See your camera's live view on your phone
New in CloudTether 1.1: live view for Canon, Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm cameras. Open the connected camera's sheet and tap Live view to see what the sensor sees on your iPhone, iPad or Android phone — handy for framing a camera on a tripod, a pole or above a product set. Canon works over USB and, since 1.1.4, over Wi-Fi; Fujifilm works over Wi-Fi, and over USB on bodies that support it. When the camera also has a remote shutter, there's a shutter button right on the live view, and every frame goes on to your destinations as you shoot. Live view is for framing and focus checks: there are no exposure controls, so ISO, shutter speed and aperture stay on the camera.
- Canon over USB and Wi-Fi
- Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm too
- Shutter button where the body has a remote shutter
- One tap gives control back to the camera
What live view does
Live view streams the camera's view to the phone while it's tethered. Pinch to zoom in on a detail, turn on a grid to straighten a horizon or a product line-up, and, on bodies with a remote shutter, take the picture from the same screen — tap the shutter, or use the timer and burst options. The last shot shows in the corner, and the screen tells you where shots are going, so you can frame, fire and see the frame arrive in a client gallery or shared folder without touching the camera.
It's useful wherever you can't easily look through the camera: on a tripod for a self-portrait or a group, on a pole or high stand at an event, over a flat-lay or a tabletop product set, or tucked in close to a subject you'd rather not crowd.
Which cameras, and what each one needs
Canon EOS: live view over USB, and over Wi-Fi since CloudTether 1.1.4 using the camera's Remote control (EOS Utility) Wi-Fi function. Nikon: live view on Nikon bodies. Sony: live view with the camera's USB Connection set to PC Remote (Remote Shooting on newer menus). Fujifilm: live view over Wi-Fi, and over USB only on bodies that offer it in their USB mode — some, such as a GFX 100 in its standard USB mode, don't. Fujifilm Wi-Fi in CloudTether is still experimental, so test it first.
Wi-Fi live view is slower and less smooth than USB, so use a cable when framing really matters. Cameras that connect as standard PTP devices, such as a Lumix or an OM System body, don't get live view. Per-model settings are on the camera pages: Canon, Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm.
How it behaves on the camera
While live view runs, the camera's own screen goes blank, and on Canon the camera's shutter button is locked too — the phone is in charge. Tap “Give control back to camera” to stop live view and hand everything back in one go. Live view also stops by itself after about three minutes untouched, so the camera works normally again, and whenever CloudTether goes to the background; tap “Start live view again” to pick up where you left off. Live view keeps the sensor running, which uses more battery, so power the camera for long sessions where it supports it.
There are no exposure controls: you can't change ISO, shutter speed, aperture or white balance from the app. For that — or for colour on a calibrated screen — a laptop tether with Capture One or Lightroom Classic still wins; see how to tether a camera to a laptop. Our camera tethering software overview covers where a phone tether fits.
How to see your camera's live view on your phone
Connect the camera
Plug in over USB or connect over Wi-Fi. On a Sony, set USB Connection to PC Remote.
Open live view
On Home, tap the connected camera to open its sheet, then tap Live view. The camera's own screen goes blank while it runs.
Frame and shoot
Pinch to zoom or turn on the grid, then tap the shutter button (on bodies with a remote shutter). Shots are delivered as usual.
Hand back control
Tap “Give control back to camera” when you're done. Live view also stops after about three minutes untouched or when the app goes to the background.
FAQ
Can I see my camera's live view on my phone with CloudTether?
Yes, since CloudTether 1.1. Canon (USB and Wi-Fi), Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm cameras get Live view in the camera sheet.
Can I change exposure settings in live view?
No. There are no exposure controls — ISO, shutter speed and aperture stay on the camera. Use the maker's app or desktop software if you need them from a screen.
Why does my camera's screen go blank?
The camera's screen blanks while live view runs, and Canon also locks its shutter. Tap “Give control back to camera” to stop and hand control back.
Why did live view stop on its own?
It stops after about three minutes untouched, or when CloudTether goes to the background, so the camera works normally again. Tap “Start live view again”.
Is live view over Wi-Fi as smooth as USB?
No — Wi-Fi live view is slower than USB. Use a cable when framing matters, and remember Fujifilm Wi-Fi is still experimental.
Live view is part of the one CloudTether plan
Every feature and every destination is included. Download CloudTether for iPhone, iPad or Android; the price for your country is shown in the app before you subscribe.