2 Ways the 6D's Wi-Fi Have Proved to Be a (Kinda) Lifesaver

[MARKOE PHOTOE]

Sorry, not sure either how to keep the connection active other than always keeping it on and not let is go to sleep. I use the wifi feature on my 6D with an Ipad and I love the larger screen and being able to remotely shoot.

Someone else had questioned other wireless options, well, for the 5D3, I just purchased a CamRanger that allows you to shoot wirelessly through the Ipad and the CamRanger app for Ipad or Iphone. If you don't want or need LV you can use SmartTrigger, Hahnel or Satechi wireless shutter releases.

Best of luck

 

[AttackMonkey]

Great read Dustin! If you do find yourself transferring to an iPad, something I used for a while as part of my workflow when shooting festivals is to use the free Snapseed app for the iPad to make quick tweaks. It can only make pretty simple tweaks, but it's quite powerful for what it is, and its been a lifesaver a few times when I've travelled light but people want to see pictures during the event!

 

[bholliman]

Excellent articles Dustin.

I too find the WiFi feature on the 6D very useful. I use the EOS Remote app on my iPad for remote shooting frequently and enjoy being able to quickly review pictures on the larger iPad screen when in the field.

 

[Chuck Alaimo]

I rented a 6d and am 90% sure I will have one of my own in the next week or 2 to be a backup body for my 5d3. the one thing that kind of disappointed me with the wifi, and kind of potentially ruins one of my plans with it is -- for weddings I had had the idea to set it up in an area I can only access before the ceremony (like behind the altar). The problem is after like 5-10 minutes of not being in use the camera and phone lose connection and there is no way to reestablish the connection without direct access to the camera. It can still be done, set up, then just make sure to snap a shot every minute to keep the connection active.

Another valid point. Have you tried changing the Auto Power Off setting? You have a lot choices there, including never shutting off. I haven't tried that, but I suspect it should keep the camera live and thus the connection on during that time.

BTW, that is a very clever idea and use for the Wi-Fi connection, particularly considering you can you change DOF and lighting on the fly.

I forget the name of the device, but there's a thing floating around that connects via USB and supports a variety of remote control functions. Sounds pretty analogous to the 6D + WiFi + Canon Remote app for anyone who doesn't have a 6D or can't use their phone (non-Android, non-iPhone user here).

I think turning off the auto-power off might do the trick for you. Probably kind of distracting to try and work both that and shooting from the normal angles. How do you manage that? Or is it simply knowing which parts of the ceremony are better captured from the alternate camera and using it then?

I tried turning the the auto power off off...camera did as it was supposed to, it stayed on, but the connection still timed out, and you need access to the camera to reestablish connection. I only had the 6d for a few days so my tests were less than scientific...lol.

As to " Probably kind of distracting to try and work both that and shooting from the normal angles. How do you manage that?" Specifically I was thinking about Catholic weddings, where the ceremonies are long and the B&G are up by the altar kneeling for a half an hour, I can only take so many shots of their backs! So my idea was with the 6d, get there early, talk to the priest and ask him if setting up the remote camera was allowed...on that kind of wedding there are plenty of moments where you just have to chill out and wait because again, how many shots do the B&G really want of their backs? The remote came would be able to get their faces. So I don't think it would be too distracting for me, at least on those kid of weddings.

 

[Drizzt321]

I rented a 6d and am 90% sure I will have one of my own in the next week or 2 to be a backup body for my 5d3. the one thing that kind of disappointed me with the wifi, and kind of potentially ruins one of my plans with it is -- for weddings I had had the idea to set it up in an area I can only access before the ceremony (like behind the altar). The problem is after like 5-10 minutes of not being in use the camera and phone lose connection and there is no way to reestablish the connection without direct access to the camera. It can still be done, set up, then just make sure to snap a shot every minute to keep the connection active.

Another valid point. Have you tried changing the Auto Power Off setting? You have a lot choices there, including never shutting off. I haven't tried that, but I suspect it should keep the camera live and thus the connection on during that time.

BTW, that is a very clever idea and use for the Wi-Fi connection, particularly considering you can you change DOF and lighting on the fly.

I forget the name of the device, but there's a thing floating around that connects via USB and supports a variety of remote control functions. Sounds pretty analogous to the 6D + WiFi + Canon Remote app for anyone who doesn't have a 6D or can't use their phone (non-Android, non-iPhone user here).

I think turning off the auto-power off might do the trick for you. Probably kind of distracting to try and work both that and shooting from the normal angles. How do you manage that? Or is it simply knowing which parts of the ceremony are better captured from the alternate camera and using it then?

I tried turning the the auto power off off...camera did as it was supposed to, it stayed on, but the connection still timed out, and you need access to the camera to reestablish connection. I only had the 6d for a few days so my tests were less than scientific...lol.

As to " Probably kind of distracting to try and work both that and shooting from the normal angles. How do you manage that?" Specifically I was thinking about Catholic weddings, where the ceremonies are long and the B&G are up by the altar kneeling for a half an hour, I can only take so many shots of their backs! So my idea was with the 6d, get there early, talk to the priest and ask him if setting up the remote camera was allowed...on that kind of wedding there are plenty of moments where you just have to chill out and wait because again, how many shots do the B&G really want of their backs? The remote came would be able to get their faces. So I don't think it would be too distracting for me, at least on those kid of weddings.

Ah, I see. That makes total sense. I've never been to one of those big, formal, drawn out weddings before. Good idea though!