Camera connection kit + Canon EOS 7D,it works?

Pedro-

I've read where some Canon models need to have a setting changed to work with the Camera Connection Kit. Others work OK with the default settings. I believe the 7D will work as-is. If it doesn't at first, try disconnecting the iPad and reconnecting.

There may be a problem transfering 1080P movies into the iPad.

Fred

I just tried several methods of transferring photos from my Canon 7D to my iPad 2 using the Camera Connection Kit. I was shooting both RAW and JPG, and used a Sandisk 16GB CF Card in my camera to save the photos.

Obviously, since the 7D takes CF cards and not SD cards, I used the USB dongle in the CCK. First I tried connecting the iPad to a Lexar CF card reader. I immediately got a message saying that the device requires too much power, even before I inserted the CF card into the reader. So that method didn’t work.

Next, with a CF card in the camera, I tried connecting the camera directly to the iPad using a USB cable. This method was successful. Upon turning on the camera, the photo program on the iPad activated and asked if I wanted to import my photos. I said yes, and all the images (both RAW and JPG) were transferred and viewable in the iPad.

Next, I tried transferring the 7D photos I just imported from my iPad over to my iMac for further editing in Aperture. This was also successful. My setup is such that when I connect my iPad to my iMac, the iMac’s Image Capture program is automatically started and from there I can move the iPad photos to Aperture or a folder. For these tests, I imported the photos into a folder on my desktop. I started Aperture (v. 3.1.3) and imported the photos in the folder into a new project. All the photos (both RAW and JPG) were successfully imported, including all the metadata from the camera. From there I could manipulate the photos just like any others in Aperture.

During my tests, I found that the choice of USB cable you use matters. At first, I used a thin USB cable that I had previously used for charging duty (in fact, it has a label that says Charging Use Only on it). It didn’t work at all for transferring data. However, when I switched to a thicker USB cable (from Apple coincidentally) that could handle data, the photos transferred from the camera just fine.

I still don’t think the iPad is the ideal photo backup device, due primarily to its relatively small storage capacity (especially if you shoot RAW), but at least these tests show it can in principle be done with higher-end SLR cameras that take CF cards.

Hope this helps someone.

Pedro-

I'm glad it worked out. I have the 5D MII. It is compatible but I haven't tried transferring movies or Raw images to the iPad.

At the MacMost forum, I found a reference to the Canon setting problem I mentioned. For some models such as a Rebel EOS, "press Menu and select last tab, scroll down to Communication and select “Print/PTP”. Press menu again and turn the camera off. Connect to your iPad using connection kit. Your photo app should now see your pictures on the camera."

If someone has a problem with their Canon not being recognized, this may be the solution.

Fred

Can I use my iPad2 and the cck to use the iPad as a digital viewfinder if I want to do that? It would be cool, then a client could see the shot on facetime. Would that be correct?

Dubwise-

That might be neat, but it does not work that way! You would need an App on the iPad, as well as a modified camera.

Fred

Hi Fred!

Any idea why you cant use the ipad as a digital viewfinder? I am shooting a lot of interviews and set up is often fast, so it would be great to use the ipad to check composition, focus and so on 🙂

Niklaslohmann-

I suppose the reason might be political, but the iPad just doesn't have an interface to display live video.

I suggest you look into the AppleTV. It might be possible to connect it to your video source, and stream it wirelessly to the iPad. You might also need a portable source of power if you are away from the commercial mains.

Fred