DSLR Camera Remote 1.3 on the iPad
April 26, 2010 by Mike Wong • 71 Comments
Ever since the iPad was announced, we've had dozens of photographers ask us if:
- DSLR Camera Remote will run on the iPad; and
- Will this will finally let them directly control their camera using our app from the iPad without a computer in between the two
The answer is Yes for number 1 and No for number 2. Here's why.
The iPad is running the iPhone operating system (OS) so our DSLR Camera Remote application runs just fine. As far as our app knows, it doesn't care if it is an iPad, iPhone or an iPod Touch. Because our app was originally designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch, the user interface was designed for the 480 x 320 pixel resolution found on those devices ((iPhone specs from Apple and iPod Touch specs from Apple)). As you well know, the iPad is substantially larger. 1024 x 768 pixels to be exact ((iPad specs from Apple)).
When you sync your iPad with your computer, the DSLR Camera Remote will load just fine and assuming you've got our DSLR Camera Remote Server running and your supported DSLR tethered to that computer, you'll be set. By default, the DSLR Camera Remote application will run in it's smaller user interface. However, you do have the option to go into 2x mode where the interface is automatically scaled up to fill the screen. I'll be honest, I thought it would look bad, but it actually looks okay.
The screen shots below give you an idea of how it looks. Both are full size screen shots taken on an iPad. Note in the lower right hand corner that there labels/buttons for 1x and 2x. Those are not labels for the image, but rather buttons to toggle between 1x and 2x modes. Therefore, on the screen shot of the smaller interface, you'll see 2x which, when tapped, will enlarge the interface to what you see in the second screen shot.
DSLR Camera Remote running on the iPad in 1x mode.
DSLR Camera Remote running on the iPad in 2x mode.
If you click either of these images, you'll see the full 1024 x 768 version to give you a life size idea of how it looks running on the iPad ((In case you're wondering, the person in the photo is Chris Pethick, our VP of Engineering, who shot the photo remotely from the iPad.))
So, that answers question number 1 and you can see that the DSLR Camera Remote as it is today, works just fine on an iPad. Now on to question number 2 - will the iPad allow me to eliminate the computer from the equation and connect the iPad directly to the camera.
The short answer is no, you still need to tether the camera to the computer. The longer answer is that while there is the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit, it only solves one portion of the connection problem. This adapter neatly solves connecting the iPad to USB to mini USB connection issue, but it doesn't get around how our product was initially designed using the supported software developer kits (or SDKs) that are provided by Canon and Nikon.
Those SDKs, provided by Canon and Nikon, are only available in a format that runs on a Macintosh or Windows based computer. They are not provided in a programming language that is easily portable to the iPhone OS, the Android OS, etc, etc.. What we did was to embed those SDKs into our DSLR Camera Remote Server and then made sure that we put the code in place to have those SDKs (which are completely different between Canon and Nikon and even between camera models from the same manufacturer) talk seamlessly to the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and your tethered camera.
In order to eliminate the computer in the middle from the setup, we either have to wait for Canon or Nikon to make a version of their SDK available that runs on the iPhone OS ((The Canon SDK specifically says that they have no intention of porting their SDK to any programming language other than what they currently provide.)) or we have to recreate it ourselves. This is something we've thought about doing, but obviously isn't something we've started doing yet. I'm not ruling it out, but it's no small undertaking so we aren't taking the effort lightly.
So at the end of the day, for the foreseeable future, you will need to continue to have a laptop or desktop computer running the DSLR Camera Remote Server along with our DSLR Camera Remote app running on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. We know that you want us to get the app to the point where the computer isn't needed and we want the same thing. I just don't know when it will happen. In the meantime, it continues to work as it always has.
Just stating the obvious — but, wow, iPad +(Canon) Camera would make a powerful combination. I would pay a lot for that app. I’m looking for the perfect camera/iPad bag now, but I like never have my laptop with me. Go for it!!! Thanks very much.
I would pay $50 for an ipad tethering option without even blinking
The first question that popped up in my head was if we would be able to use the iPad as a Live View monitor. Zooming in on the camera to 1×1 mag for LiveView focus is helpful, but being able to do that on an iPad would be so much better.
I too would be willing to pay a premium for iPhone/iPad software that could interact directly with the camera for use as a LiveView monitor and maybe even an intervalometer.
I actually think it’s less important to have the camera tethered to the iPad than it is to have a version that runs at the native resolution of the iPad. It’s neat that iPhone / iPod apps will run and can be doubled to almost fill the screen, but it’s such a shame to see the difference between a 2x iPhone app and a native iPad one. I hope you’re working on a version which makes use of the greater screen real estate on the iPad.
If it was possible to tether directly to the iPad, we’re still going to need our iPhone as the remote screen, right? To me, that doesn’t seem such a big advantage – you’re still toting two devices. I’d rather use the laptop / iPad for a big remote display than the iPad / iPhone just to be able to leave the laptop at home.
I only just found out about this software, and it seems to be a great app. My only dilemma is whether I need the features of the pro version. If I get the lite and love it, I’ll probably end up coming back for the full version anyway.
if dslr remote would run on the ipad without requiring a computer, with the camera tethered to the ipad using Apple’s connection kit, and have native resolution that would be worth some bucks. Even more if this could be done wirelessly using Canon’s wireless gizmo. Just think, you take shots, using the ipad for control of the camera or not, and then almost immediately view them in glorious ipad native resolution. no cable to interfere. also it should all work with the new Lightroom 3 native tethered functionality.
yes, that all would be worth $$$.
maybe the market is larger than you realize considering the initial price of your app could cover the development costs rather quickly.
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I finally succumbed to the lure of DSLR Remote app using it on an iPad and am still disappointed. It is nice but would be a quantum leap better running as a native iPad app.
Please take this as a big vote to develop a native iPad version. Keep up the good work the app is very nice and I look forward to trying it in the field.
Show me an Ipad app that will allow a tethered, remote camera to operate at a sports event and then have the Ipad attach metadata and forward the image to a remote server, and I’ll show you a bag-full of money from every sports shooter on the planet.
Wishlist: Android app plus EOS Utility style pairing via WFT series adapters.
I think the extra effort of getting it working would be worth it. You would either need the source code for the camera control SDKs, or reverse engineer the communications…which probably isn’t all that hard if you have the right USB tools.
It would also be very nice to offload the images/raws/videos onto the ipad then use it to back them up or sync them wherever you specify (your home computer, google storage, etc.).
As a traveling photographer desperately trying to get rid of a laptop in my kit, an application that (a) removed the need for an intermediate laptop, and (2) an app that will take full advantage of the resolution of the iPad would easily be worth $100 USD (or more) to me.
Throw in compatibility with the wireless adapters for Canon and you’re talking serious money.
Native app NEEDS to happen!
This is great news. When will DSLR Remote be able to control video functions? Now, that would be really good news.
when are you going to make the T2i / 550D avalaible ??
Hi
Almost every iPhone app runs on an iPad, and as you indicate yours does too. However, it looks terrible and blocky – as almost all iPhone apps do. When will you be releasing a real iPad version, and when you do, will we have to pay again, or will you make it a universal app that runs on both?
Thanks
J
Wondering if you are working on a iPad native version that takes advantage of additional real estate.
I didn’t buy this app for my iPhone b/c the screen was too small, and because I didn’t like having the computer in the middle (defeats the point). If you could fix these two issues (native iPad resolution, and direct camera connection w/o computer), I would gladly pay $20 for the software, or even $50! I know developing this would be a major pain, but a LOT of people want this and would pay for it.
i would pay $100 for full live view and focus control direct to the ipad. if you make it work, you’ll be my hero forever
What about the possibility of the iPad as the laptop and the iPhone as the remote?
Would that be easier todo?
Unless Apple’s opening up access to the dock connector, I’d bet that a native iPad/iPhone app that communicates directly to the camera over USB would require a jailbroken device and the USB-Dock adapter provided in the iPad camera kit.
And if such an app were to exist, I’d buy it.
Add me to the list of users wanting a native iPad application. I understand it’s a ground up re-write but I’m sure folks would buy it. Hell I’d even be willing to help beta test it for you guys.
Ideal solution would be to have a fully tethered version but I understand you’re limited in what you can do with the Apple / Canon / Nikon SDKs.
Really… why not just make an entirely new app that works. and reap the benefits of how popular its gona be.
i get a stiffy when i think about my 7D and iPad hookin up.
Any progress on support for T2i. Seems like T2i is so close to 7D, there shouldn’t be a huge amount of work to get T2i going. Is this a high priority or down the list. Purchase the software two months ago when I go T2i thinking both 7D and T2i would be very close in release cycle.
Is there a forecasted release date?
Thanks
Jack, Atlanta
Ditto for a native-resolution iPad app. Question: If I buy the pro version now, would I have to pay again for the upgrade to the native iPad app? It’s the only reason I haven’t bought the app. I haven’t even powered up my iPod Touch since I got my iPad two months ago. Paying twice for an app I’d only use on my iPad would be wasteful.
Also, due to the unusually high percentage of pro photographers getting an iPad, I think the effort involved in making an app that interfaces directly with the Canon camera would pay off quickly! I’m not a pro, but even I would pay the $79 for the direct iPad interface ($50 upgrade from the nonexistent native-res app). If you code it, they will come! I’d bet it will become your best-selling application within a year!
The inability for a direct connection is unfortunate. For me, it prevents DSLR Camera Remote from graduating to everyday use from being a novelty tool.
Right now, it’s neat, but with the laptop in the middle it’s a little too cumbersome to recommend to my friends.
Hello everybody – we’re looking at updating the user interface for the DSLR Camera Remote to better support the iPad’s increased real estate size along with adding support for the T2i/550d and some other feature enhancements.
I don’t have a time frame to share with you at this time, especially since the final public release date is subject to Apple’s bandwidth to test and approve apps through the iTunes App Store.
Our current thought is that the iPad interface along with the T2i support would come as a version 1.4 update and would be free if you have version 1.x of the DSLR Camera Remote app.
Regarding the question about the 7D and the T2i having a similar SDK, I can’t comment directly b/c I haven’t looked at the SDK documentation (I leave that up to our engineers), but in general, in the software world, “similar” for all intents and purposes means “not the same” and therefore one can’t assume that one would work if the other does.
+1 for Android app — I’m sure this is as much work as making the iPad native app, but you’ve got a growing base of ready buyers just hoping you’ll pull the trigger on Android right away.
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It works on IPad, but I for me, it was hard to install with my wft-e4 II and make a conect. Please, make a easy step by step tuturial for all the photographers in the world, to install and conect with camera. From Cologne, Dirk
As a hobby photographer the tethered connection to my iPhone/ iPod and now my IPad has long been a distant hope. Please for the love of humanity develop this, bringing a laptop is not always practicable an app like this will make you a very rich man as no photographer on the planet will want to be without it!
Amazing the Mike was talking three months ago saying work on T2i update coming. Looks like OnOne is pulling out of the iphone/ipad game. At least two other companies are entering the game and they regularly update their application.
Sorry OnOne, count the days till people start loosing focus on their excellent early efforts.
@Jack: As I mentioned in a recent entry here, we did start the T2i support along with some other aggressive new features. Those other features were taking longer than initially thought and so we were finally breaking the development process into two branches so we can get the T2i support out earlier.
Test builds were done last week and we should have an update later this week if the testing goes well.
OK,
This might also be obvious, but making this app both native to the iPad and eliminating the PC in the middle would be HUGE for us aerial guys. Shooting from a RC heli, pole mount, or aerostat (big balloon) is hard anyway, but add your app and a wireless USB extender for about $200 would be AWESOME! I would easily pay $100 for that app as it would eliminate cables, the PC, and associated power issues of shooting in the field.
Stephan
Well now, 6 months has passed since the release of the iPad and we’re all gearing up for the next round of releases with iOS 4.x and the latest Photokina product overload.
Has anything changed regarding Canon or Nikon releasing the necessary SDK so that we can work directly with an iPad? I understand your report of 6 months ago when this was relatively new technology, but 10s of thousands of apps later, 100s of millions of dollars have now been spent by consumers and the fact that many millions of iPads have been sold must have made some kind of impression on Canon or Nikon.
And if not an SDK revision by these two elephants in the room, you mentioned the possibility of your own team tackling the problem…. any further thoughts or actions on that?
I cannot think of one iPad owner who is even moderately serious as a photographer not lining up to buy such a DSLR remote control like this that removes the laptop from the equation.
Soooo, how about it? It’s now October 2010. What more help do you need to bring this to market? And what can I (we as a community) do to help? Money? Pressure on Canon and Nikon? Coding? I hope this is something not just put on a back burner somewhere, but if so let’s light it up and get an iPad functional DSLR remote minus the laptop NOW.
How about an update at the very least? This has got to be an incredibly powerful financial incentive for you so let us help get this moving. Please!
Chris
With so many responses supporting a native iPad version with direct tethering capability to camera (no PC in between), what’s keeping you from taking the lead? If you don’t, someone else will and this is really a very powerful tool for photographers (don’t forget to keep videographers in mind as well!!). Pricing? You can invest in a remote monitor (Marshall or IKON), and a remote trigger, and that will cost you upwards of a few hundred bucks (not much use for anything else, either). If you already made the investment in an iPad (which has many alternate uses), I’m sure you’ll be willing to dish out a few bucks for this app, enough to make its development worthwhile. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, GET THIS TO MARKET ASAP!!
Mike,
Why is it taking so long to post any update you may have. You posted in August that you were days away but still nothing. I’m sure i’m speaking for most people on this site, and probably the photography community as a whole, that this program needs to be made, and sooner rather than later.
Mike,
Why is it taking so long to post any update you may have. You posted in August that you were days away but still nothing. I’m sure i’m speaking for most people on this site, and probably the photography community as a whole, that this program needs to be made, and sooner rather than later. If its a case of funding, let people know!
Regards
David
I am shocked at some things. 1) the ipad users reading this are NOT leaving a msg to the guys who can make this happen. Not sure wtf is wrong with you? If you have an ipad and shoot pics with one of these cameras get up and type something to help make them take note. If other devlopers out see this please make this happen. Plz… will somone make a goo
Hello Mike…
Just wanted to see how the development is going on the I Pad native DSLR Remote version with direct tethering ?
Thank Monty
Just wanted to add my vote to this. Whilst most iphone/ipad apps are in the single figures, if you develop the app we’re all after (DSLR -> ipad without laptop), I would (a) run out and buy an ipad and (b) buy your app, paying $100 or perhaps even more.
Ian
Hi Mike…
would it be possible if you could give us a update on how things are or arnt going with The Ipad Issues…
Thank You Monty
@Monty – I’ll post something in it’s own post, but the short answer is that we’re still working on it. The reason it’s taking this long is b/c we’re adding more features that just iPad support and those features are taking a while to develop and test. Keep in mind, there is a huge testing matrix (each supported camera x the operating systems the server runs on).
Count me as another who would be interested in the iPad direct connect app. Having used the Mac for years I was very impressed with the Canon remote control software already included in my purchase of the T1i. It was so simple, connect and control your camera remotely. I have also found out that the USB adapter for the iPad is NOT just for the few items listed by Apple. There is a lot of documents saying you can connect a USB keyboard etc. So I too am looking for a direct connect app and if onOne cannot produce it I will buy elsewhere.
This is not a threat just reality!
At $10 intro price it would have been interesting to tether but at $20 not as interested. Not going to buy the pro version If I have to use a tether connection for now I see no point in a 3rd item, I might as well just use Canon’s software on my Mac already and enjoy full features till someone can create the app for direct connect to my iPad.
By the way the adapter for the USB-iPad ALSO works on the iPhone.
Look forward to a true solution.
It seems the iPad version is now due for release in November. Will it or will it not have direct tethering capability? Can tell you ahead of time, not interested if there is no direct tethering.
@IJG – no, there will not be direct tethering.
I’d like to put my request for direct tethering out there as well.
As mentioned above, I don’t see any use for the IOS version of Camera remote. If I’m forced to lug around my laptop then, I’ll just use that screen it is way better then any tablet or phone.
Its obvious that there is a market for this product. While I’d love to have an iPad, the only thing that would compel me to go out tomorrow and purchase on is Direct Tethering of my Cannon 40D. At that point the device transforms from entertainment device to a legit business tool (for us Photographer’s anyway).
I’d like to encourage you guys to innovate. You have a gyroscope, a compass, huge multitouch screen and GPS. I can’t believe that doesn’t get your juices flowing with ideas, if not I’m sure there are a TON of potential customers who’d love to share their ideas (including myself).
I’d gladly pay 30 dollars for a HD version of Camera Remote and I’d even go up to 50 dollars if you did something cool and innovative that took advantage of more of the iPad’s functionality
Some of my ideas
Full screen pinch & zoom just screams useful (some of us like ultra sharp images)
Write GPS & Compass data to meta data of image is another (not to mention copyright info)
Save pics to IOS device for wireless transfer woooo mamma
With these 3 ideas alone you’d add more value to your product then most products on the market. Giving your customers the ability to purchase less H/W and thus reducing the weight of their kit..
We’ll hopefully this post gets you thinking just a bit more about the IOS as a platform for profit & growth.
Thanks for your time and hopefully you’ll consider our requests.
Dusty
Mike I think given the postings lately………. ‘the people have spoken’.
I think it is very clear your app is loosing momentum fast, as others are seeing the potential of direct connect rather than tethering to a computer and then needing a wifi and a hand held device. Really clumsy in today’s market and technology.
I would love to have a direct connect as we have all said. Look forward to it happening soon.
Looking elsewhere in the mean time.
While I agree that either wireless or direct USB connection from the iPad to the camera would be ideal, the laptop bridge still provides a great deal of functionality. Camera on tripod with laptop tethered underneath and iPad to compose and tweak shots? Excellent! When can we expect the iPad version of DSLR Remote Pro to come out?
Mike:
Sorry to hear the iPad release will not have tethering. I just spent a few hundred bucks on a Marshall monitor which I’m using for tethered shots in combination with a radio slave (using these for interesting new photographic angles with 12 ft cable, camera on poles, outside moving vehicles, etc..). I can tell you both monitor and slave exceed the cost of an iPad. What it doesn’t give me is the ability to change camera settings remotely like OnOne. Just think of the powerful tool this can become. Add the features suggested by Dusty, and wow, this is really one kick-ass app. The Marshall monitors have some additional interesting features you could consider, like gridlines, image freeze, peaking filter (for checking focus) and false color filter (for checking exposure). Honestly, you guys have an advantage. Don’t lose it.
+1
not much to add but a credit card number when I can shoot tethered to an iPad. Don’t forget video.
@IJG – thank you for the suggestions and encouragement. Much appreciated.
@Pasgener – we’re finishing up testing and plan to get it submitted early next week.
Thank you,
Mike
Hi Mike:
Do you have any final release date for the iPad version?
The first company to release an app that will function on a tablet be it ipad, Android or WinPhone 7 that can tether directly from DSLR to the tablet, or smartphone will be the game changer and will cause huge wave of sales of devices and software sales.
Currently the best option would be to get the Asus Eee PC T101MT and install one of the various windows compatible camera control programs. it weighs in at 2.86pounds and for about $499 its the best option right now.
Hi, I do have a question to the developers. Could the WFT Units be a good Solution to directly connect the IPad to for example an Canon EOS D 1 D IV? Additionally there will be no wires necessary. Michael
Here’s one called blueslr currently nikon only:
http://usd.blueslr.com/
I just want a preview / liveview app. Something that tethers my canon to the ipad to preview a shot, and gives me the option of shooting to the ipad or just to the camera. I know this can be done to any monitor, but the form factor of the ipad is much better.
Hi Mike and happy new year:
OnOne has gone silent lately on any release for the iPad, tethered or not. An iPad version of DSLR Camera Remote was announced for release in November, then it was pushed to December. Now there is no date. Can you give us an update?
Tnx
Sorry for the silence. We’ve been very busy…
http://www.ononesoftware.com/blog/2011/01/06/dslr-camera-remote-hd-update/
Hi. Do anyone know when this software will be available in Norway / Europe?
Did someone already mention Android? Without the need of a computer in between?
Yes hmm, do you really want me to beg for it?
http://brentbat.wordpress.com/?s=ipad
This guy has figured out how to do it wirelessly-check it out.
Costs $10.00
@Nick Gen – It’s not any more wireless than what we do because his camera was still tethered to the computer. His iPad was running a $10 piece of software (which is cool) that allows you to have your iPad act as a display for your Mac computer. The images, I suspect, were still being written to the computer from the camera via the USB cable and then the display window on his iPad was showing what the application he was using was showing.
In the end, until Canon or Nikon port their camera control software apps over to run on the iOS people will still need a computer between the camera and their wireless device such as the iPad or iPhone.
Best,
Mike
PLEASE make an app that allows for direct tethering with higher resolution. You guys are ahead of the game with what you already have, but the only reason I haven’t purchased is that I need something instead of my computer, rather than in addition to it.
You should team with eye-fi it could be a really amazing match
would it be possible if you could give us a update on how things are or arnt going with The Ipad Issues…
greetz frankie
Dear onOne: Be the first to deliver major photography apps to tablets featuring direct tether. Motorola’s Xoom (and other Android tabs) has a micro-usb port waiting to be exploited by a DSLR.
Mike, Can you tell us if you are working on an Android solution and if so when it might be available (quarter or year)? Thanks, Brett
to be honest: people in Canon are just stupid not to make iOS SDK. just stupid.
I don’t see much of an advantage of having this software if it has to be tethered to the laptop. I know it would be a huge undertaking to eliminate the laptop but I would suggest doing it ASAP. Not only will you have a ton of sales easily recouping your development cost, but you will also get to be the first ones out there with such a thing.
If you wait too long someone else will come along and do it – that I can promise you. Just too much money to be made in the development of such a software.
Wel, I completely agree with Jason. I am an enthusiast photographer, therefore it is very rare for me to take pictures in a studio. In fact I am looking for something a little different from camera remote, I only want an app that transfers the files from the DSLR to the ipad, through the Camera Connection Kit, the moment I shoot them.
I understand BlueSLR has taken the computer off the equation with their app+hardware, but that would be another bulky addition to an already bulky camera…
And they don’t have any Canon Support as of today…