Tethering Sony with Capture One

Tethering a Sony Alpha series camera to Capture One can be challenging. The camera has different ways to communicate over USB and peripherals, and only one way is right. In addition, Capture One now support tethering via WiFi and Ethernet for selected models. Saving images on a card is also a hidden gem in most models. About this and more you read here all you need to know.

Tethering Sony With Capture One

Sony cameras can shoot tethered to your computer with Capture One Pro. To shoot tethered, you need to configure the camera properly.

In addition to shooting tethered, I also cover the ability to save images to the memory card during tethering. This ability is a feature of the camera, not Capture One Pro. Over the years, the menus of the different models have changed slightly, making it harder to troubleshoot tethering issues.

I thank Cameraland, Alkmaar, The Netherlands, for lending me the Sony cameras to test and translate the proper settings. As a unique service to our Dutch readers, I include the Dutch menu settings following the English settings.

List of Cameras

As of November 2024, I cover the following Sony models in this document.

• Group 1 – A7/A7 II + A7R/A7R II + A7S/A7S II
• Group 2 – A7 III + A7R III + A9
• Group 3 – A7C + A7R IV-IVa + A9 II
• Group 4 – A7S III + FX3
• Group 5 – A1
• Group 6 – A7 IV + A7R V (firmware 1.x)
• Group 7 – A7 IV + A7R V (firmware 2.x or higher) + A7C II/A7CR + A9 III

To make life easier, I have grouped them into six groups based on similarities in the menu structure.

Camera Settings

In general, there are three steps involved in successfully tethering Sony with Capture One via USB, Wired LAN, or WiFi:

1. disable control with the smartphone
2. enable the connection as PC Remote
3. enable pairing (in specific scenarios)

For supported models, you can save images to the card during tethering. I discuss this in a separate section at the end.

The structure of this post is as follows:

• tethering via USB
• tethering via network, either wireless or Ethernet cable
• storing on a memory card
• Capture One settings
• USB cables

Tethering Via USB

Look up your camera in one of the five groups and configure the settings accordingly in the menu.

Group 1 – Settings for A7/A7 II + A7R/A7R II + A7S/A7S II

In English:

MENU → [Setup] → [USB Connection] → [PC Remote]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Instellingen] → [USB-verbinding] → [PC-afstandbedien.]

Group 2 – Settings for A7 III + A7R III + A9

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Ctrl w/ Smartphone] → [Ctrl w/ Smartphone] → [Off]
MENU → [Setup] → [USB Connection] → [PC Remote]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Netwerk] → [Bedien. via smartph.] → [Bedien. via smartph.] → [Uit]
MENU → [Instellingen] → [USB-verbinding] → [PC-afstandbedien.]

Group 3 – Settings for A7C/A7R IV-IVa + A9 II

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Ctrl w/ Smartphone] → [Ctrl w/ Smartphone] → [Off]
MENU → [Network] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote] → [On]
MENU → [Network] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote Cnct Method] → [USB]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Netwerk] → [Bedien. via smartph.] → [Bedien. via smartph.] → [Uit]
MENU → [Netwerk] → [PC-afstandbedien.f.] → [PC-afstandbedien.] → [Aan]
MENU → [Netwerk] → [PC-afstandbedien.f.] → [PC-afst.b.-verb.meth.] → [USB]

Note that for the A7R IV and A9 II, you need to update the firmware to use Live View via the USB-C port.

Group 4 – Settings for A7S III + FX3

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Transfer/Remote] → [Ctrl w/ Smartphone] → [Ctrl w/ Smartphone] → [Off]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer/Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote] → [On]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer/Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote Cnct Method] → [USB]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Netwerk] → [Overdr./op afst.] → [Bedien. via smartph.] → [Bedien. via smartph.] → [Uit]
MENU → [Netwerk] → [Overdr./op afst.] → [PC-afstandsbedien.f] → [PC-afstandsbedien.] → [Aan]
MENU → [Netwerk] → [Overdr./op afst.] → [PC-afstandsbedien.f] → [PC-afst.b.-verb.meth.] → [USB]

Group 5 – Settings for A1

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Smartphone Connect] → [Smartphone Connection] → [Off]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer/Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote] → [On]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer/Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote Cnct Method] → [USB]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Netwerk] → [Smartph.verbind.] → [Smartphoneverbind.] → [Uit]
MENU → [Netwerk] → [Overdr./op afst.] → [PC-afstandsbedien.f] → [PC-afstandsbedien.] → [Aan]
MENU → [Netwerk] → [Overdr./op afst.] → [PC-afstandsbedien.f] → [PC-afst.b.-verb.meth.] → [USB]

Group 6 – Settings for A7 IV + A7R V

The menu settings in the Group 6 section apply to the Sony A7 IV with firmware up to 1.1.0 and A7R V with firmware 1.0.0.

The Sony A7 IV and A7R V with firmware 2.x and later have a different menu structure described below in Group 7.

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Transfer Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote] → [Off]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote Cnct Method] → [USB]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote] → [On]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Netwerk] → [Overdr./op afst.] → [PC-afstandsbedien.f] → [PC-afstandsbedien.] → [Uit]
MENU → [Netwerk] → [Overdr./op afst.] → [PC-afstandsbedien.f] → [PC-afst.b.-verb.meth.] → [USB]
MENU → [Netwerk] → [Overdr./op afst.] → [PC-afstandsbedien.f] → [PC-afstandsbedien.] → [Aan]

Enabling [PC Remote] locks the [PC Remote Cnct Method] setting. It should read USB. If not, you must disable [PC Remote] before changing the connection method.

On the A7 IV, you can skip the USB Connection Mode setting, like [Mass Storage] or [PC Remote] that you used to configure in the A7 III/A7R III, A9/A9 II, A7S III, and A1. The reason is that when configuring the network settings described below, the camera sets [USB Connection Mode] to [PC Remote]. For reference, check the following setting:

In English:

MENU → [Setup] → [USB] → [USB Connection Mode] → [PC Remote]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Instellingen] → [USB] → [USB-verbind.modus] → [PC-afstandsbedien.]

To change this setting, you must disable [PC Remote] in the network settings mentioned above.

In the A7 IV and A7R V, you can skip the step to switch off [Ctrl w/ Smartphone] because this setting does not exist.

Group 7 – Settings for A7 IV + A7R V (firmware 2.x) + A7C II/A7CR + A9 III

Firmware 2.00 for the A7 IV and A7R V, released in March 2023, changes the settings and camera interaction with a cable connection. The functionality of tethering remains the same. Firmware 2.00 reverses the logic that was introduced in the A7 IV. In other words, it works as in the A7 III and A7R III. You set the USB Connection to [PC Remote], and you’re done. Later firmware releases did not alter the menus or tethering settings.

Later models, such as the A7C II, the A7CR, and the A9 III, have a menu system that is identical to the A7 IV with firmware 2.0

In English:

MENU → [Setup] → [USB] → [USB Connection Mode] → [PC Remote]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Instellingen] → [USB] → [USB-verbind.modus] → [PC-afstandsbedien.]

Instead of [PC Remote],  you can choose [Sel. When Connect] to select the USB connection mode when you connect the camera. After connecting the USB cable, a screen opens where you can choose Remote Shoot (PC Remote).

Tethering Via Network

Instead of wireless tethering, I call this section tethering via network because some cameras allow you to tether via the Ethernet cable (A9 II and A1). Capture One 22 (build 15.3) and later support the wireless and wired network connection for tethering.

Group 3 – Settings for A7C/A7R IV-IVa + A9 II

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Ctrl w/ Smartphone] → [Ctrl w/ Smartphone] → [Off]
MENU → [Network] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote] → [On]
MENU → [Network] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote Cnct Method] → [Wired LAN] / [Wi-Fi Direct] / [Wi-Fi Access Point]

In the last step, you can choose between [Wired LAN], [Wi-Fi Direct], or [Wi-Fi Access Point]. The [Wired LAN] option is only for the Sony A9 II.

Group 4 – Settings for A7S III + FX3

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Transfer/Remote] → [Ctrl w/ Smartphone] → [Ctrl w/ Smartphone] → [Off]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer/Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote] → [On]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer/Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote Cnct Method] → [Wi-Fi Direct] / [Wi-Fi Access Point]

In the last step, you can choose between [Wi-Fi Direct] or [Wi-Fi Access Point].

Group 5 – Settings for A1

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Smartphone Connect] → [Smartphone Connection] → [Off]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer/Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote] → [On]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer/Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote Cnct Method] → [Wired LAN] / [Wi-Fi Direct] / [Wi-Fi Access Point]

In the last step, you can choose between [Wired LAN], [Wi-Fi Direct], or [Wi-Fi Access Point].

Group 6 – Settings for A7 IV + A7R V

On the Sony A7 IV, you can only set the PC Remote Connection Method type when the PC Remote setting is switched [Off]. After selecting the connection method, you switch PC Remote to [On].

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Transfer Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote] → [Off]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote Cnct Method] → [Wi-Fi Direct] / [Wi-Fi Access Point]
MENU → [Network] → [Transfer Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [PC Remote] → [On]

In the last step, you can choose between [Wi-Fi Direct] or [Wi-Fi Access Point]. For further details, please refer to the corresponding section below.

Group 7 – Settings for A7 IV + A7R V (firmware 2.x) + A7C II/A7CR + A9 III

Firmware 2.00 for the A7 IV and A7R V, released in March 2023, changes the settings and camera interaction with cable and wireless connections. The functionality of tethering remains the same.

Wireless tethering via a WiFi access point
The camera connects to a WiFi access point, and the computer connects to the same access point or network via a cable.
This option provides the best performance in terms of speed and perhaps also better stability of the connection.

The first step removes additional authentication between devices. The second step lets you transfer RAW files instead of JPEG to the camera.

MENU → Network → Network Option → Access Authen. Settings → Off
MENU → Network → Cnct./PC Remote → Remote Shoot Settings → Save Image Size → Original

Next, you connect to the WiFi access point.

MENU → Network → Wi-Fi → Access Point Set. → select the wireless network (SSID)
MENU → Network → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Connect → On

Wireless tethering via Wi-Fi Direct
The camera is the wireless access point. The computer connects to the SSID of the camera. It is best to start Capture One before you connect the computer to the Wi-Fi Direct function of the camera.

The first step removes additional authentication between devices. The second step lets you transfer RAW files instead of JPEG to the camera.

MENU → Network → Network Option → Access Authen. Settings → Off
MENU → Network → Cnct./PC Remote → Remote Shoot Settings → Save Image Size → Original

The next step enables the WiFi Direct function.

MENU → Network → Cnct./PC Remote → PC Remote Function → Wi-Fi Direct Info. → OK (on question to start this function) → screen with SSID, password, and device name appears
MENU → Network → Cnct./PC Remote → PC Remote Function → PC Remote → On

Set the computer’s Wi-Fi setting to the SSID of the Wi-Fi Direct Information screen above. After connecting the computer, a message appears: Connected via WiFi.

In Capture One, go to the Camera tool. In the Select camera drop-down list, select the camera by its device name from the Wi-Fi Direct Information screen mentioned above.

Wired LAN

At the time of writing, only the Sony A1, A9 II, and A9 III models are equipped with an Ethernet port for a wired LAN connection. You can use this connection for PC Remote connections to Capture One or an FTP connection to an FTP server on the network or the Internet.

I am looking into a PC Remote connection via the Wired LAN option with a Sony A9 II. You connect your camera to the same network as your computer with Capture One. Your camera receives an IP address from your router or another device that hands out network addresses dynamically. If necessary, you can configure an address manually.

Note

It would be best not to connect the camera directly to the computer, as you do with a USB cable. That does not work.

WiFi Direct

After selecting the [WiFi Direct] option, a message appears on your screen:

You can check information required for connection to the PC in "WiFi Direct Info".

Go to [WiFi Direct Info]. Dependent on your camera, you will find it in:

MENU → [Network] → [PC Remote Function] → [WiFi Direct Info]

Or:

MENU → [Network] → [Transfer Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [WiFi Direct Info]

The camera is now a WiFi access point. Using the information from the [WiFi Direct Info] screen, connect your computer to the WiFi signal. Open the Capture One > Camera tool and notice the connected camera. You are now ready to shoot wirelessly tethered without an external access point.

WiFi Access Point

The camera searches for a WiFi network, and after selecting one, you enter the password for that network. The camera remembers the connection and will connect the next time automatically. Next, a message that appears on your screen:

Pairing with the PC is required to use PC Remote function. You can pair in "Paring".

Wait for the camera to connect to the WiFi access point and open Pairing. Dependent on your camera, you will find it in:

MENU → [Network] →  [PC Remote Function] → [WiFi Direct Info]

Or:

MENU → [Network] → [Transfer Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [Pairing]

Once you start paring, wait for the camera to appear in the Capture One > Camera tool. Check the drop-down list in that tool. You are now ready to shoot wirelessly tethered to an external access point.

Note that pairing may fail in hotspots and guest networks in public places. This failure is caused by how these networks are set up. Each device that connects is separated from other devices for security reasons. Use your access point or revert to the WiFi Direct option if this is the case.

Storing On Memory Card

Depending on your camera model, you can enable a setting to store the images on the memory card while tethering Sony with Capture One. Choose [PC Only] to save images in Capture One Pro or [PC+Camera] to store pictures on the card and in Capture One.

Look up your camera in one of the five groups and configure the setting accordingly in the menu. Note that cameras from Group 1 do not support this feature.

Group 1 – Setting for A7/A7 II + A7R/A7R II + A7S/A7S II

These models do not support storage on a memory card during tethering

Group 2 – Setting for A7 III + A7R III + A9

In English:

MENU → [Setup] → [PC Remote Settings] → [Still Img. Save Dest.] → [PC Only] or [PC+Camera]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Netwerk] → [PC-afstandbedien.f.] → [Opsl.bestem. stil. bld] → [Enkel PC] of [PC+camera]

Group 3 – Setting for A7C/A7R IV-IVa + A9 II

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [PC Remote Function] → [Still Img. Save Dest.] → [PC Only] or [PC+Camera]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Netwerk] → [PC-afstandbedien.f.] → [Opsl.bestem. stil. bld] → [Enkel PC] of [PC+camera]

Group 4 – Setting for A7S III + FX3

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Transfer Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [Still Img. Save Dest.] → [PC Only] or [PC+Camera]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Netwerk] → [PC-afstandbedien.f.] → [Opsl.bestem. stil. bld] → [Enkel PC] of [PC+camera]

Group 5 – Setting for A1

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Transfer Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [Still Img. Save Dest.] → [PC Only] or [PC+Camera]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Netwerk] → [PC-afstandbedien.f.] → [Opsl.bestem. stil. bld] → [Enkel PC] of [PC+camera]

Group 6 – Setting for A7 IV + A7R V (firmware 1.x)

Note: for firmware 2.x in these camera models, please refer to section Group 6a below.

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Transfer Remote] → [PC Remote Function] → [Still Img. Save Dest.] → [PC Only] or [PC+Camera]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Netwerk] → [PC-afstandbedien.f.] → [Opsl.bestem. stil. bld] → [Opsl.bestem. stil. bld] → [Enkel PC] of [PC+camera]

Group 7 – Settings for A7 IV + A7R V (firmware 2.x) + A7C II/A7CR + A9 III

Firmware 2.00 for the A7 IV and A7R V, released in March 2023, changes the storage settings on a card during tethering. The functionality of tethering remains the same.

In English:

MENU → [Network] → [Cnct./PC Remote] → [Remote Shoot Setting] → [Still Img. Save Dest.] → [Destination Only] or [Dest.+Camera] or [Camera Only]

In Dutch:

MENU → [Netwerk] → [Verb./PC-afst.b] → [Instell.opn. op afst.] → [Opsl.bestem. stil. bld] → [Alleen bestemming] of [Bestemm.+camera] → [Alleen camera]

Capture One Settings

To tether successfully into Capture One Pro, you can check several settings.

• Capture One version
  does your version support tethering and raw conversion for the model you use? Often, users buy a new camera but forget to update or upgrade their software; Capture One does not yet support new models that enter the market
• Capture One license
  some camera-specific licenses only support cameras of a specific brand, like Sony, Fujifilm, Nikon, and Phase One. The free Capture One Express does not support tethering. Check your activated license inside Capture One to see whether you have the proper license.
• Camera provider
  inside Capture One is a little software code; the provider handles the connection for tethering; in Capture One, go to Preferences > Capture tab and check whether the appropriate provider is enabled; restart Capture One if you change a provider setting.
• Camera tool
  inside Capture One > Capture tool tab > Camera tool, check for the connected camera; if no camera model is displayed, check the drop-down box at the top of the tool.

Last but not least, prevent other software from hijacking the connection between the camera and Capture One. Typically, do not install the Sony Imaging Edge suite or deinstall the software if installed. In particular, the Sony software can prevent a connection with Capture One on Windows systems.

USB Cables

The A7 and A7 II series, including the R and S models, only have a micro-USB port with USB 2 connectivity. This port is used for tethering.

Later models, from the A7 III series and up, have a micro-USB and a USB-C port with USB 3.1 or 3.2 connectivity. The USB-C port is used for tethering.

Please use a good-quality cable. The maximum length for USB 3 is 3 meters/10 feet without amplification.

Thank you

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Best Regards,

Image Alchemist