How to Tether a Camera to a Computer (2021)

Tony Northrup teaches you how to tether a camera to a computer to see pictures on a big screen in real-time using Adobe Lightroom Classic, Capture One Pro, or Smart Shoooter 4! With a simple USB cable (such as the USB-C model I use from Tether Tools) you can greatly improve your professional photography studio workflow.
LINKS TO THE STUFF:
Photography training: northrup.photo
Monitor: sdp.io/4kmonitor
PC-130A Mobile Computer Cart (not the exact model): sdp.io/cart
Adobe Lightroom Classic: sdp.io/adobedeal
Mouse: sdp.io/mouse
Desktop (latest versions): sdp.io/X51
Routers: RT-AC5300 linked in AiMesh: sdp.io/ac5300
Tether Tools stuff: sdp.io/tethertools

[@andycoleman2708]

Not gonna lie - I didn't know the "model" was a doll for the first minute and her dead eyes were freaking me out! :)

[@thecapricornsun]

I was thinking the exact same thing lol

[@TheWorld_2099]

Haha, same here, and then I thought “wow, he really loves his Real Doll”

[@exfluffbucket]

Saaaaaaaame 😂

[@yasinarif7291]

I really enjoyed seeing how it's not just the camera but so much more that can go on in the background in photography, that stand with wheels, monitor and keyboard support is a great idea that most new people to photography would never have thought about but makes a quality life really approach that much better. Cool job of awareness and helpful information

[@IFrancyISantosI]

Thanks Tony! The classic tutorial tony is a thousand times better than a clickbaiting rumors guy!

[@APOLLOSTEES]

Thanks Tony. I have recently been looking into this, then you put out this video. 👍🏽

[@z20000z]

Thank you for the super informative video Tony. As usual, you are my go to source for technology that I am unfamiliar with. Cheers!

[@ytr8989]

Thanks. First time someone explained tethering to the computer in such detail. 👋

[@cfdfirefighter]

Went looking at your older video to refresh my system. Thanks for updating it.

[@grabtharandhishammer8251]

Wow. Your model is really good at remaining stationary :) I've actually been wondering how to do this. Also just bought your books and the Portrait Pro business training video. Really great content Tony and Chelsea.

[@timotheeferreol]

It´s either a joke o you need some 👓

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

Thank you for the tips on Smart Shooter 4. I will try the Trial version.

[@BidPixel]

This tip is really helpful to see the images on a bigger screen right away!

[@radimvybiral105]

Late 2021, we need reliable wifi tether. Now. Come on manufacturers. 5 meter usb cable or ethernet just to be able to see images few meters away on a big screen? No no. I want simple solution. No Ftp server, no script for auto download raws. No qdslrdashboard. D500 user here with nfc, bluetooth, wifi and after some firmware update also direct wifi capability... jumping over usb cable in a studio. Bravo. Tony said it clearly. No wifi app good enough for professional use. PS: Nikon, have you ever use, I mean heavily use your tool SnapBridge? Did you also find it ridiculous? :D

[@uliric71]

I’ve been waiting on a video like this! 🧐

[@cropperson5583]

Great video! Very informative.

[@Sal4Ro]

Very helpful, thank you for sharing.

[@sanderbos]

The next video should be just Chelsea with a Tony-doll

[@ccbphoto]

Exactly what I've needed to figure out!

[@schmidt28117]

I have been using "Control my Nikon" to tether. There is also a Canon version. It works fine with my old D7100 and D700. I can see the picture on my laptop. Can change exposure, shutter speed, and focus. The pictures stay on the camera and transfer across to my laptop. This has worked great for digitizing slides and photos. There is a trial version.

[@ronjenkins4257]

Tethering is also very effective for tabletop macro photography. It's possible to shoot, get very fine grained focusing, adjust aperture, preview depth of field, arrange lighting, and much more, without touching the camera or a focusing rail. You can easily dump hundreds of images for focus stacking into a folder without first putting them onto the camera's memory card

[@merk1701]

I've had a handful of clients ask if I can shoot tethered during a shoot, my answer is always no. The shoot always takes 5x longer if the client is going to be there because they'll want to see every single shot you take, they'll have comments about every shot, And the comments are almost always related to it being a raw unedited photo. If it's a higher end shoot and/or they are paying by the hour I suppose I'd be ok with it. But I don't like charging by the hour. Still an informative video, but I'd think twice about letting a client get in the middle of your work flow, it's going to slow things way down.

[@merk1701]

@@benpykephotography haven't lost any due to not tethering. As I said initially, only a handful have even asked about it.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

This is true but the big advantage for us is that we can get a real sign-off on the image, so the client can't later say they're not satisfied.

[@erico6247]

I'd be like you can see all the pics when I'm done!!!

[@Francisco_Otero]

@@TonyAndChelsea Getting a real time sign off is invaluable to me.

[@longliveclassicmusic]

I'm assuming you're talking about commercial jobs seeing how you say "if the client is going to be there," since with a consumer client there is no "if." The client is paying you to produce the images, and you are essentially shutting them out of the image-making process entirely by refusing to shoot tethered. That's pretty s*ty business practice and goes very much against the grain of the industry.

[@Neopulse00]

Love the mobile computer cart and router used in order to use the camera with an RJ45 instead.

[@Doesntcompute2k]

Tony, good presentation. I duplicate the video stream using HDMI splitter to a monitor the subject can always see, and a 2nd one behind and left/right of the subject so I can always see it. I don't always edit/correct while tethered, so while this isn't the "Peter Coulson way," it works for the subject and myself. I like those Tethertools cables but cannot use them: I've had to use orange or neon green tape around tethered USB cables because I cannot find orange or green cables in 50ft to 80ft lengths. But the tape works wonders. Spray paint stripes do too.

[@wademckinnon2429]

Excellent video, Tony. I am just starting with this and would like to tether to an iPad Pro.

[@ussmillerco]

His model holds so still, it’s easy to get perfect photos.

[@agneyajoshi8012]

the ‘model’ is a doll…

[@olehkobyleckyj8418]

Thanks….enthusiast here…already shoot tethered in my little home studio but found this very interesting especially that screen/desktop stand.

[@matthewalfonsodurante]

Useful, thanks! 🙏

[@oxxxeee]

i have been tethering (WIFI - no cable) on commercial shoots with Camranger 2 and a new iPad Pro. Works great and clients love it. 50 mg files from CANON 5DSR show up fast and i can control camera functions from it.

[@michellewright4660]

Thanks for this.

[@nadialevesque5467]

Super informative video. What was the remote you used?

[@joshuameadows4165]

I shoot tethered using a Inovativ's Digiplate with a touch screen laptop on a tripod. They also have mobile workstations if you want a larger system. I like the portability and can shoot tethered easily virtually anywhere.

[@michaelmuir4039]

Love this

[@rpgroome]

Very informative

[@kavinkelly6540]

Hi Tony. Great video as per usual! I'm really struggling with a few things - Lightroom cataloguing (and adobe cloud back up) and how to back up on a budget. I currently only have my laptop and really struggle with a) using up my 20gb adobe cloud storage and b) finding an affordable and easy way to ensure I have back ups of my photos. I would LOVE you guys to do a video on that, I think it would be so helpful to people who aren't full pro but still have important photos/do semi pro work every now and then. Hoping you see this!!!

[@ElenaJasic]

If you have Amazon prime, I believe they still do Unlimited Cloud File storage for their customers.

[@Jethro7e]

I found the huge red arrow extremely helpful.

[@NikCan66]

Good advice

[@leonardmayberry4485]

Tony, Lately I have been really considering tethering. I was really looking at the cam Ranger 2 device. Do you have any knowledge of that product ? Dos and don'ts pros and cons?

[@Murray.Sutherland]

For me, the next step for cameras would be for them to open up the camera control api, I think some have standardised them already, but for me setting up a macro/script to control the camera would be great... another thing I would put on the wish list is resource requirements prediction, I.e. how many batteries you'll need/ how big the external battery will need to be and finally if you need to account for over heating...

[@mogenshansen7210]

Thanks I think that wireless (wifi) tethering in Capture One 22 (released after this video) works quite well if the network is good. With the wifi grip, a Canon R5 RAW image is transfered in lens than 4 seconds

[@carlosflores9860]

Hey buddy, where did you get that doll? I need one, the ones I found are too short. Thanks for the amazing videos!!

[@cesarebonazza]

Nice I like that you are using the Raven :)

[@stefchenko009]

Hey Tony (or you too Chelsea, do you have any experience trying to tether the samsung NX1? I know you guys had one, and wondered if you ever tried to run it tethered, I still have and use one and i have been getting lots of issues trying to tether it, any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers from Trinidad

[@mareklesniak8768]

You can also tether using 'old' Lightroom 6.x (with perpetual license) but it probably won't support the latest cameras' RAW file formats (like Canon's CR3).

[@elghaziz]

Hello sir, great content as always. But as an EOS R user I have a problem that I can't use both remote controller ans usb tethering. And I was wondering I'd you can explain to me how you manage to do it Pleae!

[@easy56wedge]

Tethered shooting while using a SkyGuider Pro and focusing camera/scope for astrophotography is a no brainer. I shoot using that setup with my Nikon D 610 and hefty 600mm lens. The D 610 does not have the best Live View and the screen does not swivel. But using my 16” MacBook Pro as the monitor makes focusing on deep sky objects and composing so much easier. I heartily recommend tethering when in the field. Just have to be aware of monitor glow and make sure you have batteries as well as everything well charged. Clear skies!

[@LanceRazon]

What's amazing with Smart Shooter 4, I was able to use it with an old laptop. with i5 3rd gen and 4 GB of ram. Was able to use it for long hours shooting Graduation portraits.

[@quargr]

Hi Tony, I am wondering, in your experience, do you need to consider the sRGB specs or do any calibration between the monitor used in the studio and the one(s) used for final editing. One of the reason I am wondering is to allow gauging exposure/color/contrast while in studio or on location, and for presentation to any collaborators as to manage expectations. Thanks

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Nah. Histogram is for exposure, color and contrast can be determined in final edits.

[@gonzaloleviatanh]

Thank you. Do you use the iPad to the tether?

[@Petertronic]

That 4k monitor looks so amazingly sharp. Oh, hang on I'm watching in 1080p

[@oneeyedphotographer]

LrC and C1 both support hot folders. USB-C is a standard for a connector. I have cables that have USB-C connectors, but are only rated for USB 2.0. USB-C connectors can carry dp and HDMI and others. You need USB 3.0 or higher.

[@doreloloier4066]

Thanks

[@kingfisher111]

The mannequin behind from some angles, looked scaringly identical to Chelsea.. 🤣

[@muzlee7479]

Small correction on the usb: usb-c by itself doesn't mean anything. It's a form factor. Rather get usb 3.0 type A because it's more rigid than C. I doubt any camera supports any faster usb than that.

[@momchilyordanov8190]

Never tethered a camera to my comp and not planning to. Still watched with interest, though :)

[@WICowboy2k1]

so using this tethering method, would this also work for video. Essentially using the computer monitor as an oversized LCD. Im just upgraded to a Canon T6i, and would like to be able to record my vlogs direct to my laptop (my laptop webcam is horrendously bad).

[@scotty2553]

Tony, is it possible to use an iPad for tethering instead of a laptop? Maybe using Lightroom?

[@heythere9380]

new item in Northrup Merch catalog: mannequins.

[@geoffreydonne9774]

May I ask what compute stand / monitor holder you're using here please?

[@goodboogie]

BackyardEOS, AstrophotographyTool and a host of others for Linux are also avail.

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

Would this technique work with the Canon RP or Rebel SL2?

[@madsbojrgensen]

About cables on the floor! 😉 Try running your cables from the ceiling! Works great and nobody steps on them or trips over them!

[@1Patient]

Ya, I rather the Rolling Mobile Computer Cart you have depicted in your video @ 2:36 I love the Auto Focusing @ 4:05 :-)) Yes, the main reason I viewed this video was for the Tethering of the Camera to the computer. Yes, in a future video would be nice to know more details on connectivity of such said technologies, the limitations or performance differences using the different technologies and so forth. For example., I have recently done a bunch of research on the performance of the Wifi, Bluetooth, and Hard Wired differences in transfer speeds, along with Memory Card Form Factors, UHS I and UHS II cost differences etc. etc. etc., would be a great video for you to do Tony, considering you do have that background in IT. More Technical info, less Camera Talk.

[@JordanFreshour]

It’s 2021 how can one do tethered workflow with a mobile setup? iPhones and iPads?

[@serena-yu]

People complained about a problem of EOS R series failing to track its focus in videos and Tony has confirmed it for me :p

[@darkftforce]

he is using sony to film this episode not canon. canon r5 only used to show demonstration. so yeah i heard a lot about failing sony focus system on recent sony cameras and this video confirms it!

[@Toamserippa]

As a small addition i would recommend having the camera in a small cage or some rig to fix the USB Cable to. The Weight of the cable and accidentally tripping over cable can wear out your USB socket in the camera really fast, which is a pain in the butt

[@AT_Sr]

EOS R comes with a plastic cable holder. You screw it in to the hole located above the USB-C socket and it holds both - USB and HDMI cables.

[@1Patient]

I agree, those Jacks (Camera or otherwise) just don't take any sort of abuse and are poorly engineered that way. Smallrig should be designing USB Jacks 😃

[@monifabasdeo1890]

Could you please share where you got your mobile stand from?

[@tex1622]

Please do a tutorial for COMPLETE LUDDITES, Tony! I'm super interested in shooting tethered for food photography but am a total noob.

[@saharal-yousef8842]

Where did you buy this maniquin, i would love to get one to practice since her skin is so life like🙏🏼

[@marknoormann4870]

You have with Capture One complete Control over your Camera. Of course you can change the parameter link time, Aperture , ISO. This is one of the job of an Digital Operator on a big shoot.

[@kirkdarling4120]

I have a feeling that the concept is for there to be someone operating like the producer during a music recording. Some tethering programs can lock the photographer out of making any changes other than focusing and releasing the shutter.

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

Tony what’s the piece I need to hook the tether cable under the camera? I noticed you did not use it here but I’ve seen it used before.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Some cameras come with a clip or I'll just use a zip tie

[@deadmikehun]

Does smart shooter 4 has a "client view" similar to capture pilot?

[@philbrink1054]

Cabling comment: Audio Tech trick is to wrap cables around the stand leg. If someone kicks/trips on a cable, it pulls the whole stand to side. If its not wrapped, the cable pulls at the connection and can damage the device. Better to pull a stand that will probably stay upright then rip a cable out of your camera at a weird angle and probably destroy the connector. Other bonus is that the weight of the cable is supported by the stand instead of the connector on your camera...long term damage prevention from normal use. (when possible, gaffer tap cables to the floor. far safer for everyone)

[@jasonn4397]

Great video guys.

[@srjumde54]

can I see the images live or do I have to click save the picture?

[@visionguru4233]

it is going to work with Panasonic GH4, if this does, what wire I can parchase in europe, I like to connect GH4 to my Imac.

[@lowerleftside]

How’s that remote flash trigger working out?

[@remerrellama547]

How about tethering with live view and preview of the photo?

[@Alon1706]

so you talked about your setup but not how to set it up. what are the setting on camera how to connect the softwear

[@panagiotispantazidis2572]

Smart Shooter 5 IS THIS THE SOFTWARE YOU ARE USING?

[@myvlog985]

Wow

[@Joseph-iu6ip]

I tether my Nikon directly directly to Lightroom Classic.

[@franciscomones-cazon4432]

Hi tony, i brought your ebook on my kindle and i dont know how to update it to the most recent version. Could you help me?

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Thanks! Visit sdp.io/register

[@Mr_D555]

Good tip on the used Alienware computer, picked one up today for $350. Datapoint -> older Alienware computers (2017ish) can only run Windows 10, Microsoft will stop providing support (updates) for Windows 10 in the spring of 2025. Because I will only use this computer to tether my Nikon D3 and dump pictures onto my home NAS server Windows 11 is of no concern. If Windows 11 is a concern for you make sure any used computer you buy can be upgraded to Windows 11.

[@okororichard9808]

Can I tether with the new Samsun s9 tab ultra

[@waynemonplaisir7659]

what tethering app do I need

[@doxfie.]

1:43 no means no! respect boundaries!

[@arupian666]

Not a criticism of you, Tony, just an amusing thing of mine... 1:14... I always chuckle when "professional" photography channels can hit focus :)

[@crazythings4246]

Love from india

[@Jigsaw407]

Hm... the orange cable blends much better with the floorboards than a black cable would. Seems not to be the best choice in that environment.

[@RehctubNomis]

Small irony as I'm shooting tethered today for the first time in a few years as I'm picking up some product photography work during covid. Thanks for this. My next trick is shooting wine bottles without any reflections, don't suppose you have any tips on that = p (I kid, but, you know, not entirely)

[@PhilosophyProf14]

I find the best way to have no reflections on bottles is to completely turn off all the lights and flashes in the room.

[@RehctubNomis]

Yep, I tried two diffusers WHILST bouncing it off the ceiling at low power and it still created bright spots in the glass! Ended up using foam board to surround it but for a slither I could shoot through, this left a very small bar down the bottles I could handle in photoshop. A bit more effort could've probably gotten that down to a dot (if I'd positioned more card below / above the hole for the lens) but as I was doing background removal and colour balancing I figured as I'm in photoshop anyway it's not much more work to run the patch tool over the stripe (plus, I'd've still had to patch the smaller dot).

[@theisismalik3600]

Can we connect it directly to Computer instead of usb?

[@eddy0083]

nice router

[@ahsansharafuddin2711]

Thank you for seeing this.

[@Mnilionic]

4:36 it seems that you inserted the cable into the USB 2.0 socket (check the port color, it should be blue)

[@xplorer7882]

No, it's a USB 3 port, as it says "SS" above it.

[@iKeto_gal]

I think there's a lot of us who want to tether it to our iPad Pro when we are outdoor doing shoots.

[@godsinbox]

I prefer to use kensington lock, never ever looses connection, even when powered off.

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

I’ve always had issue with jerk stoppers. No matter what I do a few clients are always jerks

[@Remmerboy]

USB type C doesn't tell you the speed, its just a connection type. But USB 3.2 gen 1/2/2x2 tells you the speed (5/10/20 Gbit/s)

[@MarkoNara]

Nice Video... Thanks Tony Its a shame the out of focus takes. Looks like it was a camera without flip out screen was used to film this, because tony didnt notice it.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

It's because the screen is too small and you can't see it from some angles. There still just isn't a perfect camera for filming yourself. You'd think the camera would flash an alarm if it's hunting in flip-forward mode, but no... AF had been fine until I switched to a backlit scenario.

[@ReginaldEsque]

KZbinrs push camera companies to ruin every camera with a flippy dippy screen and still are out of focus. Lol

[@TonyAndChelsea]

People act like camera companies make every camera for KZbinrs and yet there's still not one that gives us what we need for our job.

[@ReginaldEsque]

@@TonyAndChelsea If you can’t “youtube” in 2021 with the assortment of affordable 4k camera choices with quadruple eye cornea pixel autofocus and flippy dippy slippy screens, Then maybe just buy a VHS camcorder.

[@muzlee7479]

@@ReginaldEsque Damn, someone got butthurt I see.

[@pablosol2279]

Was that a dark Knight on the a9..?! 👀

[@westsenkovec]

We had a shooting and I couldn't connect the Sony a7 III (?) to Lightroom. I thought I was dumb but after googling I found out that you actually can't do it. What a POS lmao.

[@SimonPollock]

You can do it - use Smart Shooter to manage the connection.

[@orakondyang]

Like ❤️❤️