Shooting Tethered with the Microsoft Surface Pro

The new Microsoft Surface Pro is better than ever, providing photographers a best-in-class laptop, plus the versatility of a studio and tablet. Ultra-thin and fast, it strikes a balance of portability and power.

Software

The Surface Pro has USB port that allows for tethered shooting with TetherPro USB cables, but if you want to break free and go wireless you can still view your images using the Case Air. If you need more than one USB port, a USB hub is recommended. The Surface Pro works with all tethering software including Lightroom, Capture One, Lumix Tether, Hasselblad Phocus, Smart Shooter, and more. So, no matter what camera or tethering software you choose for your workflow, Surface Pro makes it easy to shoot tethered. The Surface Pro is also compatible with the Case Air Wireless Tethering System. You’ll need to download the Case Remote App for Windows and use that software, or if you prefer, add a watch folder to use with Lightroom or a hot folder with Capture One.

 

Hardware

In laptop mode, the Surface Pro works well in tandem with the Tether Table Aero. But, where the Surface Pro really shines is its portability when combined with the AeroTab Universal Tablet System from Tether Tools. Engineered with a secure corner to corner diagonal brace, the AeroTab keeps your Surface Pro screen, as well as all buttons, cameras, speakers and ports open and accessible. For the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 you’ll need the larger version of the AeroTab, the AeroTab L2 or L4. The AeroTab L2 mount option is designed to mount to any 1/4″-20 tripod and Arca-style ball head. The AeroTab L4 mount option includes the mounting options of the L2 and includes a 5/8″ (16mm) Baby Stud and 3/8″ thread. If you go with the L2, you can either mount it directly on an arca-style ballhead or you can combine with a Rock Solid EasyGrip and mount your AeroTab and Surface Pro on a tripod leg or pole. If you decide to go with the L4 you’ll have the option to use gear that utilize a 5/8” (16mm) Baby Stud or 3/8” thread.  Some options here would include the Rock Solid Master Articulating Arm + Clamp Kit that would allow you to clamp your kit just about anywhere, or the Rock Solid Elbow which you could use to mount your AeroTab on a lightstand stud or pair with a Master Clamp to attach to a pole. The Rock Solid Elbow and Master Articulating Arm allow you to adjust the viewing angle of the AeroTab.

 

See the Microsoft Surface Pro in Action

Photographer Evan Guttman put the Surface Pro to work in his How I Got the Shot article, shooting tethered to a Surface Pro secured in an AeroTab L4, then mounted to his tripod leg using the Rock Solid Master Articulating Arm and Rock Solid Master Clamp. Photographers Joshua Lawrence and Justin Van Leeuwen also use the Surface Pro with great results and have been recently featured on our blog. Joshua mounts his Surface Pro using an arm, while Justin uses the AeroTab L2 and attaches his Surface Pro directly to a camera ballhead.