How do I wirelessly and simultaneously transmit camera image to laptop during a shoot

happy2010 · November 22, 2010

Hi helpful dgrinners…<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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How do I wirelessly have DSLR camera image from Canon camera [Canon 1D mkIII or 5D mkII] appear not only in camera LCD but simultaneously & wirelessly appear on my laptop computer [Dell Precision model M6400], so it is easier for myself or clients to observe images during a photo shoot.<o:p></o:p>
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Equipment Setup:<o:p></o:p>
Canon 1D mkIII & Canon 5D mkII<o:p></o:p>
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LOCATION (& sometimes studio)<o:p></o:p>
- both cameras with PocketWizard MiniTT1 and PocketWizard AC3 Zone controller, utilizing 4 Canon 580 EX-II (with 4 PocketWizard Flex TT5)<o:p></o:p>
Or<o:p></o:p>
STUDIO (& sometimes location)<o:p></o:p>
-both cameras with Profoto Air Remotes, utilizing 4 Profoto monolights model D1-500Air (500w/sec)<o:p></o:p>
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I seem to recall reading somewhere a while ago, this is technically possible. Any explanation/instruction, equipment required, or reference/link to this topic would be most welcome.<o:p></o:p>
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Thank you.<o:p></o:p>
Mary<o:p></o:p>

Art Scott · November 22, 2010

I am not a canon person...if they use Sd cards for memory then just simply buy a EyeFi Pro card and go for it...
to my limited knowledge that is the only possibility I know of to be wireless.

Gary Peterson Photography · November 22, 2010

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/673976-REG/Canon_4262B001_WFT_E2_II_A_Wireless.html

billythek · November 23, 2010

There is a wireless grip for the 5D2, as well. Unfortunately, you can't use eye-fi, because the 5D2 doesn't have SD cards.

You could also just shoot tethered using a wired connection. A little messier, but cheaper, and I believe quicker.

printergirl · November 23, 2010

billythek wrote: »

There is a wireless grip for the 5D2, as well. Unfortunately, you can't use eye-fi, because the 5D2 doesn't have SD cards.

You could also just shoot tethered using a wired connection. A little messier, but cheaper, and I believe quicker.

Do they make a card adapter that would allow the use of an SD card? I thought I read this somewhere. I just got the EyeFi Pro card, but am on Nikon, and it works excellently (and much cheaper than an actual wireless transmitter).

printergirl · November 23, 2010

Hmm, never mind. Apparently a CF card adapter is NOT recommended for the EyeFi card. Sorry.

Art Scott · November 23, 2010

printergirl wrote: »

Hmm, never mind. Apparently a CF card adapter is NOT recommended for the EyeFi card. Sorry.

friend or like them on face book and tell them you need CF eyefi......they say they hope some company will make a usable adapter.....but they are getting lots of request for Cf eyefi cards...put some more pressure on them

There is a sticky on the accessories forum for eyefi..chime in about needing Cf card...here is a foum register and post to this feature request thread...... http://tinyurl.com/2dqq6z8 ..like them on face book and ask for it there tweet them asking for it........the cams i am looking at moving into for ff only accept CF and at least one has dual CF slots......there is one adapter that says it will work with eyefi but its range is a mere 15ft no good for weeding shooters......so we need them to just engineer a cf pro card.....

gillat · November 24, 2010

guys, I just wanted to reiterate - CF adapters won't work with the x2 cards in a 5D.

They do in Nikon cameras, but are totally unsupported.

Take a look at Rob Galbraith's site, and read his latest iPad article. He has very conclusive information on the topic.

Thx

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

happy2010 · November 27, 2010

Thank you!
Thanks everyone! You've given me research material to work on. This will help tremendously. Thanks again. :ivar Mary

Nikolai · November 27, 2010

Well, it's an old thread but it may be a good read:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=131828
or you can start right here:
http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=1128535&postcount=65

happy2010 · November 28, 2010

Nikolai wrote: »

Well, it's an old thread but it may be a good read:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=131828
or you can start right here:
http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=1128535&postcount=65

Thank you Nikolai for your links and blazing (with the collaboration of Henry) the technological trail! Albeit fairly technical for me, I read your interesting links several times to increase my comprehension. Fast forward from May 2009 to present day – is the creative gizmo still reliable for you, is heat a problem? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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If reliable without downside camera risk, I may consider following your path; but I am cautious about potentially damaging my 1DmkIII. (Reality check - I know everyone proceeds at their own risk and responsible for their own behavior/decisions).<o:p></o:p>
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Eye-Fi – I understand records & transfers in JPEG only. Economical but unfortunate, since I like editing in RAW with Lightroom & CS4. So I unfortunately won’t utilize this option, even though on the surface it seemed like a good suggestion.<o:p></o:p>
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Or, I could “suck it up” [as referenced by Gary entry#4 above / & by 951Porsche your link entry#69] and buy an OEM, Canon WFT-E2II for Canon 1DmkIII (after firmware upgrade) shooting in both RAW & JPEG. Then WFT transfer in JPEG to laptop for viewing & client tagging of desired images. Then later, I edit recorded RAW images.<o:p></o:p>
This photographer http://adventure-photographer.blogspot.com/2009/02/wft-e4-wireless-transmitter.html with Canon 5D shoots in RAW+JPEG mode, transfers only JPEG file to laptop for full screen viewing and claims a WFT transfer time is approx 1-2 seconds; which is acceptable to me and will keep pace with my Profoto D1-500Air moonlight’s 1 second refresh rate. <o:p></o:p>
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Or, I guess I can always resort to a USB cable until time and commercial technology utilizes something like WFT 802.11n speed.<o:p></o:p>
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Thanks again and more things to consider…<o:p></o:p>
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Mary<o:p></o:p>
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P.S. I like your laptop choice!<o:p></o:p>

Nikolai · November 28, 2010

Mary,
I didn't use it much. Used it at a fashion show once. It was working fine but was losing signal if the crowd was blocking the line of sight (it was picking it up afterwards though). After that I realized that I can simply use my 8' camera stand on one size and affix the transmitter to its top and use a 10' lighting stand next to the laptop and attach the receiver on top of that, thus avoiding any obstacles. But that's theory, I didn't have a chance/need to validate it.
In studio I'm simply using a 15ft USB cable (hate to use the batteries), and with the advent of my new toy http://www.tallyns.com/mmTPP/Images/LaptopDeck_detail3.JPG I won't need even that long a cable. :ivar

printergirl · November 28, 2010

happy2010 wrote: »

Eye-Fi – I understand records & transfers in JPEG only. Economical but unfortunate, since I like editing in RAW with Lightroom & CS4. So I unfortunately won’t utilize this option, even though on the surface it seemed like a good suggestion.<o:p></o:p>

Hi Mary. Just to clarify, this is not necessarily true. Only certain versions of the EyeFi card transmit JPG only. I have been using the EyeFi Pro X2 card and transferring RAW files for over a week and a half now. I have shot with it in my Nikon D90, D40, and Canon S90 P&S in RAW mode, and had no problems at all. It instantly transferred my RAW files to my computer whenever the card was in range (which pretty much means anytime I was near the computer). I even did shots outside and when I came back inside to my computer, my RAW files were there, waiting for me.

This is definately the solution I was seeking, and it only cost me $140 for an 8 GB card with WIFI. I have even moved it from camera to camera, without formatting (which I don't really recommend) and it worked flawlessly in all, even going from the DSLR to the P&S camera. <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/thumb.gif" border="0" alt="" >

But, it is only for SD compatible cameras. I don't think it will work with a CF card adapter. I did just want to clarify that, in case anyone else is reading this thread for a solution. Like you, I was looking for a solution to do this wirelessly myself a few weeks back, and the EyeFi Pro card solved my issue. <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/clap.gif" border="0" alt="" >

gillat · November 29, 2010

Art Scott wrote: »

friend or like them on face book and tell them you need CF eyefi......they say they hope some company will make a usable adapter.....but they are getting lots of request for Cf eyefi cards...put some more pressure on them

There is a sticky on the accessories forum for eyefi..chime in about needing Cf card...here is a foum register and post to this feature request thread...... http://tinyurl.com/2dqq6z8 ..like them on face book and ask for it there tweet them asking for it........the cams i am looking at moving into for ff only accept CF and at least one has dual CF slots......there is one adapter that says it will work with eyefi but its range is a mere 15ft no good for weeding shooters......so we need them to just engineer a cf pro card.....

Guys,

A small update on another CF adapter:

http://forums.eye.fi/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1352&p=12692#p12692

Thx --

Ziv.

happy2010 · November 29, 2010

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p>
NIKOLAI - thanks for the clarification – it helps me.<o:p></o:p>
We have matching laptops & somewhat similar thoughts on some of our toys – here’s my stand: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=12150-000-55&N=0&InitialSearch=yes<o:p></o:p>
“Cable on… “ if I take the plunge I’ll let you know my experience.<o:p></o:p>
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NORA – thank you for your input and taking the time to clarify an important point that some Eye-Fi cards, like the Eye-Fi Pro X2 Card, records & transfers RAW files (for SD compatible cameras). Glad to read you found a solution for your camera/computer setup. <o:p></o:p>
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GILLAT - appreciate your inside/industrial perspective.<o:p></o:p>
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EVERYONE – I was unaware, but now see with your help and references, the Wireless File Transfer (WFT) issue has been raised on Dgrin several times before my recent entry#1 thread above. For the long-time Dgrinners thanks for enduring my initial question and this relatively “newbie” Dgrinner’s ride along the WFT learning curve. I am sure time, with innovative technology in free enterprise economies (with natural economic forces of supply & demand) the evolution of WFT photography will develop (no pun intended)… just as film to digital has.<o:p></o:p>
I was taught patience is a virtue – I’ll have to think about that, as it is sometimes also potentially frustrating…! <o:p></o:p>
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Thanks again…<o:p></o:p>
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Mary<o:p></o:p>

gillat · January 14, 2011

I've added more info to the same thread on our forum:

http://forums.eye.fi/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1352&start=45#p13746

How do I wirelessly and simultaneously transmit camera image to laptop during a shoot

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