How can I see images from my camera using the HDMI cable? Is there an app to transfer jpgs?

Question

How can I see images from my camera using the HDMI cable? Is there an app to transfer jpgs?

I want to preview images from my Nikon DSLR on my ipad2. It would also be nice to see the same video when the camera is in live mode. I bought the Apple ipad-to-HDMI connector and an hdmi (camera to connector) cable. Everything hooks up but nothing happens when I take a picture or view a pictures on the camera.

Do I need an app for this?

I know there is a USB based camera connection kit too - however I was hoping to have the HDMI also for outputing to a projector

iPad 2, iOS 4.3.2

Posted on Jun 10, 2011 1:20 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 10, 2011 2:04 AM in response to Gregory Moore

That cable set up you have is probably not going to work. The iOS devices seem a little sensitive to having the right connector for the right job. I have the USB connector (and the HDMI one too) which is in 2 parts: mini USB link and SD. My older Nikon D70s does not use SD cards, so I use the cable. When connected any images on the card (in the camera) are displayed in the built-in Photo app in an Imports album. Just touch the Import button and all are brought in. I use RAW and have found that the RAW images are transferred to the computer (MacBook Pro + Aperture) when I get home. A comparison (I kept the images on the card and imported from that too) shows that the resolution/size is identical. As an additional note as you mentioned this, video clips work the same.

With all the connectors, I carry a small bag for the devices I work with.

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Answer 2

Jun 10, 2011 5:27 AM in response to Gregory Moore

The HDMI AV Cable is for output to HDMI compatible displays, and cannot be used as an input. You only choice for previewing images and video from your Camera is the Camera Connection Kit.

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Answer 3

Jun 10, 2011 6:21 PM in response to Craig Brady

thanks Graham and Craig.

I bought the apple connection kit and that seems to sorta work. When I take a picture the image is transferred over in thumbnail, and I can click to import - even in Nikon Raw format (NEF). However, the live view does not work at all. When the camera is in live view, and the cable is put in, it immediately goes black on the camera and yet nothing is transferred to the ipad2 screen. So at least half of my goal is achieved.

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Answer 4

Jun 10, 2011 6:30 PM in response to Gregory Moore

Yeah, the Nikon images work well enough (and can be put on a computer later without any loss). But you are thinking of video viewing -- like tethering? Not sure that is going to work. My take (no pun) is that you capture on the camera then connect to the iPad, view contents and download.

I guess if this is not supported (as you want) you might try Apple's Feedback pages but it seems to me that the Apple - camera maker communication is not the best and any such changes are a long time coming.

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Answer 5

Jun 10, 2011 6:52 PM in response to Graham K. Rogers

I think there are some third party companies that make little video screens that work this way live (e.g. SmallHD). The thing where its critical is using the video feature, and/or using the live view to zoom in an make a critical focus often under dark conditions. Maybe someone can make a hardware interface that takes that live video from the camera, and sends it through to the ipad.

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Answer 6

Jun 10, 2011 7:10 PM in response to Gregory Moore

Gregory's post reminded me of a local blogger's test of a (non-Apple) connection kit. This has 5 ports and worked with a USB keyboard, where the Apple kit did not. http://iphone.mythailandblog.com/2011/02/5-in-1-ipad-camera-connection-kit/

I will ask him to see if there is a way this might work.

Update: the connector has now broken. Not the best idea perhaps.

Message was edited by: Graham K. Rogers

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