Breeze Booth (iPad+iPhone)’s new Photographer Mode for tethered shooting is proving a huge hit with event photographers.
To find out how to use the app to shoot tethered, see the new tutorial here.
Sue
© Breeze Systems 2023
Tag Archives: Camera control
Connecting Canon cameras to Booth (iPad+iPhone)
Breeze Booth (iPad+iPhone) can shoot photos, GIFs and video with external Canon cameras, as well as the front and rear cameras built into the device.
I have just published a new tutorial explaining how to connect your camera to the iPad/iPhone using a couple of cables and a USB hub with a charging port.
The charging port is needed to charge the device and connect to the camera at the same time.
Which cameras can I use?
All the Canon cameras commonly used in the photo booth industry. Choose from the huge range of Canon EOS R series, M series, DSLR and PowerShot cameras here: Full list
How easy is it to switch between the iPad camera and a external camera?
Very simple. You switch between internal and external camera in the Breeze Booth app.
Where’s this tutorial?
You can find the tutorial here
Sue
© Breeze Systems 2023
Breeze Booth (iPad+iPhone) 3.2 adds direct USB connection to Canon cameras
Breeze are delighted to announce the release of Breeze Booth (iPad+iPhone) 3.2 today, Wednesday 18th January. We have also released upgrades to the Breeze companion apps: Event Editor 3.2, Hub 1.2.6.5 and Camera Controller 1.1.4.
Breeze Booth (iPad+iPhone) 3.2 brings you direct USB connection between iPads /iPhones and Canon cameras.
This release also adds the ability to specify the age of photos deleted from the device using Auto Purge at 4am, fixes issues switching between built in cameras using the new iPad 10th Generation, and fixes an issue saving printer filters in Breeze Hub.
Why use an external camera?
Running an iPad or iPhone booth with a separate Canon DSLR or Mirrorless camera gives you
- appeal to discerning customers looking for quality
- better image quality
- ability to use flash instead of ambient lighting
- less obtrusive lighting when the booth is not active
Breeze Booth shoots video, stills and GIFs using Canon cameras or cameras built into the device in both landscape and portrait.
Which cameras can I use?
Breeze Booth (iPad+iPhone) supports a huge range of Canon cameras. Choose from most Canon DSLRs, R10, R7, R3, M50 Mk II, M50, M200, M6 Mark II. Booth also supports Canon’s PowerShot SX70 HS, G5 X Mark II & G7 X Mark III Full list
Hot tip: Chris‘s pick is the Canon EOS R10. He believes the face detect auto focus gives it great potential for photo booth use.
How easy is it to switch between the iPad camera and a external camera?
Very simple. You switch between internal and external camera in the Breeze Booth app.
- Connect your camera to the device running Booth
- Switch on the camera
- Start the Breeze Booth App, select Camera from the Home page, and switch on External Camera.
Connecting the camera
Connect the camera to the iPad/iPhone with a USB connection. It’s best to have a charging port so you can charge the iPad/iPhone at the same time.
Devices with USB C connection
We recommend using a USB C hub with a USB C charging port so you can charge the device and connect to the camera simultaneously.
You can connect devices with USB C connectors directly to the camera, but won’t be able to charge the device at the same time.
Devices with lightning connector
For older devices with lightning connectors, you need a lightning to USB adaptor. We recommend the lightning to USB adaptor has a lightning charging port so you can charge the device and connect to the camera simultaneously.
Do I still need the Breeze Booth camera controller to use a Canon camera with Breeze Booth (iPad+iPhone)?
There’s no need to use the old Windows or Raspberry Pi Camera Controller to connect to an external camera.
Technical Stuff
Cameras Supported: Most Canon DSLRs, R10, R7, R3, M50 Mk II, M50, M200, M6 Mark II, PowerShot SX70 HS, G5 X Mark II & G7 X Mark III. iPad and iPhone front and rear facing integral cameras
Platforms Supported: iPads and iPhones running iPadOS 16, iPadOS 15, iOS 16 and iOS 15
Trial version/While logged out: There’s no need to use a subscription while you test Breeze for iPad or work on new events. Watermarks are added after the first 10 images each day.
Free upgrades: included with all subscriptions.
Download Breeze Booth for iPad 3.2 and try for yourself
© Breeze Systems January 2023
Breeze for iPad + DSLR/M50
We are delighted to announce the release of Breeze Booth for iPad 2.0 today. This major upgrade adds support for external cameras, new event designs created by The Photo Booth Guys, a free email service and much more.
What’s new in Booth 2.0?
- DSLR and mirrorless camera support
- iPad monitor/remote control
- Free designs crafted by The Photobooth Guys
- Event ready
- Unique roamer Interface
- Free email service
- Email template designer
- Share and reprint gallery
- Slideshow
DSLR and EOS M50 camera support
Breeze Booth for iPad 2.0 supports most Canon DSLR cameras, M50 Mk II, M50, M200, M6 Mark II, PowerShot SX70 HS, G5 X Mark II & G7 X Mark III. More…
Troubleshoot remotely
Breeze is respected worldwide for rock solid reliability. It’s still good to know that the new iPad controller lets you check exactly what is going on in the field and sort out problems.
Awesome events included
Booth includes superb new event designs crafted by Steve Bliesner (The Photo Booth Guys). Use them with the iPad’s built in camera or add a DSLR.
The new events include examples with props and filters, AI based background removal, engaging surveys, landscape oriented events to make the most of external cameras, plus a unique interface for roamers.
Most can be used straight from the box. You need Twilio account details to send SMS/MMS messages, and the key for your background removal service for AI Background Removal.
A huge thank you to Steve for creating and sharing these amazing and practical designs. We love them!
Ready to run
Download Breeze Booth for iPad 2.0 from the App Store, log in and run your first event.
Unique Roamer Interface
Download a unique interface designed especially for roamers.
Free email service
Share using our free email service or your own email provider.
Email template designer
Send stylish emails complete with graphics, social media links and custom text. All simple to set up with the new email template designer.
Share & reprint gallery
Browse the new iPad event gallery to find, share and print pics from earlier sessions.
Slideshow
Attract attention while the booth is idle with the new slideshow.
What else makes Breeze Booth for iPad stand out from the crowd?
Custom interfaces and experiences: Design unique, custom interfaces/user experiences and quickly deploy them to a fleet of iPads using trusted cloud services (Dropbox, iCloud etc) or via your own private and secure web servers.
Centralised event setup: Enjoy centralised set up of events, interfaces and image branding via a handy Windows-based app. Team up with Breeze Event Editor to professionally control and customise each area of your event.
Standalone capability and redundancy: Events can run offline if necessary.
Touch free operation and updates: The most comprehensive contactless iPad system available. Use QR codes to create a simple “Scan to Start” system, automatically send images via email and text, advanced experiences and event deployment with the scan of a code. More
Technical Stuff
Cameras Supported: iPad and iPhone front and rear facing integral cameras. Most Canon EOS DSLR and R series cameras, Canon’s mirrorless M50 Mk II, M50, M200, M6 Mark II PowerShot SX70 HS, G5 X Mark II & G7 X Mark III.
Platforms Supported (updated October 2021): All iPads and iPhones running iPadOS 15, iPadOS 15, iOS14, iPadOS 14, iPadOS 13, iOS14, iOS 13. Versions 15 and 14 are recommended.
Trial version/While logged out: There’s no need to use a subscription while you test Breeze for iPad or work on new events. Watermarks are added after the first 10 images each day.
Free upgrades: included with all subscriptions.
Texts : You need a Twilio account to send texts from Booth.
Free emails: There’s no limit or charge for emails sent from your own email provider. Our free email service is limited to 1000 emails/month/device, and 10 free emails/day if the device is not logged in.
AI background removal: Booth background removal requires paid third party services. More
Download Breeze Booth for iPad 2.0 and try for yourself
© Breeze Systems April 2021
Connecting Canon cameras to Breeze Booth for iPad
Update 2023: Breeze Booth for iPad 3.2 enabled direct USB connection between iPads /iPhones and Canon cameras. This is a free upgrade, and makes the method below redundant for most users. More
Breeze Booth for iPad 2.0 let you choose whether to use the iPad’s built in camera, or a separate Canon camera.
What do I get from the extra camera?
Running an iPad booth with a separate Canon DSLR or Mirrorless camera gives you
- appeal to discerning customers looking for quality
- better image quality
- ability to use flash instead of ambient lighting
- less obtrusive lighting when the booth is not active
Breeze Booth for iPad works in both landscape and portrait. The external camera makes it easier to shoot in landscape, because you can place the camera above the center of the screen.
Which cameras can I use?
You can use most Canon EOS DSLRs , the M50 Mk II and M50, M200 and M6 Mark II. Breeze for iPad also supports Canon’s PowerShot SX70 HS, G5 X Mark II & G7 X Mark III – that’s every camera supported by DSLR Remote Pro 3.15.5. Full list
Hot tip: Chris ‘s pick is the EOS M50 Mk II or original EOS M50. Both have excellent autofocus and face detect, and are very compact.
What else do I need?
You need external control software connected to the camera by USB and iPad using WiFi or a wired connection. The controller can run on a Windows 10 device or Raspberry Pi.
Breeze provide the camera control software at no extra cost to Breeze Booth for iPad customers.
Flash is recommended for still photos.
Which is best – Windows or Raspberry Pi?
- Windows devices are simpler to set up than a Raspberry Pi
- Our Windows controller can also monitor and control the iPad
- The Raspberry Pi is compact and require little or no maintenance once it has been set up.
- Windows devices support virtually all printers, and are much more reliable than AirPrint
Controlling the external camera with a Windows device
A Windows compute stick, mini computer or budget Windows tablet costing around US $100 to US $150* is fine. You need
- USB port for the camera
- Second USB port if you plan to print
- Ability to power the device and connect to the camera/printer at the same time
- Sufficient memory to run Windows 10.
Download Breeze Booth for iPad Camera Controller bundled with the other Windows Companion Apps here
What about Windows updates?
Windows 10 updates can be switched off while the booth is in use.
Controlling the external camera with a Raspberry Pi
You will need a Raspberry Pi Model B with 2GB or more of memory and a 8GB micro SD card.
Note: Setting up a Pi based controller is recommended only for more technical users. More
How easy is it to switch between the iPad camera and a external camera?
Once you have set up the controller and switched on your camera, toggle a switch on the iPad App to switch between the iPad’s internal camera and your external camera.
*Prices correct at time of writing (April 2021)
© Breeze Systems April 2021
Solving camera connection problems
The first Breeze tutorial of 2021 has been written to help fix that most irritating issue – when the camera won’t connect to the app. Finding the cause can be difficult and frustrating. Solving camera connection problems is here to help.
While this tutorial focuses on Booth (Windows + DSLR) aka DSLR Remote Pro, Breeze Multi-Camera and Flipbook users, most of the content also applies to other camera control apps.
Find Solving camera connection problems on the main Breeze website here
With very best wishes for 2021,
Sue & Chris
© Breeze Systems January 2021
Breeze Multi-Camera 2.1 released
This release enhances Photo Booth Mode and adds support for Canon’s EOS R camera.
Breeze Multi-Camera 2.1 – what’s new
- Support for Canon EOS R camera
- Photo booth mode supports cameras in portrait as well as landscape orientation
- Photo booth mode includes new screen ready_no_live_view.jpg . This disables live view, and allows external triggers to capture action shots with minimum delay
- Animate Photo booth screens with full screen MP4 video behind live view images
- Multi-Camera Animator can save GIF and MP4 animations with a unique id making it easier to provide privacy when sharing images on a microsite
- Product name shortened to “Multi-Camera”
New name – same product
Please note that DSLR Remote Pro Multi-Camera has been shortened to Multi-Camera in this release. It is the same software and registrations for DSLR Remote Pro Multi-Camera issued within the last twelve months still work.
What next..
Learn more about Breeze Multi-Camera software and download a copy of the program to try for yourself.
Breeze Multi-Camera 2.1 is a free upgrade for all registered users of DSLR Remote Pro Multi-Camera who purchased a license on or after 29th November 2017. Customers with older licenses can buy an upgrade license to use this release.
Download Breeze Multi-Camera 2.1 Buy your own license
© Breeze Systems 2018
Which camera is best for my photo booth?
We are often asked which camera is best for a photo booth. Canon cameras have very good live view quality, an important attribute for photo booths. The models below are not the only cameras you can use. Many older Canon DSLR cameras work very well. You can find a button linking to a list of the cameras you can use with Breeze DLSR Remote Pro here.
At the time of writing* (September 2021) we believe the ultimate photo booth cameras are ….. the mirrorless Canon EOS M50 Mark II and EOS M50 . For photo booth use there is no practical difference bewtween the two.
The standard kit lens ( EF-M 15-45mm STM ) has a flexible 15-45 mm zoom. For a super slim booth, try the EF-M 22mm STM lens
Best: Canon EOS M50 Mark II and EOS M50
Update: February 2019 Canon have released firmware version 1.0.2 for the M50 which fixes the issues with triggering external flash. The new firmware can be downloaded fromCanon’s UK site
A big thank you to Caroline Winata of Giggle and Riot Funbooth for sharing this example of slow motion video (EOS M50 with DSLR Remote Pro 3.10)
- 120FPS Slow motion video with no additional processing
- Similar performance to the Canon EOS 200D/Rebel SL2 including Canon’s excellent dual pixel auto focus in live view.
- Suitable for video with external microphone socket.
- Compact, slim and light; the M50 will fit in a smaller housing than Canon’s DSLR cameras.
July 2018 This post has been updated to include cameras supported in DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.2 ie the Canon EOS 1500D (aka Canon EOS 2000D/Rebel T7/EOS Kiss X90) and Canon EOS 3000D (aka Canon EOS 4000D).
The photo below shows the different sizes of the EOS M50, EOS 200D/Rebel SL2 and new EOS 2000D/1500D/Rebel T7:
Disadvantages
- Access for external power is underneath the camera instead of at the side.
- Update February 2019
Canon have released firmware version 1.0.2 for the M50 which fixes the issues with triggering external flash. The new firmware can be downloaded from the Canon UK site (There was a bug in the original firmware of the Canon EOS M50 which meant that triggering an external flash or studio strobe via the hotshoe could be unreliable. We reported this bug to Canon, who have fixed it.)
Good for video: 200D/Rebel SL2, 850D/Rebel T8i/Kiss X 10i
These cameras do everything the M50 can do except slow motion video. They are larger and heavier than the M50.
- Excellent auto focus in live view
- Suitable for video & have an external microphone socket
Budget: 1300D/T6
Good for still photos and boomerang and slideshow animated GIFs. Slightly higher resolution live view than 200D or 800D.
Disadvantages
- No external microphone socket so not a good choice for video including sound.
- Power zoom is not supported.
- Old model becoming difficult to source new
- Autofocus less reliable
Canon 2000D/1500D/Rebel T7
(Updated 25 February 2020)
The 2000D/T7 is an update of the popular Canon EOS 1300D/Rebel T6 with a higher resolution 24 mega pixel sensor. Unfortunately Canon initially removed the center contact on the hotshoe. This means early versions of this camera cannot trigger most external flashes or studio strobes so is not recommended for photo booth use.
Tuesday 25th February. Canon announced at Photo Booth Expo that the EOS Rebel T7/2000D camera has been updated to add a center contact (X sync) on the hotshoe, making this a great budget choice for photo booth users. More details.
Canon EOS 4000D/3000D
Similar to the Canon EOS 1300D/Rebel T6 with the same 18 mega pixel sensor but cheaper build quality (plastic lens mount, fewer buttons, no remote release socket and no cable access for external power). This camera has no center contact on the hotshoe. This means the camera cannot trigger most external flashes or studio strobes so is not recommended for photo booth use.
Web cameras & iPad booths
This post does not cover booths powered by web cameras or the built-in cameras provided with iPads, laptops and tablets. Breeze Booth (iPad + iPhone) uses either the device’s built in camera or Canon EOS DSLR cameras, some mirrorless and PowerShot models. Breeze Webcam Photobooth software will run a booth with either a webcam or built in camera in a Windows 11, 10 or 8 PC or laptop.
*This post has been updated in November 2021. As new cameras are introduced this post will inevitably become outdated.
© Breeze Systems 2021
Auto focus blues & how to cure them
Canon’s DSLR cameras can be set to auto focus (AF) or manual focus (MF). The auto focus setting is very convenient for photo booth operators, but when the camera cannot find anything to focus on it will not take a photo.
This post was originally written for DLSR Remote Pro 3.7.3 and last updated to include more recent camera models in October 2022
What can go wrong using auto focus?
You may notice a long pause before the camera takes a photo. The focus motor whirrs and the camera lens moves as the camera tries to focus. Two different error messages may be displayed: ‘Unable to release shutter’ or ‘Unable to focus’.
Unable to release shutter
When setting up the booth the operator presses Release(F8) or Preview (F9) to check camera operation. No photo is taken and this error message is displayed:
Unable to focus
After the countdown there is a long pause before the camera takes the first photo. The focus motor whirrs and the camera lens moves as the camera tries to focus. Eventually this message* is displayed:
*Hint (localization) You can translate this message into your local language using the PhotoboothAfErrorMsg message in the configuration files
Why does this happen?
Usually the camera cannot focus because
- there is not enough light
- the booth is empty and has a plain background
- guests are too close to the camera
- the lens cap has not been removed
Autofocus works best with good lighting and guests positioned at the right distance from the camera. It may be improved by changing from a plain background. The most reliable solution is to switch the camera to manual focus.
How to make sure the camera will fire: Set the camera to manual focus
Exception : cameras with dual pixel AF. If your camera has dual pixel AF please see the Camera Settings section of the program help files.
At present (October 2022) the Canon EOS cameras with dual pixel AF we support are:
- R Series : EOS R, RP, R5, R6, R7, R10
- M series: M6 Mark II, M50 Mark II/EOS M50M2/Kiss M2, M50, M200
- DSLR models: EOS 800D/Rebel T7i, 200D/Rebel SL2, 90D, 70D, 77D, 80D, 7D Mark II, 5D Mark IV and 6D Mark II.)
Simplest way to set the camera to manual focus
- Set the AF/MF switch on the camera lens to the MF (manual focus) position.
- Each time you set up the booth turn the focus ring on the camera lens until you see a sharp image on the PC live view display.
Photo by Kārlis Dambrāns (edited to highlight AF MF switch)
Photo sourced from Flickr
Use the camera controls to set manual focus
Use the screen on the back of the camera to set the custom function “C.Fn IV: Operations/Others – Shutter/AE lock button” to “1:AE lock/AF” (refer to your camera manual if necessary).
This setting has the advantage that focus can still be adjusted remotely from the PC but auto focus won’t be used when taking a photo. The lens can be focused in fullscreen photobooth mode by typing Ctrl+A.
For more precise control of focus exit photobooth mode and type Ctrl+L to display the live view window. Then use the <<<, <<, <, >, >>, >> buttons or the mouse wheel to manually adjust the focus.
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Copyright Breeze Systems 2022
Light painting without a tent
When we first showed light painting in a bright exhibition hall at Photo Booth Expo 2016, the industry was amazed. This post explains how to use light painting at indoor venues with an open or closed booth using DSLR Remote Pro.
You can use the same technique with DSLR Remote Pro Multi-Camera .
What equipment do I need?
- Camera
- Photo booth software that lets you control the camera settings
- Flash
- Black backdrop
- Lighting props
Camera: we recommend using a Canon DSLR camera. Webcams and iPads are not suitable because you need complete control over the exposure and settings (including aperture). This is not possible with a webcam or an IPad.
Photobooth software: The examples here use DSLR Remote Pro and DSLR Remote Pro Multi-Camera. You can use the same technique with other programs which allow you to control the camera settings.
Flash: You need a powerful flash to freeze the subject at the start of the exposure. We like to position the flash high up so that people are less likely to look directly at it and be dazzled by the light. The flash also acts as a cue to the guests to start light painting. Ask them to pose until the flash fires and then start moving the lights.
Black backdrop: the light trails show up best against a black background. If you have a light background you may get ghosting (dark shadows) when guests move around.
Lighting props: guests’ phones, colored torches, LED batons or more elaborate props such as pixel sticks.
How do I use DSLR Remote Pro to control the camera to create the light trails?
- Use external flash mode
- Set a slow shutter speed
- Use a small aperture and low ISO to cut out ambient lighting
External flash mode: Run the photo booth setup wizard; select <Advanced Settings> and check the box to set external flash mode. If you also check ‘Mirror output images’ the words guests write with the lights will be reversed to read correctly:
Shutter speed: You need an exposure of at least 1 second to create the light trails. We find between 2 and 3 seconds is best. (Guests start to run out of ideas with exposures longer than 3 seconds).
In the <Advanced Settings> screen select camera settings mode Bank 1, then click on the <Camera Settings> button to the right. This takes you to the camera settings screen. You need to adjust the Bank 1 settings for both taking photos and live view.
Camera settings: Start with exposure (Tv) set to 2″ (2 seconds), aperture (Av) 22, ISO 100 and white balance ‘flash’.
Live view: Select Tv: bulb for a bright live view image and White balance: Auto (ambience) for reliable colors.
In a brightly lit venue you may need to reduce the length of the exposure or use a screen to dim the ambient light.
DSLR Remote Pro Multi-Camera users should use the same technique.
Ideas for lighting props
The simplest props are guest’s own mobile phones and colored LED torches. A set of LED finger torches can be glued together.
Our most popular props are made from LED lighting strips wound round a foam baton and powered by rechargeable batteries. Pixel sticks can be customized for branded events.
For more ideas search for specialist websites and articles such as these
Breeze Systems is not responsible for the content of external web sites
© Breeze Systems Ltd 2018
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