Using the Sony A6000 as a Webcam
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- čas přidán 15. 07. 2024
- The Sony A6000 mirrorless camera may not be the best choice as your main camera, but if you match it with a video capture card, it can be used as a high-quality webcam. I show how to set it up in this video.
Referenced in Video
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Elgato Facecam - amzn.to/3ghbJHZ
Check out my full review of the Elgato Facecam at • Elgato Facecam Review ...
Official Sony AC-PW20 AC Power Supply - amzn.to/3IhqyJQ
3rd Party DC Coupler for Sony Cameras - amzn.to/3hYYaSe
SMALLRIG Camera Desk Mount - amzn.to/3vq2rkA
Elgato Flex Arm - amzn.to/3jKdD9i
Elgato HD60 S+ - amzn.to/3CcBaWq
Check out my full review of the Elgato HD60 S+ at • Elgato HD60 S+ Review ...
Video Timeline
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00:00 - Elgato Facecam
00:49 - The Sony A6000
01:14 - What you need
03:38 - Webcam demo
05:16 - No overheating issues
06:38 - Use what you have
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this so please leave a comment below. As always, if you enjoyed the video, please click like, share, and subscribe :)
Thanks guys.
Kevin
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Website: www.kevinmuldoon.com
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#sony #sonya6000 #sonywebcam - Věda a technologie
An awesome video Kevin! 😁👍👍 I appreciate you for going into such a high level of detail, explanation + thoroughness 😄👌
Cheers to you, my man! 🥃🥃
Thanks Benji. Glad you enjoyed the video. 👍
Love the "use what you have" part
Thanks Karanveer.
I'm always keen to upgrade my setup, but working with what you have forces you to find good workarounds. Whether it be colour settings, different lighting positions or whatever.
I’ve had this same camera for a while but thought there was no way to use it for my videos. thank you for making this!🙏
You're welcome. 👍
Great video Kevin. Using what you’ve already got is definitely the best thing to try out before you start spending money on something that you may not even need. It’s also quite surprising how often newer isn’t always better. As a for instance, my main production camera is now about 8 years old and every time I try out something newer to replace it, nothing looks any better just different. Cheers, Dave.
I know. I felt the same about the full frame Panasonic I bought. The picture quality was excellent, but the auto focus was terrible. It was one step forward and two steps back.
I may stick with Sony for my next upgrade for my main camera. How are you finding the A7 III? With the 5th version out, the third generation is a little cheaper. May do the job for me as it will be fixed so I don't have to worry about issues such as stabilisation.
Actually Kevin, when I said newer isn’t always better I was actually talking about the A7 III 😂 The A7 is an awesome camera but it’s a real pain as far as focus is concerned due to depth of field. The A7 outdoors is awesome when you’ve got some distance from the subject or you’ve got a background that’s further away from the subject or you’re shooting wide landscapes etc.
However, indoors in my usual shooting position where I’m close to a solid background, the large sensor on the A7 makes it tricky for focus. Even if I over light and close down the iris, there’s still too much DOF due the large sensor. Plus, while the auto focus is good, it does change as I move slightly when holding stuff at the table. Again, this is due to the large sensor and a shallow DOF.
Even if I lock off the focus there’s still issues because while the focus doesn’t hunt when locked, I will go slightly in and out of focus when I’m moving. Even for product shots where I mount the camera overhead, there are problems. Unless I’m locked off with the focus and keep the product still, there can be problems once gain with the focus.
These focus problems aren’t problems with the auto focus, it’s just the narrow DOF working against you. I see this loads on CZcams with people using full frame or large sensor cameras for doing vlogging or indoors in seated positions. You’ll see that the cameras are hunting a fair bit or that the person has had to lock off the focus and has to stay really still.
My Sony AX100 is only a 1” sensor and is way more suited to my usual presentation position in front of the camera. I manually lock off the exposure but keep the focus in auto and it’s really smooth when it needs change focus and hardly ever gets anything wrong when I move stuff in front of me when doing reviews.
While this camera is also brilliant for the overhead (rostrum) product shots, I was getting tired of having to remount the camera in two separate positions, so I got the ZV1 for that. Again, the ZV1 only has a 1” sensor and it’s perfect for my overhead shots and is usually spot on when moving a product closer and further away from the lens.
The problem with large sensor cameras is CZcams, or more precisely, all those idiots who started the trend of using the term “cinematic” (I hate that word 😂, having worked making feature films you never hear anyone making features use the word “cinematic”).
The whole trend for “blurry backgrounds” and “bokeh” is just completely stupid and unnecessary for the vast amount of stuff shot for CZcams but it seems that everyone has been brainwashed into thinking that shooting that way somehow makes your videos look more “professional”. Seriously, there’s a reason why the most expensive cameras for TV production don’t have full frame large sensors.
Bottom line is that the A7iii is an awesome camera and it’s actual picture quality (colour, light information and rendered image) is fantastic. However, these large censor cameras aren’t always suited to particular shooting scenarios.
Anyway, I’m off to shoot some out of focus product shots 😂
Cheers,
Dave.
Thanks for the feedback Dave. That's very helpful.
With the Panasonic full frame camera, I did consider trying another lens and just use manual focus, but then I'd be invested in the camera and the easiest thing to do was return it.
I'm not too bothered about the bokeh look. In the right situation it can look good, but I think people over do it. It makes it look like a cosy living room than a studio.
I was tempted to buy a Sony 6600 for my main camera as I've been delighted with the 6500. It is a slight upgrade, but it still retails at a high price after all these years. So I feel like I'd regret not stepping up to full frame.
You're right though. Full frame isn't always automatically better. The camera body is expensive and the lenses are more expensive too. I could perhaps get a better setup for less money.
The Panasonic GH5 II and GH6 are possible options too.
What I'm keen to do is upgrade my Sony RX10 II to the RX10 IV. I could then use the RX10 II somewhere else or sell it and put the funds to something else.
One thing I'm keen to do is keep my camera setup of main camera, overhead camera and webcam camera. It works well for me switching between different positions for reviews.
On a positive note, at least mirrorless cameras and full frame cameras don't depreciate as quickly as action cameras 😊
Thanks.
Kevin
Perfect. I use the slightly older A5100 and it’s great. I’ve considered upgrading it, but in reality it does exactly what I need. Great video. Use what you have 👍
Bizarrely, that's the other camera my wife has sitting in a box. She bought both Sony cameras years ago for travelling and can't bring herself to sell them. I didn't really need the flip up screen so went for the 6000 for the webcam. 👍
@@KevinMuldoon Aaaah thats interesting to know. One of my 5100's has given up the ghost (the hdmi port is loose and not connecting to the capture card, other than that its fine). I was going to get a quote from AJ Johnstone in town but fear the repair will cost a lot more than buying a new one second hand.
So basically, the 6000 is the 5100 but without the flipup screen (which I dont need anyway)
Is it definitely the port and not that cable?
I've not found myself missing the screen there as you can always seen the image in OBS 👍
Do you have the issue with blurry face using A6000? A5100 has this problem that on a default lens it will add artificial face beautifying filter and you cannot disable it unless you use a manual lens with 1.1x digital zoom
Hi. I have two Sony cameras, 2100E. It is an older model that works with cassette tapes. I tried to conect them my atem mini to do stream live in the church but it did not show an image. I tried connecting to a tv but still no image. It only works when the casette is in and plays what is registered on the casette. But I would like to just capture the image like a web cam. What are some simple ways to make this work? Thank you! I am writing from Mozambique, if you could help me with this matter, I appreciate it!
Cheers exactly what Ii was looking for. Camera mount too, used your link too.
Thanks Andy. Glad you found the video useful. Are you going to be using the A6000 or a different camera?
@@KevinMuldoon Hi yeah exactly the same. Really like it mainly put sigma primes on it. Also random russian lenses (no AF though then obviously).
Latest one I've been messing about with is a Jupiter-37A 135mm F3.5. Was under £60 delivered (from Ukraine recently actually which is a bit mad). Has "an icky" but not too noticeable also 12 aperture blades and a Zeiss rip off. Also marked up with CCCP which is fairly real "retro".
Was looking into how to take apart lenses to clean them, been *strongly* recommended against starting on this one. 😂
Wow. That's super cheap. Autofocus isn't super important for a webcam, in my opinion. The autofocus on my main camera isn't great so I use that with manual focus.
The lens I had on it was just the kit lens, which wasn't great. I now have my a6500 and Sigma 16mm prime on it. Works well and never any issues with overheating.
Great video the a6000 and a5100 are still solid cameras in 2023.
Agreed, especially if you have good lighting. They're a great choice for a webcam.
Worth noting I was using the basic kit lens too, which isn't that great. With a proper lens, it would look even better.
@@KevinMuldoon Hey Kevin, I’ve purchased the Sony a6000 second hand as an upgrade to the webcam but I don’t know much about DSLR cameras. What type of lens do you recommend for live-streaming?
There's a ton of great lens did Sony's APS C range. Which lens you go for depends on where you're recording, what type of shot you want, how far you sit from the camera etc.
For example, I use a 24mm with my Sony 6500 as I'm close to the camera.
@@KevinMuldoon I really appreciate the quick response, Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m planning to stream art and painting so zooming in to get the details is what matters to me.. I know now that capture cards are necessary as well to get the quality of the camera and the lens and still trying to figure which one to get. Tbh it’s been a bit confusing, still not sure what to go with when it comes to a certain lens or capture cards, everyone recommend something different than the other lol
It's a minefield out there.
I have always used the Sony RX10 series for my overhead camera as it has amazing zoom and good autofocus (I need to upgrade from the II to the IV). It's an all in one.
I'd be hesitant to spend too much at this stage until you know what you want and need. Perhaps a kit lens will get you going. You could always buy a lens from somewhere that has a good return policy.
Great video! Could I get some advice on camera settings? I am successfully using my a6000 as a webcam with a Tamron 17-28mm wide angle zoom (yes, meant for full frame but works on APS-C).
Hi Matthew. Yes I'm happy to share what I have.
I'm currently using it with the basic 16-50mm stock lens. I don't want to spend money on a better lens as I'm going to upgrade my main camera soon anyways.
I've found that setting the iso low works best in my recording setup as there's enough light coming from my elgato lights.
Are there any settings in particular you were unsure of?
nice! i might get it because my current webcam doesnt work well with my green screen.
Which webcam are you currently using?
@@KevinMuldoon Razer Kiyo
Ah ok. I've never tried that one myself.
Webcams are getting better, but dedicated cameras are generally better.
would love a video on what best settings are used for best picture quality
Hi Dean. I'm now using my Sony a6500 there, so the setup is a little different.
What camera and lens are you using yourself?
I could do a follow up video talking about what considerations to take into account etc. For the most part, lighting will make the biggest difference to your picture quality.
@@KevinMuldoon I have a a6000 with an elgato hd60s all up to date and the quality isn’t the best, it’s on movie mode for uncompressed output, standard lens. Not just if it’s lighting but the picture looks abit pixelated on obs
I suspect the lens and your lighting willa big factor. I assume you're outputting in 1080p? What quality setting do you have in OBS?
@@KevinMuldoon yeah 1080 I’m running obs pretty much as standard 1080/60 I dj so it’s not like a face cam or anything, pc is a Fujitsu desktop i5-9400 32gb ram but no aftermarket graphics card
A GPU can make a big difference as you can use it for encoding. Is your CPU usage not incredibly high when using OBS?
You'd be able to use higher quality settings if you were processing it all through a graphics card.
Obviously, OBS settings are just one thing to consider.
Thank you! I did everything as you suggested, after purchasing the accessory equipment through your links. The image is great, but there is one problem which maybe you can help solve. When the is video sent to the zoom meeting through my macintosh, the zoom meeting screen includes all setting text that is on the actual camera screen (Frame Rate / Shutter Speed / Iso / etc), and the notice "no card" flashes continuously. How were you able to hide all those notices so that it is just a clean video ?
figured it out in the setting - HDMI screen (off)
There should be a Clean HDMI option in setup called HDMI Info. Display. Make sure that's disabled.
I do recall facing thw no card error message. If I remember correctly, I either just dismissed it or I put in an old low storage SD card that I no longer use.
in case i don't want to use the microphone of the camera but the one i connect usb to the pc, would there be a delay between the video and the audio?
What you need to do is ensure the audio from the PC and camera are using the same audio sample rate (e g. 48khz or 44.1khz - 48khz is more common for video).
In your video editing software, you can then so an audio sync between the audio and replace the camera audio with the audio recorded from your pc.
Can we use the charging port while connected to a video capture card?
I'm charging using the dummy battery method and connecting a capture card using a micro HDMI to HDMI cable.
On my Sony RX10, I charge using a micro B connection and use a micro HDMI to HDMI cable for video capture.
I have the a5100, do you think this camera can last for 2hr video call? Or would it overheat?
I'm not 100% sure. I managed to get that generation to operate without overheating. That was using a dummy battery, pulling the LCD screen back etc. Though I have read others complain about it.
My most experience is with the a6500. I've used it for years now and it can go on forever without overheating. It's a beast.
Still bought a used A6000 body for 200 bucks and a kit lense for 65 bucks to get rid of my C922. I think, in my case it's gonna be a much better looking image, so worth it for me. And I like to upgrade my setup very much, so that's a good point as well. Btw. what mode do you use for the a6000 when you use it as a webcam? Do you use the video mode or the photo mode? What do you use?
doesnt matter. Use M for the most control
Allright, thank you very much.
I believei used video mode in most situations, though it you cycle through the different modes, you'll be able to see which picture is best for you. 👍
Is the capture card 100% necessary, or can you simply plug this straight in to the pc using the type A to type D cable?
I believe this webcam does support recording (though I'd have to check), but it's not something I'd ever use as capture cards always perform so much better.
does it have manual configuration on the hdmi output?
If I remember correctly, there's a few settings for HDMI output, but you're best to set it to max resolution and let the capture card define everything else.
so does this mean you've come to the conclusion that third party DC couplers are a safe bet?
Not all of them as I have read some stories about people having issues. I tried one on Amazon a few years ago and have since purchased the same one again for my other camera as it has never given me any issues.
So are they are a safe bet? It definitely depends on the third party coupler. Always check the reviews👍
@@KevinMuldoonwhich one did you get from Amazon?
@@TheLazyVideo I have two of these amzn.to/3JW7Mb5
What camera was you using to film yourself at 3:50 vs 4:28 using the A6000? As the 4:28 awful in comparison?
I had a different camera set up then, but I believe the first shot with my main camera was the Sony a6500 and the 6000 was the second shot at 4.28.
The quality is worse, which is to be expected as the a6500 is a better camera, but there are a few things to take into account.
One big factor is the lens. My a6500 has a 24mm prime lens on which cost £500+ at the time, whilst the a6000 has the stock lens. That makes a massive difference.
The lighting and settings were not fly optimised for the a6000 either.
The lens was the biggest factor though.
@@KevinMuldoon So a good lense on the a6000 could have a high quality professional looking image?
@@jack2media It would be better, yes. So that's something you could do if you have a good lens which is surplus to requirements.
I wouldn't go out and buy a top lens for the a6000 though. I'd put the money towards upgrading the camera.
Doesn’t the Sony a6000 cut off after 30 mins live streaming ? 😮
I'm not recording directly to the SD card. I'm using HDMI out to a video capture card. Due to this, no recording limit is applied.
What lens are you using?
It was not a great lens. It was a simple kit lens.
The lens model is E 3.5-5.6/PZ 16-50 OSS.
Thanks. Any idea how the Sigma 30mm 1.4 would fare?
@theravindu a lot better.
I use the 16mm sigma with my a6500 and the video quality is significantly better than the kit lens it replaced.
I'm not sure how limited you would be with the a6000 though.
Thank you! Very helpful. Would you think the 16mm is better than the 30mm for something placed 2-3 feet away?
@@theravindu I've found the 16mm great for that. I think it's equivalent full frame is 24mm.