my Sony bodies for this purpose. Cameras should have this functionality enabled right out of the box.

 

[Moses]

Well, I picked up the lowly Canon SL3 (suggested retail = $499 new USA model) along with the SIgma 18-35mm f1.8 just to test it this software out.

One word - Wow.

In short, I downloaded and installed the Canon software in 5 minutes. (Did take 7 minutes to watch a youtube instructional video.) Reboot. Plug in USB cable. Turn on camera to video mode. Fire up Zoom video conferencing, and it is up and running. No HDMI adapter. The Sigma DOF is equivalent to about full frame f 2.8 full frame.

No fuss no muss. And on one battery charge, I got over 3 hours of video conferencing with camera screen turned to low. This is surprising as I expected no more than 1 hour. So I did not need an AC adapter.

The video quality was superb. The Canon touchscreen facing the speaker is superb for adjusting exposure and recording level etc if preferred. The eye focusing is active and very quick.

I realize that this is a Sony forum and I do own the A6600 and A6300 with a number of primes. I post here simply to say that Sony would do very well to implement this with their cameras. I can see why a dealer finds the SL3 selling very well due to the Canon software for those who want a low cost solution for larger sensor video conferencing.