Tethered shooting with USB on Nikon D300/D700

[desantnik]

Just thought I'd ask and see if anyone has:

a) done this

AND

b) Had any issues around the cable staying connected to the camera and if so, if there are any technical solutions out there for this (perhaps a port cover with a locking connector or something like you see on the Nikon WT4 wifi box)

Thanks in advance.

 

[Guy-Richardson]

I used to do a fair amount of tethered shooting with the D200 (same body as the D300) and yes I had the same issues with the usb lead staying in the camera. As a quick solution I just used a couple of rubber bands to keep it in place which is fine when sitting on a tripod but becomes less useful when shooting handheld. The D800 and D4 now use USB 3.0 leads and comes with a shoe to hold the cable onto the camera.

Nikon have also released new affordable wireless transmitters but I don't think they are backwards compatible from the D600, D3200 etc.

There are a number of tethering software out there and many programs such as Lightroom support it. If you have a mac take a look at Sofortbild http://www.sofortbildapp.com which is totally free and works a dream.

 

[vizzair]

I use digiCamControl which is free and very good, better than the very expensive nikon solution, I have also bought a 5m powered USB cable which works very well.
But I will only use it when on a tripod , and I make sure nobody can trip up and pull the tripod over or rip out the connector. ( I destroyed a remote trigger cable doing that, luckily it was the cable and not the socket! )

 

[redhed17]

I've seen a TetherPro by Tether Tools used by some people doing live seminars on the web. Looks like a good design for keeping the USB connected.

 

[desantnik]

Thanks guys - the software isn't an issue, its our custom software... which is rather different in construction and intent than any of the others

Its the physical USB connection that we need that is my interest.... that tetherpro might well be the answer.

Thanks very much!

 

[ah5168]

I always use a short 500mm long ish USB lead with a 90 degree connector at the camera end then a 3000mm long cable from the short lead to the computer. The 90 degree USB connectors put much less stain on the camera and always stay connected and the joint between the short and long lead will part company easily saving the cameras USB port if/when happen to stand on the lead.

 

[desantnik]

Good tip, thanks Andrew!