Cabled Tethering vs Wireless Tethering – The Right Tool for the Job

Posted by: on Jun 20, 2017

Cabled Tethering vs Wireless Tethering – The Right Tool for the Job

As a photographer, you’ve probably been there before. You’re shooting, looking at the tiny three-inch screen on the back of your camera and believe you have the results that you want. However, when you upload the images to your computer you notice that the focus may have been off, or the model’s hair is out of place. These problems could have been easily avoided if you shot tethered. In this article, we’ll break down traditional tethering using a cable as well as wireless options like the Air Direct Wireless Tethering System.

Get Connected – Shooting Tethered with a Cable

In the studio or in more controlled environments where the camera and computer will not move much, your best bet is to likely shoot with the laptop on a Tether Table Aero using a wired connection. This way, the computer can be anywhere that’s comfortable for the client and the images transfer as fast as possible directly from camera to the computer. There’s almost no delay between firing the shutter and seeing the images on screen. 

Top 3 Reason That Shooting Wired is the Way to Go For Your Job

  1. You Need Simplicity

Shooting tethered with a cable is easy. Plug in the cable to your camera and your computer, fire up software, and you’re off and running.

2. Speed and Reliability

If you’re on a job where you need to have the full resolution RAW file quickly viewable, you’ll want to likely go with a wired connection. Plus, as long as your cable stays connected you can keep on shooting and images will transfer over to your computer. In addition, a TetherPro Cable is cost-effective and won’t raise your gear budget exponentially.

3. Photo Management

For certain jobs like food photography or especially product photography, you’ll be especially sensitive to photo management and your workflow efficiency. Shooting wired can help you file your images as they come in, and backup in real-time.

Cutting The Cord – Shooting Tethered Wirelessly

In today’s world of new and shiny tech, there are more and more options to integrate wireless technology into our lives, and photography is no different. With the Air Direct, you are not restricted to a third-party software program, but rather can choose to use your preferred software – including Capture One, Smart Shooter, Adobe Lightroom, Darkroom, Imaging Edge Remote, and Canon EOS Utility. How is this possible? The Air Direct connects through the camera’s USB tethering port and provides the same control as it would with wired tethering. 

Top 3 Reasons That Shooting Wirelessly is the Way to Go for Your Job

  1. Cables are not an option.

Okay, this first one may be obvious but it’s worth mentioning. From trip hazards to having the ability to shoot tethered to a computer workstation up to 150 feet away, having the ability to wirelessly transfer images has its advantages. Tethering helps you get the perfect photo in fewer shots. Viewing images on a larger screen is a great way for you and your clients to spot issues with focus, lighting, posing or composition. You’ll spend less time editing and your clients can let you know the moment you’ve captured the shot they are looking for.

2. Camera Positioning

With wireless tethering, you can control the camera settings without having to adjust them through the camera itself. That means you can place the camera up in the rafters, outside a window or any location where being tied to a cable would not make the shot possible. Then, using the wireless software, you can control all the camera’s settings and trigger it remotely. The Air Direct Wireless Tethering System provides an easy solution for those photographers looking to remove cabled limitations in their workflow.

3. Mobility and Portability

Less gear, more options! Wirelessly tethering to an iPad or tablet means you don’t have to haul around a computer, you can comfortably move around while shooting, and if you have others on set they can easily pass the smartphone, tablet, or your device of choice to view images in detail.   Cabled vs. wireless – there’s no right answer, just the right tool for the job. As Tether Tools Peter Hurley puts it, “You better believe I shoot tethered! I feel like my hands are tied when I’m not tethered.”

To pick up a TetherPro cable for your camera visit www.TetherTools.com and select Search By Camera. And if you want to learn more and purchase the Air Direct Wireless Tethering System, visit here.

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