Capture One tethers well when it works. When it doesn't, the cause is almost always the same handful of things, and they're the same in every tethering app.
The fixes, in order
- USB mode: Sony Remote Shooting / PC Remote, Canon PTP, Nikon MTP/PTP, Fujifilm USB Tether Shooting Auto, Panasonic PC(Tether).
- Cable: USB-C data cable, direct to the Mac, no hub.
- Other apps: EOS Utility, Imaging Edge, Lightroom, Image Capture and Photos can all hold the camera. Quit them.
- macOS: Image Capture → camera → open No application. Then killall PTPCamera ptpcamerad.
- Permissions: System Settings → Privacy & Security, and Local Network for WiFi tethering.
- Sony: set Remote Shoot Setting → Save Image Size → Original, or you'll get 2MP files.
Full walkthrough: camera not detected on Mac.
Switching apps? Quit Capture One properly
If the camera works in Capture One but not in another app (or the other way around), Capture One may still be holding it. Cmd+Q, check Activity Monitor for leftover Capture One processes, wait 5 seconds, then connect in the other app.
The subscription question
Capture One moved to subscription pricing, and I wrote up what that costs over a few years in Capture One raised prices 344%. If tethering is what you actually use it for, TETHER STUDIO does that for $99 once: 2,900+ cameras, USB and WiFi, AI culling, client view, Art Director Mode. Side-by-side in TETHER STUDIO vs Capture One.
Frequently asked
Why is Capture One not detecting my camera?
Usually the camera is in the wrong USB mode, the cable is charge-only, or another app or macOS ptpcamerad is holding the camera. Quit other apps, run killall PTPCamera ptpcamerad and reconnect.
Can I use another tethering app if I own Capture One?
Yes, but only one app can control the camera at a time. Quit Capture One completely before connecting in the other app.
Is there a Capture One alternative for tethering without a subscription?
TETHER STUDIO is a $99 one-time purchase for Mac that tethers 2,900+ cameras over USB and WiFi.