Shooting with 20D tethered to computer?

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

05/19/2005 04:33:28 PM · #1

Have any you 20D users had practical experience with this?

I can't find anything in the manual about it, (although I'm sure I could have missed it!), and would be interested to know the dynamics of this.

Does it work well (quick download from camera)?
Is it safe for the camera?
Is there a "specific" procedure for this?
Can I download straight into PS CS?

Thanks so much, Linda

srdanz

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

05/19/2005 04:39:45 PM · #2

I don't know if this can be done, but here is my take on it:

if it could be done, what would happen is the image would be created in 20D's memory, and instead of being written to the CF card, it would go over USB or 1394 to the computer. For the camera (external device) to be able to push data onto the computer, it would have to have a communication channel already open, which I believe could be done with some software such as PS.
However, the transfer between the 20D memory and the CF card is much faster than any transfer over the cable, so taking bursts of shots probably would not work for any practical purpose...
It seems to me that there are more negatives than positives of this method for Canon to ever seriously consider this feature. But you never know...

Just thinking aloud. Maybe someone actually knows what they're talking about.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/19/2005 04:43:28 PM · #3

I googled this, and did find some reviews that specifically mentioned this capability, but did not go into further detail, so I am trying to find more info.

I have been asked to shoot an "event" where they want "instant" results, so am trying to find out if this is viable for me at this event.

Thanks!

fsteddy

05/19/2005 04:45:15 PM · #4

I know you can hookup the Rebel to a computer and fire away so I would think you could with the 20D also. Just use the USB cable.

Beetle

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/19/2005 04:45:47 PM · #5

If you had several cards and little viewer for a TV, you could show one off while you're filling the other.

rich

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/19/2005 04:48:26 PM · #6

From my limited experience:

Does it work well (quick download from camera)?
Yes, worked great for me. Very fast.

Is it safe for the camera?
I don't see why not. It is basically an incremental download using the same cable and connections I normally use to offload images. Some people believe that downloading this way as opposed to using a separate reader is putting some sort of undue wear on the camera; they may or may not be right. I personally think this is inconsequential, but that's me. Other opinions vary.

Is there a "specific" procedure for this?
I just installed the capture software (part of the suite in the included software) and had at it.

Can I download straight into PS CS?
That I am unsure of. If I remember correctly (the laptop I used with this is not handy) the capture software was running in conjunction with EOSViewer, where the images were downloaded. If you have Photoshop CS open as well, pointing to the same directory, I don't know why you could not simply refresh the folder and open the images as they are downloaded. I have not tried it though.

Good luck!

Edit: The one time I set this up I was just goofing around, taking a stop-action series of me assembling a desk from Target.

How to build a desk.

Edit#2: I shot this entirely in small jpg, so it was indeed fast to view the images on the fly as Ericlimon suspects - equally true I am sure is that RAW would take more time to view/download. But no more than 2-3 seconds. Or at least that is how fast images transfer using that connection when I offload images.

Message edited by author 2005-05-19 16:55:59.

mrorange002

Canon EOS-5D

05/19/2005 04:54:11 PM · #7

I works great. you can shoot with your mouse! The only problem I've experienced is it takes a little while to view the large image in the EOS capture/viewer utility.

But if you shoot JPG and RAW, the JPG should pop up fast. (I haven't done this yet, I just though of it while I was writing!)

Message edited by author 2005-05-19 16:54:36.

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

05/19/2005 04:58:57 PM · #8

Thanks so much!

Rich, I never installed the Canon software, as I just use readers on both of my computers, so I guess I need to install that and just give it a go.

I can shoot with my mouse???? That's cool, I'm going to set it up this weekend and play with it.

Thanks, everyone, for the help! I appreciate all you helpful dpc'ers so much.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

05/19/2005 05:36:57 PM · #9

I started a thread about a wifi attachment for the 20D but I can't find the thread or the link :(

muckpond

Nikon D200

Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX Diagonal Fisheye for Nikon

05/19/2005 05:42:33 PM · #10

Originally posted by rich:

The one time I set this up I was just goofing around, taking a stop-action series of me assembling a desk from Target.

that's fun. i plan on doing the same thing this weekend when we hang drywall in my kitchen. woot woot!

ParadigmShift

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

05/19/2005 05:43:06 PM · #11

Originally posted by faidoi:

I started a thread about a wifi attachment for the 20D but I can't find the thread or the link :(

Don't know about your thread, but I suspect you are talking about the Canon WFT-E1 (link)

Message edited by author 2005-05-19 17:43:29.

DjFenzl

05/19/2005 05:58:08 PM · #12

I don't have a 20D but I've been thinking of getting on (or a Nikon D70).

From what I read I thought one of the main reasons for hooking up the 20D to a computer was to do Time Lapse Photography. That's one of the things that makes me sway more towards the 20D over the D70 (not that I NEED it, but it sounds fun ;) )

Anyone try this out?

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

05/19/2005 06:03:51 PM · #13

Originally posted by ParadigmShift:

Originally posted by faidoi:
I started a thread about a wifi attachment for the 20D but I can't find the thread or the link :(

Don't know about your thread, but I suspect you are talking about the Canon WFT-E1 (link)

There's one made by a 3rd party too. Firmware for using the WFT-E1 was just released.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

05/19/2005 06:04:27 PM · #14

Originally posted by megatherian:

An alternative for time lapse is the TC80N3 remote, which will do nearly anything you want with regard to sequential shooting. It eliminates the need for a 'pooter, but is not cheap either.

joebok

Fujifilm X100F

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

05/19/2005 06:12:28 PM · #15

Originally posted by megatherian:

With Nikon Capture, you can completely control a D70 from your computer. I have not tried any automated or time lapse stuff but I've read about people who have.