EOS utility for remote shooting - anyone getting good at it.

[tolusina]

...... might be able to use a USB to Ethernet adapter at both ends to extend the cable length as well...

Intriguing idea.
I first though no way, camera doesn't know any networking protocols, then I looked up networking protocols and found USB on the list. And, d'oh on me, there must be networking happening over USB when I connect my 6D to my Tablet or phone.

Then, I looked up the adapters. For the price and size, they look to be more than simple wire one plug to another adapters, they appear to have active electronic circuitry in them.
Question for me, maybe for you too, now becomes, can a camera power those active electronics?
- - -

Unfortunately I'm only partially computer literate …....

Don't feel bad, we are all computer illiterate at some (read, many) level(s). I built a PC in the last few months, it's such a beast, it intimidates me, capable of a lot that's way beyond my pay grade.

…..I don't understand why I'd have to use/pay for WiFi from some provider??...

Generally, we don't pay for Wi-Fi, except to buy our own hardware, then we connect it how we like within limitations.
But, Wi-Fi by itself doesn't connect to the internet, for that another connection must be made to the outside world, if at home, it's your cable/DSL/dial up, whatever that you pay for.
If it's at Starbucks, an airport or other public place, someone else foots the bill, allows public access as a courtesy or a customer draw.

….. in all cases with live view I had video....

I doubt this. As soon as Wi-Fi is enabled on a 6D, camera screen reads;
“Movie recording disabled when [Wi-Fi] is enabled.
And all connection to USB devices via DIGITAL terminal are disabled.”
You might be mistaking Live View for video. Yes, in live view, images move around on both the camera's screen and on the remote device, but that's not video.

...... I'd be the owner of a 5D3 right now if it hadn't been for the 6D WiFi so I guess it goes without saying I'm not thrilled with this situation......

I feel for ya here, I hear you loud and clear.
Maybe you can tell I've put some effort into my 6D and its Wi-Fi.
In my opinion, 6D's Wi-Fi is a failure, totally inadequate for the purposes I expected. Yes, I'm disappointed too, but 5DIII fell off my radar as soon as 6D was announced.
I pretty much love most everything else about the camera, I suffer no 5DIII envy.
- - -
Jack, same as if one asks for camera/lens/flash or any hardware buying advice, what is your intended use case?
Do you want a wildlife camera trap remote?
Do you want tethered control of a tripod mounted camera for studio use, landscapes, time lapses?
Something else?





.

 

[privatebydesign]

I would venture to say the 5D MkIII with WFT would be much more robust than the 6D and EOS Remote.

Certainly I use an early WFT and the results are good, and the connection, when it drops out, automatically reconnects in some modes.

As for USB's, Tether Tools do very long active USB cables that go well over 15'. Here is a 65' model http://www.rakuten.com/prod/tether-tools-tetherpro-65-usb-2-0-active-extension-cable-high/246956005.html?listingId=264463729&scid=pla_google_AdoramaCamera&adid=18163&gclid=CIS_i-_7iL4CFRIV7AodeggArA

 

[Jack Douglas]

Thanks tolusina,

Of course it wasn't video, my slip.

My desire since about 1973 was to shoot birds remotely. It almost happened but I got bogged down in technical stuff, as a poor engineering graduate with little funding. The desire still exists and I've built a tree pod that I've used with EOS remote but as we all know it's clunky software. If I had known earlier I would have sought advice and done differently.

However, I gambled on the 6D fully expecting it to be a very good second body and it is indeed, other than I get few BIF. I knew AF had its limitations. I sunk available cash into lenses primarily. I'm biding my time enjoying the 6D while watching rumors on the 7D2. To see if I could handle the bulk, I bought a 1D2 for peanuts to fool around with in case I'm foolish enough to blow big $$ on a pro body.

This thread was my hope for advice on untethered shooting of the 6D remotely since birds have favorite/nesting spots and I'm on an acreage and can do this in my own yard, and now's the time (spring).

Jack

 

[Jack Douglas]

BTW, thanks to all who have offered advice. It's going to take some time for me to assimilate this, since it's all so new to me.

Jack

 

[tolusina]

.......
My desire since about 1973 was to shoot birds remotely..... .......... The desire still exists and I've built a tree pod that I've used with EOS remote but as we all know it's clunky software.....

......This thread was my hope for advice on untethered shooting of the 6D remotely since birds have favorite/nesting spots and I'm on an acreage and can do this in my own yard, and now's the time ......

Sounds like CamRanger would suit your needs, control over Wi-Fi via your choice of smartphone, tablet or PC.
EOS remote is ok as far as it goes, it's Canon's implementation of Wi-Fi on the 6D that's clunky.
CamRanger doesn't use the 6D's Wi-Fi, it has its own and that's its point.

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi Jack.
I'm fairly certain hat DSLR Controller will connect to a 6D via wireless, I just checked their change log and it says added wifi connectivity. So do yourself a favour and try $10 or $15 worth of fabulous utility, I have said before it works beautifully wired, and the functionality is supposed to be the same on wifi from what I briefly read.

I have just seen that I can get something that may be cheaper than a second phone or tv dongle to enable wireless connection to non wifi cameras! Just off to check the page for this!

Cheers Graham.

My wife bought an android phone and I tried that out. The EOS Remote app was pathetic, allowing little control so I abandoned it.


Jack

 

[mackguyver]

Jack, maybe this will help your WiFi woes:
CPN Complete Guide to WiFi

EDIT: and here's a guide to the EOS Utility I hadn't see before:
Understanding EOS Utility

 

[Jack Douglas]

Thanks mackguyver,

I'll check into this, although I've gotten myself kind of swamped - bought an old motorhome and and am doing repairs so I can get some photos further away than 2 minutes from my home - like the Rocky Mountains etc., and not just birds.

Jack