How to Connect a Sony Digital Handycam Instead of a Web Cam

Digital Handycams will connect to the computer via USB port.

Connecting a Sony Digital Handycam to a computer to use as a webcam is possible and can be done simply by connecting the Handycam via its USB cable. The camera is often used as a webcam of sorts in electronic stores as a display model, so that people walking past the camera can see themselves on a monitor. The same principle will be applied to turn the Handycam into a full fledged webcam.

Instructions

1. Install all drivers for the camera on the computer.

2. Plug the camera into the charger so that it is running on AC power.

3. Connect the camera to the USB cable. The digital Handycam will have a USB to camera cable. Plug this into the USB out on the camera.

4. Plug the other end of the USB cable into the USB port on the computer.

5. Turn on the camera. Set the camera to "Idle" or "Standby" mode. This setting will enable the camera's optics and begin the feed to the USB device.

6. Under the "Menu," turn "USB Streaming" to "On."

7. Open the application that will be used to display the webcam feed, for example, MSN or Skype. Configure the webcam and select USB camera from the list of devices. The images from the camera should now display on the preview screen of the webcam configuration wizard on the computer. Save the settings and use the camera.

References

• Sony: How to use a Sony® camcorder as a webcam using USB Streaming.