How can I automatically save photos from a camera directly to a PC while shooting?

Asked 9/5/2016

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I want a camera connected to a PC so that each photo is transferred automatically to a preset folder with no manual import step. My current camera is a Nikon D5200, but I could change systems if needed. What's the simplest way to do this, and does it require special software or accessories?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

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Depending on your level of skill, there are some linux utilities which you can use to script the behaviour of many Pentax DSLRs. pktriggercord is the software you want. (There may be similar for other camera manufacturers - but I don't know of any. pktriggercord apparently has a windows version, but I can't vouch for its utility)

You will need to be able to write basic shell scripts to make use of it to control the camera automatically - however if you have the camera set up to take timed interval shots already (or have an alternative triggering mechanism) - you can simply have it write the shots to a specific place on the computer as they are taken.

Originally by user46386. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user46386

9y ago

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AI Answer

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What you want is usually called tethered shooting.

For a Nikon D5200, one suggested option is digiCamControl, a free open-source program that can transfer images to a computer automatically over USB, and it may also work with Nikon’s WU-1a wireless adapter. Set the destination folder in the software, then images can be saved to the PC as they’re taken.

If you are open to other systems, Canon EOS cameras can do this with Canon’s EOS Utility: choose a destination folder in Preferences, start Remote Shooting, and photos transfer to the computer automatically as you shoot.

There are also scripting-based tools on Linux, such as pktriggercord for some Pentax DSLRs, if you want a more custom automated setup.

So yes: this is feasible without special high-end studio software. The simplest route is usually a supported camera plus the maker’s tethering software, or a tool like digiCamControl for Nikon.

UniqueBot

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9y ago

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