How to Use a DSLR Connected to an iPad or iPhone via a Tethered Cable
You can use our platform to shoot privately-delivered and branded photos with a DSLR attached to either an Android tablet or an iPad.
This article covers iOS.
The DSLR Camera - For iOS, we have only tested a limited number of Canon cameras in our lab setup. You will want to test your setup well before your event. A popular current model is the Canon EOS R100, available on Amazon or any popular vendor, like B&H.
Here’s How to Set Up Your Camera and iPAd
You cannot just randomly connect the devices while they are running. In order for the iPad and the camera to see each other, they must be connected as described below;
Most important point; The camera must be connected and turned on BEFORE you launch the FotoZap App. If you are running the App and THEN connect the camera....it may not work correctly (the shutter button on the camera will not trigger the photo).
1) Start with all devices disconnected and the camera powered OFF. Log out of FotoZap booth so FotoZap Booth is NOT running.
2) The DSLR must have an SD card inserted. Make sure the card has plenty of space on it.
3) Plug in your DSLR camera using HDMI Mini < > C-Connector (Lightning connectors will not work!)
4) Turn your DSLR camera ON.
5) Now launch FotoZap Booth and scan into your Promotion
6) On the FotoZap Admin screen on your iPad, do the following
Set to BACK CAMERA and Turn on the EXTERNAL DSLR (It's also handy to show the SETTINGS ICON)
Your are almost ready....one final step.....SELECT YOUR CAMPAIGN
You will know it is connected when you see this icon in the upper right hand corner of your iPad screen.
You can also use that icon to trigger the DSLR
After following the above path, and with the Icon showing, your DSLR is connected correctly. Both devices see each other and your are ready to take photos. As you take a photo with the DSLR, it will appear on the iPad screen within about 1 second of capture.
You can trigger the shutter with
- the Canon camera shutter button
- or by clicking the Icon on the iPad screen (see photo reference above)
- or with a remote control. Here is a link to purchase a remote on Amazon (many models are available..you don't need this particular model); https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MR1PHPZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
If you use the regular iPad screen shutter button, the ipad will record whatever is showing on the iPad preview screen. To transfer the DSLR image, you must trigger the DSLR with any of the other three methods shown above.
QUIRKS AND ODDITIES
If you lose the connection or the connecting wire becomes unplugged, you can try just plugging them back in. But if the camera doesn't respond when press its shutter button, then you may need to SIGN OUT of the App and start the connection process over, following the simple steps below.
If the above sequence is not followed, the card may remain BUSY…but you can still trigger the shutter with the App, by clicking the icon shown above on the app screen. But the camera's shutter button will not trigger the shutter.
If you plug the camera in with FotoZap running, the icon shown above may appear on the screen, but the camera will ONLY respond to FotoZap trigger. The shutter button on the camera will be unresponsive.
If you run multiple campaigns (using the "...with Selection Screen" button), the app bypasses the sharing option screen and just uploads the photos. You must choose a single campaign to be able to collect email or sms info.
We have only tested this with specific Cannon camera models. We can’t guarantee that it will work with all models or camera brands.
It's really important that you test your setup prior to your event. Test everything well ahead of your event to avoid a last-minute panic.
OLDER CAMERA CONNECTIONS
For older Canon cameras that don't have a USB-C connector, you'll need a Mini-USB to USB-C chordl
There are several cables available on Amazon and other places that support these connections. But not all of them work, so it's really important that you order your cable and test it before your event takes place.
