In this article I will introduce you to 3 different inexpensive multifunctional devices you can use to display photos or even live video from your camera. While it is possible to tether most DSLRs to a computer, sometimes a photographer needs a faster / cheaper / simpler solution. So here are the 3 devices that can help you get the job done easier and faster on any location.
- Portable DVD player.
- Digital picture frame.
- LCD TV with HDMI input.
Introduction to Tethered Shooting
One of the things I like so much about shooting digital is the ability to view the photos in real time. This helps me to evaluate my lighting and composition in detail, and also helps my clients to examine the photos on location and provide an instant feedback on the results. The camera LCD screen is in many cases too small to be used for any kind of thorough examination of the photos, so an external device can be used for that purpose. There are mainly two types of devices that a camera can be connected to:
1. Computer, running the software supplied with the camera (or purchased separately)
2. Any type of device that has a screen and video input functionality.
Using a computer for tethered shooting has its pros and cons.
Pros:- Computer screens have high resolution.
- Computers can also be used to store and backup your photos on location
- computers are expensive
- USB or Firewire connections need to be reestablished from the beginning every time you unplug the cord or turn off your camera for any reason. It's a real nuisance to have your computer find the device, activate the driver, then restart the software to regain connectivity etc...
- Transferring heavy RAW files to the computer and displaying them takes too much time when you're only interested in a quick review.
What are the other devices you can connect your camera to?
Here are the most common:
- TV
- Projector
- Portable device with video in...
I bet you already have some creative ideas running through your head as you read the above list...
As in many other areas experience help simplify things. In the past I used to carry my laptop with me on every assignment that required the use of an external larger screen. I had lots of problems with lost software connections, slow rendering of the heavy files and other issues.
Wanting to simplify things I decided to try and take the computer out of the equation and send Video out of the camera rather then Data. I also knew I'd want two separate solutions: one would be a relatively small and inexpensive monitoring device with standard definition capabilities, while the other would be a larger, high definition screen, kind of a semi-portable setup.
For the first task I examined lots of specs and reviews of portable products and I came up with two different devices:
Portable DVD player with Video IN
Digital Picture Frame with Video IN
Portable setup B (which is also my favorite) is based on a surprising piece of gear: Xuma 15" Multimedia Digital Picture Frame ($179.95). Now, most picture frames do not have video input interfaces. Instead, they can only play media files stored on memory cards or an internal hard drive. However the Xuma frame can play video coming from external devices (using either Video line in or S-Video input). It has a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels which is the closest you can get to a computer without using one, and with the 15" screen size you get a useful product for in-studio, or on-location shooting. There is one drawback however: The Xuma does not run on batteries like a portable DVD player, so you need to plug it in, or use the 12V optional adapter to connect it to any 12V power source. So if you're looking for an off-grid solution, consider taking the DVD player instead. When not using the Xuma frame for shooting, you can use it for its main role and slideshow your photos to your clients in the lobby.
LCD TV with HDMI Video IN
Summary
Portability and flexibility are very important to a professional photographer, and while some dedicated products are very expensive, you can utilize other inexpensive products for the common tasks of quick proof and easier browsing. Products at this price range can be modified and adapted for hanging, rolling and being generally abused out in the field without too much hesitation. You may already have similar products, but not all of them have the necessary inputs. In case they don't, here are the links to the devices I referred to, on B&H photo:
Coby TF-DVD1023 10.2" Portable DVD Player.
Xuma 15" Multimedia Digital Picture Frame
Viewsonic N1630w 15.6" 720p LCD TV
Mini HDMI (Type C) Male to HDMI (Type A) Male Cable
