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. Learn how to connect iPads and iPhones to a camera with a USB cable  here

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.

Mini Windows PC running the camera controller for Breeze Booth 2.0
Raspberry Pi running the camera controller

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.

Switching to an external camera ( Breeze Booth for iPad 2.0)

*Prices correct at time of writing (April 2021)

© Breeze Systems April 2021