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T1i / 500D - Record video directly to a laptop?

Started Dec 5, 2016 | Questions
Kelemvor Regular Member • Posts: 233
T1i / 500D - Record video directly to a laptop?

Howdy,

I have a T1i and want to try using it to record something that will go for about 90 minutes.  I know I can't record that long via a SD card but is there a way that I can connect the camera to a laptop and have it record directly to the hard drive?

I know there was some Canon software that worked for things like time lapse photography and stuff like that but I haven't looked into that in years.

If anyone knows if this is possible and has any instructions on how I can go about trying it out, please let me know.

Thanks!

ANSWER:
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Canon EOS 500D (EOS Rebel T1i / EOS Kiss X3)
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mocha123 Senior Member • Posts: 2,497
Re: T1i / 500D - Record video directly to a laptop?

Hi Kelemvor,

The recording time of the Canon T1i is limited to 29mins. and 59secs. It's to do with European import duties any camera that can record 30 mins. is taxed as a Video Movie Camera.

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OP Kelemvor Regular Member • Posts: 233
Re: T1i / 500D - Record video directly to a laptop?

Well, that sucks.  But anyway, is there any way to record directly to a laptop and maybe kick off the recording from the laptop?

The event I need to record really only lasts about 30 minutes but is in the middle of other things.  I was going to start it up before it starts and then stop it after it's done.  If I could start it remotely from the laptop or my phone or something like that, have it record directly to the laptop, and then have it stop after 30 minutes, that might work too.

PhilPreston3072 Senior Member • Posts: 2,660
Re: T1i / 500D - Record video directly to a laptop?

Kelemvor wrote:

Howdy,

I have a T1i and want to try using it to record something that will go for about 90 minutes. I know I can't record that long via a SD card but is there a way that I can connect the camera to a laptop and have it record directly to the hard drive?

I know there was some Canon software that worked for things like time lapse photography and stuff like that but I haven't looked into that in years.

If anyone knows if this is possible and has any instructions on how I can go about trying it out, please let me know.

Thanks!

I don't have a 500D, but if your DSLR can output live footage over a HDMI cable, then maybe something like one of these HDMI recorders might work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFBL_ZSbn-U

With this HDMI recorder you won't need the laptop for recording, just a USB drive.

You can also get HDMI capture boxes that send video to your laptop if you prefer.

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Canon EOS 450D Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS +1 more
OP Kelemvor Regular Member • Posts: 233
Re: T1i / 500D - Record video directly to a laptop?

I was meaning something with the EOU Utility that lets you control the camera from your computer.  Have only used that ones a looong time ago so don't know if it can control video or not.  Also not sure where to download it since the Canon site only has updates for it but not the main download.

mocha123 Senior Member • Posts: 2,497
Re: T1i / 500D - Record video directly to a laptop?

Re: EOS Utility Updater.

You need to have the CD that came with the Camera inserted in your computer, then it will do a full install.

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Canon EOS 70D Canon EOS 7D Mark II Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM +3 more
BAK Forum Pro • Posts: 26,020
Keep looking for answers...

from someone who has actually done this. Which is not me.

Your problem may be the lack of "clean video" coming out of the camera.

Video that is not clean shows you what else is on the screen on the camera, in addition to the image.

The extra stuff includes the focus points.

BAK

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