Connecting your Canon with a phone can be a game changer for your photography. With it you can preview images, shoot off test shots and adjust your lighting settings from a distance without having to physically move your camera.
The Canon Camera Connect app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Its startup instructions take into account variations between different camera models, so it’s relatively simple to get started.
You can also use it to interact with the camera remotely via live view shooting and downloading pictures to your phone. This can be especially useful when you’re travelling and don’t want to worry about carrying your camera around with you.
It’s a quick and easy way to take photos from anywhere in the world, with a touch of a button on your smartphone. All you need is a camera that can connect to Wi-Fi, NFC or Bluetooth and an iPhone or Android smartphone that supports the technology.
First, make sure your phone and the camera are on the same Wi-Fi network. On most cameras, you’ll find this setting in the yellow set up menu; more recent models will display a purple network menu.
Next, download the Canon Connect app to your phone. It’s free and can be found in the Apple Store or on Google Play.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, press the Menu button on your camera and select Wi-Fi function > Enable (on earlier models this can be found in the yellow set up menu; more recent cameras will display a purple network menu). If the camera requires a nickname, enter it here.
On some older cameras, you will need to also enter a password. If your camera doesn’t need a password, skip this step and select ‘Easy Connection’ (right).
Open the app on your phone/tablet and follow the setup instructions. Once completed, you’ll see a Canon Camera Connect icon and be able to control your camera wirelessly from a distance using Wi-Fi or NFC.
If you need to change your camera settings while you’re connected, it is important to keep the camera in live view mode. This will avoid losing the connection and resulting in unwanted pictures being taken.
You can access all the key exposure and camera controls such as shutter speed, ISO and aperture from your phone or tablet. As you do so, the settings will be reflected on the screen as they’re changed.
The app also allows you to add very accurate GPS data to your stills and cinema shots, which is a very valuable feature. This makes it easy to locate where you’re taking a photo or video, and a handy reference if you need to find it later.
You can also use the app to share your photos with friends and family as well as marketing yourself through social media. It’s a great way to stay in touch with your audience and build your brand as an independent photographer.