Sony a6000 camera with iPhone smart remote control

UPDATE Jun 2020 - this video was created in 2014. I recently posted a newer video that shows how to remote control your camera using the new Imaging Edge Mobile app from Sony. See the newer video here:
• Sony a6000 remote cont...
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In this video, I explain how to connect the Sony a6000 (ILCE-6000) camera to an iPhone to use as a smart remote control. It was a little complicated to figure this out, so hopefully, this will help others trying to get set up.
This will require you install the Sony PlayMemories app on your iPhone.
Overall steps:
1. Install Sony PlayMemories app on your iPhone
2. Install the Smart Remote Control app onto your camera (if it wasn't preloaded) - will require creating a Sony account and downloading the app from the Sony "store" on your camera. To begin, on your camera, use the menu system to go to Application List, then open the PlayMemories Camera app (you'll have to connect your camera to your wifi hotspot so it can connect to the internet). If you don't have a Sony account, you'll have to create one (I recommend using your your computer to create an account on Sony's website). After you have an account, log in to the Sony store on your *camera*, then browse apps and download the Smart Remote Control app (free).
3. On your camera, go to the menu system and click on Application List, then launch the Smart Remote Control app.
4. Go to your iPhone and connect to the Wifi connection that matches your camera (this doesn't give you internet access; it just makes a connection from your camera to your phone).
5. On your phone, open the Sony PlayMemories app - should connect to your camera and automatically use your phone's screen as a remote control.
6. Change camera modes as desired (e.g., Auto, P, A, S modes).
Note - the smart remote app won't work when your camera is in Video mode, or Superior Auto mode.

[@edwardlewis9582]

Good job explaining something that Sony has simply not documented in a comprehensible matter. Thanks so much for your help!

[@NickSouthcoteWant]

WOW! This is an insane process. There is no reason this should be this difficult. Lumix has all the software already installed on their cameras. But great video. Very helpful.

[@frankyvee1]

The reason it is not installed is because Sony has an App Store (like Google Play Store or Apple Store) with several apps available that you can install on your camera. Kind of like what you do on your phone when you install apps. Sony is the first one to do this with their cameras.. very smart.. Some of the other apps I have installed are an app to post directly to FB and Flickr.

[@frankyvee1]

My point exactly..

[@rumvodkaf1]

Bloatware on a camera!!!!?? It's a necessary feature to facilitate transferring of images from one device to another without having to take multiple steps! They warned me about Sony Fanboys!

[@mikkij8534]

Thanks! It's so nice that people, like you, take the time and work up hard to find information and share it with others on You Tube.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you! This was way more helpful than what Sony offered 😊

[@ilcosmodijess]

Thank you for the video otherwise I would have never figure it out! Do you know if there is something like this for filming instead of taking photo? :D

[@pamelajones5291]

Brilliant You Tube - really helpful. One thing which was missed off though was when I set mine up there was an extra stage - once I had gone into settings and chose my camera it asked me to input a password which is the one shown on the camera when you do this. Once done you are flying.

[@thomaswindfeld7621]

Finally it makes sense! 😆 I could not get the Camera to send the live you to my iPad through a PlayMemories Mobile app. So thank you very much for posting

[@ExplainicatorStudios]

The lens in the video is the 35mm f/1.8 Sony lens. It’s a great lens but expensive and I don’t use it that often. Mainly because I normally use this camera to take pictures of my kids playing sports, so I use my zoom lens most often.

[@NilsDecker]

Life saver considering Sony's UX design is apparently done by teccys that have no good way of bringing across what needs to be done from an end-user perspective. I'm downloading a firmware update now to my a7 to see whether I can actually get this going. Thanks for sharing!

[@CassDiGiovanni]

thank you!!

[@denisebarraza6377]

Thank you for your video it was really helpful we were struggling for a very long time actually a couple of days

[@PSfreek3]

can you also use the touch functions on your phone to define the focus point? because that would be really awesome

[@omairtariq5451]

Thats for the very helpful and easy to follow video! Where did you purchase the lens hood for the kit lens?

[@aniSNlover3]

Dude! Thank you so much! I would have NEVER been able to figure this out on my own. You saved my life! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@rehabhqofficial]

do you need wifi to use the remote after it is downloaded on the camera and phone

[@dbenyakar]

Hi You are not covering in your video one very important aspect of this setup. What is the lag between the camera and the phone? meaning, when you move the camera, it takes time of the picture to catch up and show on the phone app due to connectivity implementations. So it will be good to show when you move the camera and the app next to it.

[@ExplainicatorStudios]

Good point - forgot to capture that in the video. There is definitely a lag - big movements of the camera usually lead to a lag of 1 (sometimes maybe as long as 2 seconds). Smaller movements are pretty quick. I use this feature mainly for fun stuff (nothing professional) and the lag doesn't really get in my way. For people using it on a tripod, you wouldn't have any issues since there would be little camera movement.

[@dbenyakar]

refriedbeans101 True. When the camera is on tripod the app becomes a remote shutter. I've used Sony remote app as well as the Fuji remote app and I can say that the Fuji win by far at least in that department.

[@frankyvee1]

Danny Ben-Yakar With my a6000 I'm seeing very little lag. Definitely less than a second. You can also focus on different areas of the scene by using the touch screen on your phone. You can also change Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, Focus Mode, and several other settings right from the phone. No need to touch your camera at all. So it is way more than just a remote shutter. The Smart Remote app is just one of the many apps available from the Sony store that you can download straight to your camera. Hope this helps.. I love the Sony a6000 camera it also shoots 11 fps.

[@KenshTown]

Franky Vee is it true that you can't initiate recording from within the phone app? Also is it possible to change the focus point of the camera via touching the screen on the phone app while its recording? Or does the phone have no use while the camera is recording?

[@frankyvee1]

No controls for video only stills..Maybe with an upgrade later not sure.. I mainly work with stills so this works fine for me..But yes no videographer love being shown by Sony with this app.

[@catherinedibble3008]

Thank you so much for this - the Sony instructions just sent me round in circles; they should be pointing to your video instead!

[@thereafterish]

Aloha, dude! THANK YOU so much for posting this video. It was SO helpful to find a way to use a smartphone or tablet as an external display with a Sony mirrorless camera. The video function now works. As of July 2015, the video function works with the remote control. I just tried this and paired my Sony Rx1000 with my phone and it was able to record video in the video setting. As you mentioned in your video comments, it does not work in Superior Auto (Yellow Auto icon), but the shooting function works in most other shooting modes, and now works with the Video mode. You HAVE to be on the video mode, and then the remote control "shoot" button becomes a red RECORD button. Since my camera has a flip up screen, I was able to double check immediately that the camera was recording. However, once I upgrade to an A6000 or higher Sony model that does not have the selfie screen, this app will be extremely useful as I also shoot KZbin videos and need to be able to check myself. I found myself dismayed that Sony seems to have a weakness for KZbinrs who want a decent mirrorless camera, but don't want to shell out for an additional camera to shoot video on at home, like a DSLR that has a flip out screen. Your video really helped alleviate a LOT of worry and frustration. I haven't experimented with trying to figure out settings--I literally just connected my camera right now, but I wanted to let you know ASAP about the video function, in case no one else brought it to your attention. Thanks a lot! Mahalos and Aloha from Hawaii, Mae x

[@wtsai3406]

Please help! I'm trying to figure out if you can do touchscreen autofocus while filming?

[@thereafterish]

+Wesley Tsai you can control the exposure and actually start and stop recording, but no touch focus while filming, from what I can tell.

[@TheeAntwanette]

+thereafterish I tried on they sony a6000 but it says it can't record

[@thereafterish]

Thee Antwanette The Sony A6000 does not allow recording. Only on the RX100. :( I have both, it only works on the smaller one.

[@nicobelliard9581]

Very helpful, thank you! Sony makes the best mirrorless cameras, hands down. But their play memories software is junk and it’s a pain to install apps through the computer. This is WAY easier!

[@cydangie]

The only video that really helped me.. thanks!

[@rumvodkaf1]

Thanks. I just bought one and it's been a major headache!!!

[@jesseamarie]

No matter what I do I can't get the program to "Verify" that my camera is connected! Any help would be appreciate :)

[@Mskuanofficial]

How about video? Transfer from the camera?

[@nappysince94]

Ms Kuan this is what I want to know

[@williamfurner6747]

I am looking for (with not much success yet) how to shoot videos with my iphone but use my ipad as a remote control. I get sick of all the cameras, including my digital 1 chip camera that has that dreaded tiny view finder. Where the screen is so small you really don't get much space to see clearly. An example of what I run into is, I spent quite a bit of time using 3 point lighting to make sure I get shade where it is not supposed to be, utilizing diffusion material to add just the right amount. When I turn my camera's view finder to see myself (I am a fingerstyle guitarist), I receive the worst setting imaginable. That flap, when it turns seems to have no ability what so ever to give a correct analyzation of how the lighting is around me. When the viewer screen door is back to it's original position it is much more correct and the lighting seems much better. My question is: where do I find an ipad app that works remotely and controls the iphone's video camera? In the appointed video above the tiny view finders and even the iphone do not have enough real estate (screen) to really obtain enough in depth screen analyzation to clearly see what I need to see. The Ipad Pro would truly be ideal for this endeavor I really think. Maybe I'm not putting in the right search words for what I'm looking for! Can anybody help me find that special Ipad Pro remote app that would control the iphones video camera? Thanks so much for any help !

[@alexkitain]

Thank you so much. This was so confusing! Got it to work now

[@LilyZhen]

Thank you for this video, this s so helpful! I didn't even know there's apps like this :)

[@johnkender384]

Thank you sir!!!!. Short, to the point, gave me the info I was looking for!

[@plusmartini]

Hi, quick questions: 1. what is the range of the "internal" wifi? Can I use a more powerful "external" wifi for longer range (both the a6000 and my phone connected to it) 2. lag? 3.list of things i can do through the phone (shutter, focus, some settings, ...,?) thanks!

[@owengee7415]

1. ~20m 2. yes, no shutter delay but I noticed lag if I moved my camera 3.iPhone app: ISO, Aperture, shoot mode Android: not much, just taking the photo

[@stekkerbox]

with android you can use all features

[@qynfromcanada]

PERFECT guide! Thanks!

[@denversrailroads5566]

Could not get "Play memories" to download onto my iphone and stay as an icon. While it was sort of working it failed to communicate with the Sony A6000. Downloaded a $2.99 app called GoCamera 3 it worked first time. Note that i had already set up the wifi connection between my iphone and the camera.

[@silverleapers]

My friends camera (A6000) had an icon listed under apps that is: "SMART REMOTE EMBEDDED". This lead me to believe that they had pre-loaded the full "smart remote control" app but the app does not allow (via an android phone using the play memories app) any camera setting to be changed other than focal length (ie zoom) and exposure value (+/- in 1/3 stops). The exposure control does not say if it is aperture or shutter that is being changed but my guess is that its aperture. Anyway, I guess I have to download the full version from sony app store to get control in A, S, P, M modes that allow me to control aperture, focus point/distance, ISO, and other features? Great video but this "embedded" part confused me.

[@Its.melvin]

I'm having difficulty with this. I got it to connect but I cant adjust the settings on my phone. Like aperture and stuff. I think I may need to update the app but it needs to update the firmware on the camera first but it keeps going into an error before it updates.

[@WanderingBird]

Really helpful- thank you!

[@sawy1917]

Thank you very much. It is really helpful.

[@idaliapena]

Thanks for your video ,really helped me

[@snakeflashrock]

Hi! Thank you for the video. Whats your experience about the WiFi range?

[@chandlerabs]

SO HELPFUL!! Thank you!!!!

[@photocreativity]

Very informative, thank you very much.

[@ninakoch1799]

thank youu sooo much, this saved me so much time! love youu

[@lilyinusa2755]

Hi! How to transfer video from Sony camera to smartphone?

[@kendalljennings6842]

I'm only interested in the fax that help life and love to grow on this planet

[@cloudstrife4860]

What is the range? Do i have to stand next to the camera or could i shot a selfie?

[@nicoleditrani817]

would you be able to tell me where to find the QR code to make the connection? having great difficulty

[@DelReiRock]

Nice! But the actual version of Play Memories sucks. Can’t control the camera for basic settings. Does anyone knows a better app (or way) to control the Sony using iPhone or iPad?

[@gmjonchang]

refriedbeans101 - where did you get the lens hood from? does it cause vignetting? If you bought it online, kindly post a link. Many thanks!

[@shawnclyde]

how about on the nex 5r can you change also the settings when youre not in the auto mode?? thanks

[@svetlanaplanets]

thank you so much for this video.

[@babyquackquack91]

HELP! I don't know how to do this on the new Imaging Edge Mobile app :( Does anyone know how?

[@Edmarys]

This was SUPER helpful, Thanks!

[@nerdkitchenofficial]

thank you ! good tutorial!

[@ocdmachine]

So if shooting form your iPhone, it will save BOTH a photo to your iPhone camera roll AND to the SD card on the camera? I think that is what you said but wanted to clarify. Nice review BTW!

[@ExplainicatorStudios]

It's an option - when your phone is showing what the camera sees, you can click the settings icon and there are various options. One is to turn on/off saving to the phone (in addition to saving to the camera).

[@Ruthann1222]

Thank you for the help!

[@solegemini03]

Thank you for the video. Can I use touch focus on the app?

[@HaleemaTravels]

thank you sooo much for this tutorial!!!!!!

[@applechecker33]

It works exactly the same on my A7

[@memoriesmattertacha]

Because the camera screen doesn't fully flip around for vlogging can you record video with iphone

[@JamaicaPlain]

technology is bloody amazing.

[@VasileandPavel]

you can use it only for makeing pictures, if you want to film, it doesn't work

[@mahoganidee]

Thank you for this video!

[@mangaleshsingh6665]

Mahogani

[@aliblack9144]

thank you so much for your video.

[@keanedm3108]

Downloaded the app but it does not work only works on auto mode on the camera?

[@LindaPatton1]

Thanks for the video....what is the wrist strap on your camera?

[@ExplainicatorStudios]

It's a cheap strap, but I like it a lot: OP/TECH USA Cam Strap - QD It was $9 on Amazon. It's good for smaller cameras like the a6000 and it has a slip to easily snap off the strap.

[@epiphoney]

The imaging edge mobile app can't control aperture, shutter, and iso. And I was typing in the password twice, before I realized I didn't have to do it in the iPhone wifi settings, but I have to type the password in the Imaging app, not for remote control, but for send to smartphone.. When I use "send to smartphone", it makes a second camera entry in the app. Does the 3.21 firmware update change anything?

[@WEissbr0t]

Hey, what Type of Lens so you use? Blur looks Awesome. ...Searching for a new lens for my QX1

[@imrandhada2491]

I have A77 mark2 not all d functions r available for this camera!!! ANY UPDATE?

[@mell3987]

Thank you!!!!!!!

[@sokahank]

Thanks for this video!

[@emilyherrera7587]

did everything you mentioned but a messages pops up saying it cant shoot

[@dzunku1]

After the point at 3:00, the camera is showing 'connecting…' forever. The procedure worked on RX100 m3 but not on a6000. Do you have any suggestion?

[@pmg1180]

Does it has timer on iphone while it takes picture?

[@minlwin3249]

thank you

[@katiethiryphd2817]

Can remote app be used to start/stop video recording?

[@edmundoftheangles7977]

No

[@benluff6079]

This doesn't work. Even with the latest update to the remote control app on the camera, Play Memories doesn't show the remote function

[@carlwicks1346]

Looks interesting, but now allI have to do is figure it out.

[@fysician]

The only thing is I can't use Eye AF. Does anyone know a workaround to use Eye AF while remotely controlling the camera? Why would Sony not allow us to use Eye AF while using the remote app?

[@matusdanton3870]

Wish you had more subscribers.

[@milododd]

What's that eye cup you've got there? I've been looking for one for my a6000 but haven't found any compatible models yet. Thanks for the video.

[@riyazsf]

It came with my camera. The model is Sony FDA-EP www.sony.net/Products/diacc/systemchart/en-gb/index.html?area=US#ilc

[@titarivera4639]

omg thank you! this was so easy lol

[@andycameron4631]

hi OP. Thanks for the vid. I'm having issues with the app itself, hoping you could help. I've connected to the A6000 and can take and receive images. However the only remote control functionality i have is exposure compensator, you seem to have aperture and shutter etc... i need these for HDR shooting. Is there an additional option i need to explore within the camera or app? Please help!

[@ExplainicatorStudios]

Andy Cameron Is your camera set to "auto" mode? If so, try changing it to Aperture mode or Shutter mode.

[@andycameron4631]

refriedbeans101 thanks for replying, i've sorted the issue. I was in aperture mode however the remote app in the camera was not updated nor was my firmware. all good now! cheers

[@ExplainicatorStudios]

Andy Cameron Very good to know... Other people that have the same issues should make sure they have the latest versions of firmware and app installed. Thanks!

[@Stalkie]

+refriedbeans101 I have the same issue and my firmware and app are up to date. I I have no idea what's up

[@StillPictureProduction]

+Sami are you in manual? I'm having the same issue, but in a Sony video it said to download the "full. version" from the website. Have you done that? I will try tonight to see if the full version unlocks everything.

[@Mathieu05]

good video

[@roxanneoak2002]

can you manage the focus through the iPhone?>

[@BenRacicot]

I wish there was a way to control the camera from my phone without having to be around the camera to turn it on and open the application first. If only we could just leave it connected to wifi and access it anywhere, anytime via our phones/devices...

[@ravishankarbs]

is it possible to remote start video using this Imaging Edge app ?

[@josephinemia500]

hi, Sony a5000 camera with iPhone smart remote control is work too??

[@mandangonz]

The latest version of the app mentions that it can now record in RAW ... but I'm unable to choose anything by JPEG with the ILCE-6000L. Any tips? Thanks.

[@elbertkim55555]

How do you remotely take VIDEOS? It doesn't seem to have that feature.

[@thitime3430]

I can't get the phone and camera to link (via wifi). Anyone has any inputs? I have phone 8 and sony a6000. It keeps trying to connect.

[@knelov]

fantastic! thanks!

[@TroyWhistman]

The app is no longer called PlayMemories; it's Imaging Edge Mobile.

[@pasztorlaszlo]

And I can't change almost nothing with the new version... Can anybody? There is no option to change ISO, shutter speed etc. nothing even in Manual Mode...

[@martinharach]

it looks like i am able to use remote for iphone only when i am connected via wifi? and what if i am in the nature and have no wifi? or if i am visiting friend - do i have connect camera and iphone first to their wifi?

[@franciscojavier1908]

Martin Harach it work with a own wifi signal, is not the same wifi you use for internet. So no matter the place where you are for connect the phone with the camera

[@reimonandisuwa]

thanks for sharing this. i've tried it and it works on A5100 too. But can you select what to focus? it seems shoots and rely on the camera what to focus...

[@ExplainicatorStudios]

Hi - yes, you can pick the focus point by tapping on your phone's screen. BUT... it won't work in Auto mode - you'll have to change your camera to Aperture (A) mode, S mode or Program (P) mode.

[@reimonandisuwa]

i've tried it using P and A, still cant do that.. is there anything i missed?

[@drewgarcia5474]

red angelz You mean it's working, but you can't pick the focus point by touching your screen? Or you mean it's not working at all...?

[@reimonandisuwa]

Drew Garcia Yes, use my iphone as 'viewfinder' and can shoot from my iphone. but no matter what modes i'm on, i can't sellect focus like in the camera 'touch to focus and shot'. my friend also tried this on his android, but same..

[@drewgarcia5474]

red angelz Hmm... not sure why not. Maybe it depends on what focus mode you have set for your camera? Try changing the camera's focus modes (e.g., the dot patterns that you can choose to be focus areas).

[@r.m.kuczynski730]

Mine keeps saying "Failed to get status information of the camera" no matter how many times I restart and redo everything.

[@12vgs8606]

Does this also encodes GPS information in the picture?

[@8wheelsbootingfruit]

can you trigger a burst sequence with the remote, or only single shot? Would be ideal! Thanks, Ollie

[@fysician]

Which camera you have? My a6300 does burst shooting with the remote app.

[@BR-xm5pe]

I have a sony a5000, does anyone know of a compatible remote or app to start/stop, zoom videos, not just take still pictures? Thanks! (:

[@MusicbyTomingas]

One of the confusing places is that my phone had SMART REMOTE EMBEDDED listed which seemed they pre-loaded the remote but not so, it doesn't connect, you still have to connect to WiFi with a Sony registration and download. But the remote is useless for me, I need it to turn on Video, that was an important feature and it won't do it. I would also like to select burst mode, doesn't seem to do it. So to me the term "smart remote" needs to be demoted to bare bones remote.

[@yt75009]

hello, and in video mode, can you at least use the phone as a remote display to check framing and focus ? (even if controls start/stop are not available).

[@MyTrueNyssa]

This is great but mine will not connect to the wifi either. I have input the password and everything and it just goes round and round saying connecting but never does. Do you have any troubleshooting tips for this? I know this is like 4 years later but it would be a great tip for I'd love to shoot more self portraits and not have to run into place with the self timer or have to go buy a remote. Thanks!

[@taushawierlo]

Did you ever figure this out? All mine is doing is spinning and spinning like it's trying to connect (which is says it did) but nothing is happening past that.

[@PeeeeekaBOOOO]

thank u ! finally i know how to work this thing hahaha

[@25Reborn]

Does it support touch focus?

[@LindaPatton1]

thanks so much...