Use a MacBook as a digital camera view finder?

[dauber]

I have a friend/client who wants to use this Mac as a digital camera viewfinder...I think ideally he wants to be able to basically take a picture with his digital camera via his MacBook and have the resulting photo auto-submit to a form, but I don't think that's going to happen. So I'm trying to see if at least he can use his MacBook as a view finder.

His camera is a Canon Power Shot A4000 IS.

I know about the Image Capture software, but I personally haven't been able to use this successfully because my camera (a Sony) is only recognized as a USB device. (I don't have access to his camera.)

Any thoughts?

 

[Apple fanboy]

I have a friend/client who wants to use this Mac as a digital camera viewfinder...I think ideally he wants to be able to basically take a picture with his digital camera via his MacBook and have the resulting photo auto-submit to a form, but I don't think that's going to happen. So I'm trying to see if at least he can use his MacBook as a view finder.

His camera is a Canon Power Shot A4000 IS.

I know about the Image Capture software, but I personally haven't been able to use this successfully because my camera (a Sony) is only recognized as a USB device. (I don't have access to his camera.)

Any thoughts?

You need to get software to enable tethered shooting. Capture One can do it but is not cheap. You might be able to get a free trial if it's just a one off, but check your camera is supported first.

 

[simonsi]

Yep, see if your camera supports tethered shooting, Sofortbild is free from the MAS - if the camera supports it. If the camera doesn't support tehered shooting then think no further with that camera.

 

[Alexander.Of.Oz]

Yep, see if your camera supports tethered shooting, Sofortbild is free from the MAS - if the camera supports it. If the camera doesn't support tehered shooting then think no further with that camera.

Unfortunately, it is only for Nikon users!

 

[simonsi]

Unfortunately, it is only for Nikon users!

LOL - never realised that! I have a Nikon so it just worked...From a bit more research I'm not sure that the Powershot series support tethering at all...

 

[kenoh]

LOL - never realised that! I have a Nikon so it just worked...From a bit more research I'm not sure that the Powershot series support tethering at all...

There is a canon EOS app. Not sure if there is one for other canon cameras. Try the downloads area of canon support website?

 

[simonsi]

There is a canon EOS app. Not sure if there is one for other canon cameras. Try the downloads area of canon support website?

Yes I found the EOS app, don't think OP's Powershot supports tethering though.

 

[drambuie]

Yes I found the EOS app, don't think OP's Powershot supports tethering though.

The Canon tethering application is called RemoteCapture, but the A 4000 doesn't support it, as it doesn't have full Manual mode. RemoteCapture allows you to change focus, point and shoot zoom, shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, etc., on supported cameras. The only problem is it's a USB connection, with its cable length restrictions.

Recent Canon DSLRs with built in wifi allow remote control using an iPad.

Edit - RemoteCapture is for Canon point and shoot cameras. DSLRs use the EOS utility.