Product on a copy stand. Camera on a boom over a food set. A self-portrait where you can't reach the shutter. Sometimes the camera needs to be where you aren't, and you want to drive it from the computer.
What you can control from the Mac
- Shutter: press Space or click capture. Each frame lands on screen seconds later.
- Exposure: ISO, aperture and shutter speed read from the camera and set from the Mac over PTP, with brand-specific support for Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm and others.
- White balance: click a neutral in the frame or press W to set it.
- Live view: compose and focus on the big screen.
- Focus stacking: built in, for product and macro work.
USB vs WiFi for remote control
USB gives the most control and the fastest transfers. Over WiFi, some cameras limit what the computer can change. Nikon Z8, Z9 and Z6 III, for example, only transfer files over WiFi, so remote capture needs USB. On Sony, USB live view can be unstable on some bodies, and WiFi is steadier for live view. Details in wireless tethering on Mac.
Setting the camera up
Each brand has one USB mode that allows remote control (Sony Remote Shooting, Canon PTP, Nikon MTP/PTP, Fujifilm USB Tether Shooting Auto, Panasonic PC(Tether)). Menus and fixes for each are in how to tether a camera to a Mac.
Things that block remote capture
- Camera in movie mode. Switch to stills.
- Autofocus can't lock. Try manual focus.
- Card full or locked.
- Another app holding the camera. Quit EOS Utility, Lightroom, Capture One, Image Capture.
Frequently asked
Can I control my camera from my Mac?
Yes. With tethering software such as TETHER STUDIO you can fire the shutter, set ISO, aperture and shutter speed, set white balance and use live view from your Mac over USB or WiFi.
What software lets me use live view on my computer?
Tethering software. TETHER STUDIO shows live view on Mac for supported cameras. The camera makers' free apps (Imaging Edge, EOS Utility, NX Tether, X Acquire) also offer remote live view for their own brand.
Why will my camera not fire from the computer?
Check the camera is in still photo mode, autofocus can lock (or switch to manual focus), the card is not full, and no other app is connected to the camera.