DIY Photography

Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time

Search

 

Submit A Story

The advantage of camera WiFi when shooting concerts

by 12 Comments

As soon as I received my Canon 5D Mark IV, I turned off the Wifi. I thought that it would not be very useful to me and that it would only serve to drain the batteries quickly. As I divide my work between studio and concerts, the WiFi did not seem very useful to me.

In the studio, the USB cable was perfect for working with tethered to the computer; in concerts, the WiFi also did not seem to be of great utility. But even so, one day, I decided to install the Canon Camera Connect application to at least find out how it works. Quickly the WiFI has become a fundamental tool in my work, both in the studio and in the concerts.

[Read More…]

The Sony A7RIII is the fastest camera out there for tethered shooting, moving photos in under a second

by 4 Comments

Of all the features I’ve read about regarding the Sony A7RIII, this is the one that’s probably impressed me the most. I don’t often shoot tethered, but when I do, it’s often quickly. Usually, I’ve got animals in front of the camera, and they tend not to take direction very well. So, I’m shooting fast, then waiting for the computer to catch up.

According to this video from photographer Evan Guttman, that waiting all goes away with the new A7RIII. In burst mode, it manages to transfer shots from the camera to Capture One in under a second each over USB3. And yes, he’s shooting raw, not jpg.

[Read More…]

Make your own DIY Jerk Stopper for tethered shooting with a humble rubber band

by 1 Comment

For many photographers, shooting tethered is a way of life. For others, it’s something we only do occasionally when the need arises. The big problem all tethered shooters face, though, is the cable not falling out. Sometimes, with a long cable, it can fall out under its own weight. Sometimes it gets tugged, yanking it right out of the socket. And if this happens often enough, it can even damage the socket itself.

There are commercial solutions out there to help prevent this from happening. Solutions such as the JerkStopper and Tetherblock work beautifully. But sometimes you find yourself tethering without these options to hand. So, in steps the humble rubber band, thanks to a tip posted by Redditor, lilgreenrosetta (photographer, David Cohen de Lara).

[Read More…]

Tethering through Lightroom

by Leave a Comment

Anyone who has ever taken self-portraits will know the exhausting little jig that goes from in front of the camera lens, and around to check the screen on the back.

I’m pretty sure they now have this merry little dance down as fitness routine in your local gym, they call it the selfie workout! I joke, but anyone who has been dressed in full costume, running back and forth in a warm room. Wiping the sweat from their brow, and jumping back again before the timer runs out, will know my pain. The image above was created through this very technique.

I recently decided to purchase a tether cable from Amazon, not only would it help with self-portraits. But it would also be very handy to have whilst shooting models, who don’t have to squint to see themselves on a small screen on the back of my camera. My program of choice for this………Lightroom! Now before I hear a harmonic cry of ‘you should be using Capture One’ bellowing over the hilltops. Let me fill you in on my experience of tethering through Adobe’s image processor and organizer. And you too will find taking self-portraits like this easier….

[Read More…]

First look at Case Air App and hands on with Case Air

by Leave a Comment

Looking at the Tether Tools Case Air was an interesting experience. It promises the same Camranger experience at half the cost, and a significantly lighter package.  (we covered its kickoff here)

I have used the Camranger before on tradeshows and it was very smooth. The Case Air appears to be no different. It provides several nice functions: sending the files you shoot into a tablet/computer; A basic monitor; some focus peaking and so on.

[Read More…]

TetherTools wants some CamRanger action, launches Case Air wireless tether at half the price

by Leave a Comment

CamRanger was almost a solo player in the wireless tethering arena for a very long time. While some suspected that CamRanger was simply an upgraded TPLINK 3040 router, the fact was that it delivered.

Now Tethertools are making their  entry into this market and I am curious to see how they will match up. Their device is called The Case Air and it is a dongle that “sits” on your camera hot shoe. But it doesn’t just “sits” there it acts as a two way remote.

On one hand, it sends photos to a tablet or phone, and on the other it acts as a remote to take photos and videos with.

(we will be at photokina and give you some first hands impressions on this new device, follow us here!)

[Read More…]

Leaked photos and specs show Canon’s new Wi-Fi adapter is an SD card

by 3 Comments

Well, it looks like the issues with EyeFi may not be a problem for Canon shooters. At least, not all Canon shooters. A couple of weeks ago, Digicame-info reported that instructions and specs for Canon’s new W-E1 WiFi adapter had been leaked. One point of note was the listed dimensions. 24x32x2.1mm; the same as the SD card specification.

Now, new leaked photos confirm that this seems to be true and it is an SD card. Also leaked is some camera compatibility. Interestingly, the impending 5D Mark IV doesn’t appear in that list. This may confirm the rumour that the 5D Mark IV does, indeed, have built in WiFi.

[Read More…]

Remote control your DSLR for less than $40

by 21 Comments

For several years now, Camranger has been the only choice if you want to tether your Nikon, Sony or Canon DSLR wirelessly to your phone or tablet. While the Camranger is a worthy device that allows you access to all your camera settings remotely as well as instant viewing of your images, even in live view, the $299 pricetag, to me, seemed excessive. By the time you add extras such as the USB cable, mount, etc, you’re approaching $400 not including your tablet.

Well, this weekend, I’ve discovered a $40 alternative. All you need is a TP-Link MR3040 Battery Powered 3G Wireless Router and a $9 app called qDslrDashboard (Android or iOS).

[Read More…]

Nikon’s new SnapBridge Bluetooth remote control app finally does Bluetooth triggering and image transfer

by 10 Comments

SnapBridge is Nikon’s new Bluetooth remote control protocol & mobile “tethering” system featured in their newest DSLR the Nikon D500, as well as several of their upcoming compact cameras.

In anticipation of their impending release, Nikon have now released the other half of this equation in the form of an Android app, with an iOS version expected to arrive during the summer.

[Read More…]

How to focus a self portrait at f/1.2

by 12 Comments

Focusing a self portrait is hard, but focusing a self portrait at with Canon’s 85mm f/1.2 lens fully open is almost impossible. F/1.2 is so shallow that even the slightest movement will make your eyes blurred and your nose (or ears) tack sharp.

While definitely difficult, it is not impossible, and British photographer Joseph Parry nailed a workflow to make it work. (if you don’t believe it’s possible, just look at how sharp the eyes are at the portrait above.

[Read More…]

Recent Posts