Can I Use a Cyber-shot Camera As a Web Cam Using a USB?
By Melly Parker
The old adage that body language is the larger part of communication means that your online conversations will be richer with a webcam. Some digital cameras, including those from Sony's Cyber-shot product line, can be used as webcams. Unfortunately, the Cyber-shot can't be used out of the box with a USB connection; it requires a video input. If you only have USB connections for your computer, however, there is still a way to make it work.
Webcams
Computer programs like ManyCam, Skype and some instant messengers require a webcam for video chat. While many newer laptops come with webcams built in, not every computer has one. Some cameras, like the Sony Cyber-shot, can be used instead of a webcam, allowing you to avoid purchasing a camera just for your computer. Once you plug in the camera in camera mode and turn it on, your computer can use it just like a dedicated webcam.
Without USB
A Cyber-shot web is usually connected as a webcam with a video-in jack, available as an accessory for Cyber-shot cameras. The camera must be set to normal camera mode and will work with any program requiring a webcam without additional software, drivers or settings changes. To use the Cyber-shot as a webcam, you have to hook it up to the video-in jack on your computer; this is a circular jack usually framed with yellow. Turn on your Cyber-shot, turn the dial to the basic camera mode and the webcam function should work. Some computers don't have a video-in connection, in which case you will have to use a more common USB port to connect the Cyber-shot camera to the computer instead.
USB to Video-In Adapter
If you don't have a video-in connection and need to use the Cyber-shot as a webcam via a USB port, purchase a USB to video-in adapter. A USB to video-in adapter plugs into the USB port on your computer and then connects to the video-in plug that is plugged into the Cyber-shot. Once the connection is made, your computer will access the Cyber-shot as a webcam in the same way that it does when the camera is connected via video-in connection. The adapter can be found at most electronics stores or online.
Tips
Once your Cyber-shot is connected to your computer and turned on to the correct mode, it should automatically function as a webcam once you're in the program requiring webcam access. You'll still have to click OK to allow the program to access your webcam. If you're having trouble seeing your image or the webcam isn't connecting, make sure the Cyber-shot has batteries and is turned to the camera setting.
References
Writer Bio
Melly Parker has been writing since 2007, focusing on health, business, technology and home improvement. She has also worked as a teacher and a bioassay laboratory technician. Parker now serves as a marketing specialist at one of the largest mobile app developers in the world. She holds a Master of Science in English.