Chainfire creates Android tethered control app for Canon DSLRs

http://androidadvices.com/update-samsung-galaxy-gt-i9000-galaxy-s2-rom/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AndroidAdvices+%28Android+Advices%29

I bought a copy of the software and tried it today with my Acer A500 and a 7D. I was impressed. See the following for some more details:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=39131974

From my experience, using it with anything smaller than a 7 inch tablet would be too limiting - it was great to have the big screen on my 10 inch tablet. Also, unlike using a laptop or desktop for tethered shooting, you can hold a tablet in one hand and control the shooting (focus point, exposure, etc.) with the other, while standing up next to the camera on a tripod. I can see this combination being very useful any time the camera is on a tripod.

Aug 17, 2011permalink

RLJSlick

I've been using this and it really works great. It's still beta but it's full featured and very useful.

Aug 16, 2011permalink

jackpro

How To Update Samsung Galaxy S GT I9000 with Galaxy S2 ROM
I wonder if this will work with my Samsung Galaxy S?

Aug 15, 2011permalink

jackpro

Anyway tried the galaxy s with s2 upgrade no go at this point

Aug 19, 2011permalink

GHL_Vienna

Can anyone please explain: Is "USB Master", which is apparently (also) a prerequisite for this software to work on an Android device a matter of driver or a hardware capability?
Or in other words: The Samsung Galaxy II is USB master capable, the HTC Sensation isn't. Would HTC (or a talented hacker) have to issue a suitable driver invoking USB Master also on the HTC Sensation? Or will USB Master never ever work on a HTC Sensation due to hardware limitations? Sorry, even after an extensive search on the net I couldn't find anything explanatory.

(Remark: I am aware that Android 3.0 has been quoted as prerequisite as well. I think, however, that this isn't really a crucial technical limitation. This could surely be lifted. USB Master most probably not.)

Aug 13, 2011permalink

There are two "Ends" to USB, the host end (master) and the device end. Most phones just act as devices, and have the small mini or micro USB connection - devices connect to a controller/host/master which establishes the connection and then takes control of the device. A USB host connection is the one on the end that does the controlling - i.e., the ports in your laptop/desktop are USB host ports, which can take control of devices. VERY few Android devices can act as USB hosts/masters.
For example, my Acer Iconia tablet has both a USB host/master port and a standard micro USB connector. I use the micro USB connector when I want to connect my tablet to a PC to transfer files or updates from the PC. I use the full-size USB host port when I want to connect a thumb drive or card reader to the tablet to transfer files directly from the drive/card to the tablet.

Aug 16, 2011permalink

Peter Vit

I just tried to download the application to my Galaxy S2 and got a message This app is incompatible with your Pelephone Samsung GT-I9100T.

Anybody has an idea?

Aug 11, 2011permalink

Stig Nygaard

Your firmware version. See comment further below.

Aug 13, 2011permalink

RLJSlick

Here is the info from the web site:
Samsung Galaxy S2, (KG1/2.3.4 firmware or newer), USB Host cable, eBay: "i9100 usb host"
- Motorola Xoom (US: 3.2, UK: 3.1), USB Host cable, eBay: "xoom usb host"
- Acer Iconia A500, no special cable
- Asus Transformer, no special cable, connect to dock
- Toshiba Thrive, no special cable
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1", USB connector kit

Aug 16, 2011permalink

DaveSemm

Rats! I bought Canon's TC-80N3 timer remote 3 days ago!!! I was pretty unhappy about having to pay so much for a function that could easily have been built into the cameras of the last few years. But I needed it, it is very useful & does what I expected. OK, I'm also unhappy that it doesn't work with my backup cameras (450D & 350D).

And maybe I don't want my smartphone hanging off of my camera in a public area. But using a smartphone to control the camera is very clever and will often be more practical than tethering it to a PC.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

kff

And for tablet .... I want to have sun hood and screw mount for tripod etc. ...

Aug 8, 2011permalink

kff

I want to have camera and tablet with BT 3.0 or wi-fi (like Samsung SH100). It is possible to use for similar control functions including live view ... :)

I have Pentax K-5... what wil Ricoh do?

Aug 8, 2011permalink

KT_at_SF

Cool - since I already own a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet (which is thinner, lighter, and has a better/higher-resolution screen than the iPad2) and multiple Canon DSLRs (5D Mk II, 7D, 1D Mk III, etc.), I look forward to purchasing and using this Android app.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

Plastek

"has a better/higher-resolution screen than the iPad2" - higher resolution, maybe. But in other matters it can't beat iPad 2 - resistance, contrast, colors... not really an competition.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

Glugwine

Disagree. We use two Asus Transformers Honeycomb tablets (and yes we have a Ipad2). The Asus has detachable keyboard, longer battery life, as good screen colours and contract as our Ipad but is way more flexible with SD card slots, USB etc etc

Aug 9, 2011permalink

Glugwine

Aug 9, 2011permalink

The Samsung Galaxy is a great iPad2 competitor, but for photo work it is nice to have USB host ports built in (like on the Toshiba and Acer tablets), and a card slot for backing up photos (like on the Toshiba, Acer, and Asus tablets).

Aug 16, 2011permalink

love_them_all

They should make one for the iPad.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

Plastek

Such apps exist for iPad and iPhone for about 2-3 years already, from more than one company, and suitable not only for Canon but also Nikon or Phase One cameras.

Sadly - Android as always lags behind iOS.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

Darryl H

Can you tell me the name of such an app iPhone?

Aug 8, 2011permalink

kbryd

He can't because he's lying. There is no such application for iPad and iPhone.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

Darryl H

I had a feeling there wasn't. Having a iPhone I spent quite a bit of time looking. The only one I found needed to be tethered to a computer. Which isn't a lot of use if your stood in the middle of a river!!!

I'm due a phone upgrade shortly so it'll be a Samsung Galaxy S2 for me.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

Just look at his other posts and it's pretty clear hes just an iTroll, posting from inside the reality distortion field...

Aug 8, 2011permalink

daMatrix

I have some questions related to working with a thetered camera
1- Were are the photos stored? In camera or In tablet?
2- Can the app view existing raw files? (thus besides liveview review of stored photos)
3- Is het possible to zoom in the liveview (as it is possible on Camera)
4- Is it possible to use the tablet as liveview monitor and a remote shutter release as to take the actual photos?

Aug 7, 2011permalink

felix-nadar

(partial) answer to your number 4: On a 450D, it is possible to use USB thetering (on a PC) AND a wired remote control. They use different connectors (mini-usb and 2.5mm micro jack).

Aug 7, 2011permalink

meshal

anwser to #1
according to him. it will be stored in the camera,but next he will be doing in phone/tablet too.you can go to xda forum and ask him whatever u want.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

1-> Currently on the camera, will soon allow phone saving as well
2-> No, possibly JPG extraction from RAW files will be viewable at a later version, but complete RAW view seems unlikely for now.
3 -> Yes (see magnifying glass icon in top right of screen)
4-> Yes

Aug 8, 2011permalink

CR2 Thumbnailer, a $4 App, works well for transferring RAW files from memory cards (and will soon also transfer them directly from the camera according to my conversations with the developer). It will let you see the embedded JPG and extract selected ones and save them on the tablet.

Aug 16, 2011permalink

Ali Fyfe

Hi Jeff. Have you had any further chats with the developer about whether CR2 Thumbnailer will transfer directly from camera? Is the developer S holst who makes the nef-thumbnailer for android. My wish is to go straight into the camera (Nikon D3s) with my smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-19100) and email away a few medium JPEGs.

Nov 22, 2011permalink

felix-nadar

Should be nice to have the same functionalities on compact cameras. Especially if it includes full control of zoom settings.

Aug 7, 2011permalink

Andy Crowe

Many Canon Powershot compacts have tethered shooting support including full zoom control. (for example my S3IS supports this)

Aug 7, 2011permalink

grunticus

I got it through Google Checkout, installed fine on my Asus Eee TF101 Transformer, and works as advertised with my 7D.

Aug 7, 2011permalink

NickyJ00

I can't wait to get something like this on a tablet.

Aug 7, 2011permalink

Because it will "justify" the purchase of said tablet? What's the advantage of using a tablet to control a camera, over using a smartphone or a laptop?

Aug 8, 2011permalink

The advantage over a smartphone is the screen size. The advantage over a laptop is less weight to carry around (only an issue when not shooting in your home studio). Now, someone needs to make a simple stand for tablets that can hang from a tripod, or maybe a bracket so it can be attached next to the camera on the tripod.

Aug 16, 2011permalink

Deviantfotografer

very interesting

Aug 7, 2011permalink

dotbalm

Still waiting for a US wireless telecom to carry the Galaxy S2.

Aug 7, 2011permalink

Holger Drallmeyer

Xoom, Galaxy Tab 10.1, Asus Transformer and Acer A500 should work, the only problem is that I can't get this up through the checkout in androids market place. Must have something to do with US or the beta status. will try again tomorrow.

Aug 7, 2011permalink

I haven't tried yet but what credit card are you using? I found one App that I couldn't buy with my American Express, even though the card works fine for others, but I could buy with a Visa card.

Aug 16, 2011permalink

OK, I just bought a copy. As with another item in Euros, I couldn't buy it with my American Express card, but the purchase went through without problem when I used my Visa card. Maybe a problem using the American Express card with European Apps?

Aug 16, 2011permalink

justin23

Until devices get the USB host ability, they won't work with this. I'm hoping that they will eventually support numerous cameras.

All the new android devices should start to have USB host ability, mainly because it is supported in the latest versions of Android. apple devices are another story. I'd have an iPad right now if i could connect a USB HDD to it....

Aug 7, 2011permalink

Plastek

You can. Just get the HDD with it's own power source (there's quite a bit of them on the market)

Aug 8, 2011permalink

The Acer Iconia and the Toshiba Thrive have USB host ports built in. The Acer Transformer gains two when you attach the optional keyboard. I've heard that you can add one to the Samsung with a special cable (not confirmed). I've connected a low power USB hard drive to my Acer without problems, but basic Honeycomb only supports FAT32 (I've seen an App that adds NTFS support to rooted tablets.)

Aug 16, 2011permalink

kevindar

bracketing with control please (multiple shot with desired gap) I would buy this in a heat beat for that.

Aug 6, 2011permalink

Leem2209

I like the idea of this, it could be used like a remote live view when the camera is set to an awkward position. It would be great if somehow it could be tethered wirelessly. And have iPhone support. I always have my phone with me, so it could be used for; Live View, Remote with timer functions, Easier for self portraits. Any other ideas? Think this is not too useful at the moment, but a good first step.

Aug 6, 2011permalink

Well right now, I guess being able to focus precisely without touching the camera is probably helpful for Macro enthusiast.

But if I look at the upcoming features of the app, it's going to be much better soon:
- HDR, bracketing of up to 9 points
- Timelapse photography (interval timer)
- Using very long (exactly timed) shutter time through bulb for Astrophotographers
- automatic multiple focus shots for extended depth of field (especially handy for macro photographers)
- and of course it's an el cheapo replacement for any of those expensive off camera screens that videographers use.

Those are just from the top of my head however... I'm sure there's even more uses.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

S Staley

I hope Chain fire comes out with something for Nikon soon

Aug 6, 2011permalink

GatanoII

Android market is here to stay ...

the question is when Canon but also Nikon, Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and other players, will start to develop all their main applications (currently for windows and apple only) for Andoid and also for Linux ...

it will be the easiest thing to do, as at least the big players in the HDTV display market (that also build cameras) all have (at least some) skilled Linux developers, as all HDTV TVs have a Linux OS ...

a step forward, Canon probably can't (as don't have their own TVs), but imagine a Sony TV or Panasonic or Samsung controlling their own cameras ...

seems stupid? think at you in your a studio (or at home) having a 55inch HDTV possibly with higher resolution that 1080P, controlling a camera (or vice versa), some TV already can control their own branded video cameras (unfortunately mostly for play functions) It is not that difficult to do, as most of the modern TVs have sometimes more CPU power than a phone or a tablet ...

Aug 6, 2011permalink

GatanoII

btw, I already connect my DSLR or my HDTV video camera to my big TVs with HDMI for shooting or filming, I find it very useful, I'm sure most of you already do, but it's not as an USB (or wireless) connection with the proper application ...

Aug 6, 2011permalink

G10Rebel

I wonder if the developers gave/will give this app truly customizable controls, i.e: automatic multiple shots per second, intervalometer, custom aperture range bracketing with custom number of frame/bracket that can be combined with intervalometer, etc.

If yes, and they can make it work on Archos G8/G9 devices, I'll buy this in a zip! Canon+Android = Pure Win!

Aug 6, 2011permalink

all those functions are on the to-do list as far as I can tell... when it will be released is unknown. The 1.0 version should have most (if not all) of those functions though.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

Stig Nygaard

USB HOST REQUIRED. Phones running Gingerbread or earlier do not officially have USB host support, BUT the Samsung Galaxy S2 (firmware KG1/2.3.4 or newer) does support USB host. Currently, NO OTHER PHONE is supported.

At least in my region 2.3.3 is newest available firmware available for Samsung Galaxy S II (through Kies). I think this KG1/2.3.4 is a leaked firmware? I hope Samsung Mobile puts out a firmware upgrade soon. I want this on my phone :-)

Aug 6, 2011permalink

Using a leaked version is your best bet if you want to use it with the SGS2. Brazil, Venezuela, Poland and Trinidad and Tobago are the only countries with an official 2.3.4 update (released in the last week), though Samsung is expected to release the update to most major markets sometime this month.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

meshal

little pricey for beta. but i like its features.

Aug 6, 2011permalink

grunticus

Pricey? € 5.99? Are you sure? Try it. it's worth it IF you want large Liveview for some shoot or other.

Aug 7, 2011permalink

FoolyCooly

I just see another piece of equipment to worry about breaking, malfunctioning or distracting you from what you are really after- Great Pictures. Tethered shooting is a great Parlor Trick but it is hardly necessary for 99% of the the shooting that I do. Maybe your needs are different but instant feedback via EYE-FI card is good enough for my "can I see it now customers".

Aug 6, 2011permalink

MonkRX

I'm not sure I agree. UI for DSLR's are antiquated. They have been generally decent and many options have instant access, but we really need a breakthrough in UI for DSLRs.

This type of tethered controlled shooting could pave the way to faster access controls, especially for the lower end Rebels. I'm not saying its better, especially in its current form, but it could be an improvement in control in some ways.

Also, the durability of portable electronics, especially today, is incredible. Even the poorest most unknown brands have good reliability. There simply is little to fail in Cell Phones. There is virtually nothing mechanical inside, except for possibly hardware buttons and sliders. The sheer complexity of a DSLR should force you to carry a Camera Phone as a backup, purely because of the difference in theoretical reliability between the two devices. The DSLR has multiple mechanical points of failure, while Cell Phones have a magnitude less.

.... Anyway. I completely <Over Limit>

Aug 6, 2011permalink

MonkRX

I completely understand your point of view. This is certainly limited it's scope. But I can see benefits to having a fast touch screen UI with instant access to settings.

If it moves to a user customizable GUI, along with adding intervalometer features and other bracketing features, it could easily become a photographer necessity. Then hopefully Canon will step up and begin putting features like that directly into the camera.

Aug 6, 2011permalink

booggerg

how is the UI of DSLRs antiquated? You see any evolution of camera UI controls? People don't ask for the UI to be changed because the interface is geared toward physical buttons.. and it simply works... live view exist on many cameras today as well if you want that display oriented interface.. I'd rather turn my rings & knobs than tap away at a 3lb screen that I have to support with my other hand!

Aug 6, 2011permalink

brecklundin

Tethered shooting is a "parlor trick"? Wow do you have a LOT to learn about the world of professional photography in the digital age.

Aug 7, 2011permalink

MonkRX

@ booggerg
I said the UI is antiquated, not "bad". Direct access controls are great, but there is room for innovation in terms of UI. Just as simple as a "Set Exposure to Program Line AE" button is a great UI improvement that many cameras lack. (Hint hint, take a look at Pentax's Green Button).

People don't ask for the UI to be changed because humans are creatures of habit. We get used to the UI and we excel in the UI that was designed. I completely understand why you prefer your UI - you're simply used to it and you excel in operating the camera in that UI.

I'm not saying that the tether phone UI is an improvement. But I am saying this: Until changing settings and setting the perfect exposure isn't instantaneous, there must be some UI improvements to be had. I'm looking forward towards innovation in this area, and I will gladly relearn to shoot if a newer, better method arrives.

Aug 7, 2011permalink

FoolyCooly

@brecklundin, Please tell me when it would be appropriate to use something like this?

Studio Portraits? Yes, I already have my Macbook Air or Studio PC for this.
Studio Stills- Yes, please see above.
Landscapes... I'd rather not.
Outdoor portraits- No
Weddings- No
Events involving people- No
Sports- No

Chasing the cat around the house while you play with your 2 favorite toys (DSLR and Smart Phone). HEX YA!

*I've got my iPad and EYE-Fi card for instant reviews on a big screen. The EYE-Fi card even works with my Android Phone and my iPod touch with no USB Host concerns. There are no cables to connect and when you need to ignore the toys and do some hard shooting, all you have to do is put the iPad back in the bag.

Things like this will add another layer of complexity to an already challenging job. If used in a controlled environment it can be a life saver but for everything else it should stay in the bag. YMWV

Aug 8, 2011permalink

dizeman

I find tethering on location just another tool to use to help avoid O' Shlts! I recently shot a photo for Vince Neil Aviation in which I had a 10,000 sqft aircraif hanger in which we packed a Hawker 800 BizJet and a Lear 35 BizJet, a Hot Rod, Motorcycle, Lamborghini, Vince Neal of Motley Crue, his wife Lia and friend Marley Taylor. Vince decided the placement of the people, head sizes by the time I framed two BizJets were almost impossible to focus on directly. Cost of flying the Jets to Vegas was over $10,000, transporting the Hot Rod and Bike to Vegas another $1,000 There were no DO OVERS, so having a TETHER on the set to CHECK FOCUS which is all I care about with a tether was lets say, COMFORTING. Who would use a tablet on location for tethering? ME! I! WE! It's jsut another tool to avoid a lawsuit should the Hoodman be off so very little it LOOKED SHARP on a 3 inch LCD. I use a 24 inch Dell HD Digital, a tablet would be GREAT!

Apr 5, 2012permalink

dizeman

The DELL monitor I use on-location to tether, not so clients can PEEK, but so I can guarantee focus is SHARP before I get back to the desktop to find out I just got sued.

<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_8hBcEf4uhk/Tp8X3GvFHhI/AAAAAAAADKI/MbLugzAFaOg/s869/195.jpg" target="VNAtether">Vince Neil Aviation Focus Check on Tethered 24 inch Dell HD Digital Monitor.</a>

<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YV8HS9lrQ7E/Tp8QkFcqh_I/AAAAAAAADCM/2Gjp7X5Kb64/s899/006.jpg" target="VNAWide">Vince Neil Aviation Wide Shot</a>

<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ed5SvBFa-OQ/Tp8Qr_1RiuI/AAAAAAAADCk/LpwNAYsAyQw/s765/010.jpg" target="VNAcomp">Vince Neil Aviation Composite</a>

When there cannot be a DO OVER and the production costs are EXTREME, I will use any tool available to check my focus and view my results, BEFORE we strike the set... Even a Pad/Tablet.

Apr 5, 2012*permalink

dizeman

Oops! Code failed, you can cut and paste the URLS.

Apr 5, 2012permalink

DocM

iPad anyone?

Aug 6, 2011permalink

G10Rebel

have not usb connection, iPad does

Aug 6, 2011permalink

DocM

The only way to tether is with a USB connection?

Aug 6, 2011permalink

Mark B.

The iPad can't be a USB host, so this will not work. There is another program from another developer that will allow the iPad to control wirelessly, but it requires that the camera be tethered to a USB-hosted laptop or desktop with wi-fi.

Aug 6, 2011permalink

TsfM

iWish!

Aug 7, 2011permalink

booggerg

why tablet? Who the hell carries a table with them in the field? If in the studio, you'd already have access to a color corrected monitor.. Put it on the android phones please....

Aug 6, 2011permalink

Chaitanya S

Right now only Samsung Galaxy S2 supports USB host capability. Also if you watch the video demo of this app on youtube, you will see that Samsung Galaxy S2 phone is used to tether.

Aug 6, 2011permalink

G10Rebel

I bring tablet to the field, Archos 70it.

Aug 6, 2011permalink

booggerg

you must be one of a few.. carrying a boat load camera gear is enough work.. carrying a fragile tablet is the least I want to do.. even with this tether app, carrying a tablet is not worth it IMO

Aug 6, 2011permalink

I'm traveling in the UK right now. i chose to leave my heavier netbook/laptop behind, and just have the Acer tablet. With USB host port and micro SD slot, plus software to view RAW files and extract JPGs, I can view my shots on the tablet and back them up to other memory cards. I'll be buying this new App and gain even more freedom from heavier netbooks/laptops.

Aug 7, 2011permalink

Once Ice Cream Sandwich (the upcoming major Android version) is used in phones it should be compatible with (pretty much) all phones, but until then the SGS2 is your only option.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

http://www.controlmynikon.com

Absolutely. Tablets combine the worst of both worlds (smartphones and laptops). Not truly portable, and not powerful or practical enough for real work. I'd much rather have this on a phone, but most phones can't work as USB hosts.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

structuresguy

This is exactly what I wanted when I bought my tablet. Can't wait for Nikon support.

Aug 6, 2011permalink

MathsTutor

Have you tried ControlMyNikon?

Aug 6, 2011permalink

structuresguy

no, but thanks for the link. Looks like a cool program. Will check it out. However, I really want to be able to attach a tablet to my tripod and get live preview on the larger screen. laptop is a bit too cumbersome for what I want.

Aug 8, 2011permalink

So, wait, you bought your tablet because you wanted to run software that didn't exist...? Are you sure you didn't just buy your tablet because it was shiny, and have been looking for a way to "justify" the purchase? ;-)

If you wanted to run this kind of software, you could have bought a netbook. Cheaper, more storage, a real keyboard, can stand on its own, compatible with any PC peripheral, and compatible with full-featured remote control software (NKRemote, etc.).

Aug 8, 2011permalink