Imaging Edge Desktop is free, it's from Sony, and it does work. It's also three apps (Remote, Viewer, Edit) stitched together, and DPReview has years of threads titled things like "Unable to Connect Sony Imaging Edge Desktop Remote." If it's not connecting, start with the fixes. If you're done with it, the alternatives are below.
Imaging Edge not connecting? Fix it first
- USB mode: tap Remote Shooting when the camera prompts, or set USB Connection → PC Remote. Mass Storage and MTP won't work.
- 2MP files: Remote Shoot Setting → Save Image Size → Original.
- macOS holding the camera: Image Capture → open No application, then killall PTPCamera ptpcamerad in Terminal.
- Other apps: quit Lightroom, Capture One and Photos. Only one app can talk to the camera.
- Cable: USB-C data cable direct to the Mac.
- Error -105: the USB session is corrupted. Unplug, power-cycle, reconnect.
The alternatives
| Price | Sony coverage | |
|---|---|---|
| TETHER STUDIO | $99 once | 74 bodies incl. A7 V, A7R VI, A1 II. USB and WiFi |
| Lightroom Classic | Subscription | 23 Alpha bodies, wired |
| Capture One | Subscription | Most current Alpha bodies |
What you get over Imaging Edge
- One app for capture, review, culling and export.
- Smart Cull AI running on your Mac: blur, focus, exposure, duplicates.
- Client View for a clean full-screen display, and Art Director Mode for markup on set.
- Every other brand too, so a Canon or Fuji body on set isn't a problem.
- Mode 300 handled automatically on new Sony bodies.
Full Sony setup in Sony tethering on Mac.
Frequently asked
What can I use instead of Sony Imaging Edge on Mac?
TETHER STUDIO tethers 74 Sony bodies on Mac over USB and WiFi for $99 once. Lightroom Classic (23 Sony bodies, subscription) and Capture One (subscription) also tether Sony.
Why will Imaging Edge Desktop Remote not connect to my camera?
Check the camera is in Remote Shooting / PC Remote mode, macOS ptpcamerad or another app is not holding the camera, and you are using a data cable. Run killall PTPCamera ptpcamerad and reconnect.
Is Imaging Edge free?
Yes. Sony Imaging Edge Desktop is free for Sony cameras.