Time for a quick experiment.
I know that the WFT-E2 wireless adapter has a server mode, and can create it’s own wireless network. The iPhone happily connects to our office network, so what about connecting it to the camera one?
Note – this WFT-E2/E2A is currently up for sale on eBay(UK) to help fund a new telescope for Keith
If you have some experience of wireless networks and networking, then it’s not to difficult to configure the WFT-E2 when attached to the camera. Here it is attached to the 1Ds3 – next to my piano.
WFT-E2 connected to 1Ds3
I’m not going to go through all the steps to connect it – I found a good step by step guide that looks a bit simpler than my route through the configuration screens ;-)
Setting up the iPhone is pretty easy too (the link above has some info if you’re unsure)
Here are some of the many wireless networks to be found once I step out of the house.
local wireless networks
I’m connected to the default Canon one.
Once connected, connect to the web server in the WFT-E2
Assorted web pages bookmarked on the iPhone
I’ve tried this before and was expecting the pretty basic functionality you get
wft-e2 server interface
You can press the shutter release, or look at what’s on the cards
Server interface for 1Ds3 with WFT-E2
Just tap the remote release button and a picture is taken.
You can zoom in a bit.
WFT-E2 interface and iPhone
I’m across the street at this point
Remote release of Canon 1Ds3 using iPhone
Actually viewing the images was a problem until I realised I’d got the camera set to record RAW files only.
So, I have a wonderfully complicated (and battery draining) way of doing at great price what I could do with a radio controlled shutter release (under £100)
That’s not the point though :-) it worked!
I normally use the WFT-E2 connected to a laptop, either to download files whilst I’m taking them, or more usually with EOS utility, where I have control over the camera.
It’s interesting to note that Canon have announced a new version of the WFT-E2 which will have full control of the camera. No doubt I’ll have a go once I’ve got a 1Ds4, and my 1Ds3 and WFT-E2 are up on eBay :-)
Another ‘techy challenge’ box ticked, and like many such experiments, perhaps not ready for real (i.e. business) use yet.
I suppose that in the tradition of iPhone photography, this post would not be complete without a seemingly random picture of nothing much ;-) :-)
Lens cap and Grand Piano
Oh, all right, here’s a 100% crop showing noise at 1016 ISO…
100% crop of iPhone 1016 ISO image
Thank you, Keith,
You are right, usually there is no much time during the shoot (on location) to review the photos. I work fast, saving client’s money :-)
Alex
Hi Alex
Yes, it is fun, but the question with gadgets is how well ‘fun’ translates into day to day usefulness ;-)
The WFT-E2 works quite well, but in reality, I’ve found the number of times I need it quite few. It does help to check pictures on a large screen, but for a lot of my work (think busy factories) it’s not always practical. The new version of the WFT-E2 looks much more useful in that you can control the camera much more easily.
Keith,
I see you start to enjoy your little iPhone now:-)
In a studio I use USB connection, as I have a power cord attached to a 1Ds3 anyway, but on location… For now, working on location, I download photos to a laptop only if I have time for this, usually I can do it only after everything done.
Do you use WFT-E2 on location? How far you can go staying connected? Are you happy with your WFT-E2?
Now I am thinking it will be helpful to check the results not only on a camera screen, but on a laptop as well, especially working on interiors.
Regards,
Alex Koloskov
www.koloskov.com