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DSLR Troubleshooting
DSLR Troubleshooting

Issues you may experience when using an external camera

Rayman avatar
Written by Rayman
Updated over 7 months ago

The camera does not appear in the list of cameras.

Before you connect the DSLR:

  • Make sure your Snappic version is on the latest update (if not sure what the latest update is, ask the Support Team)

  • Make sure your iOS version is at least 15.x

  • Check if the camera is turned on and has power

  • Check the cables and adapters to ensure everything is connected correctly. If you use a hub, try a direct connection without the hub (if supported by your iOS device and cable). Refer to this guide for connection details.

Once the Camera is connected to the device:

  • Check to see if the app has the necessary permissions to access cameras. This can be found in the iOS Settings app under (Settings > Snappic > Camera).

  • Check to see if the app has the necessary permissions to access image files on the camera's memory card. This can be found in the iOS Settings app, under (Settings > Privacy > Files and Folder > Snappic).

  • Some cameras don't allow tethering while Wi-Fi is active. Disabling Wi-Fi on the camera may help.

  • Try a different cable/adapter.


Flash does not fire.

  • Some Canon cameras will not fire a flash when the live preview is active. This only affects certain flashes. The built-in flash, Canon-branded flashes, and some compatible 3rd party flashes should work, but others may not.

  • Changing the Silent Lv Shoot option on the camera to disabled fixes the issue, but not all cameras have this option. This setting must be changed on the camera. It can't be changed from the app. Refer to your camera manual to see if it has this option and where to find it.

  • Most mid to high-end Canon cameras should have the Silent Lv Shoot option. If your camera does not have this option, try to update the camera's firmware. If that doesn't help, you will need to use a different flash or a different camera.


The live preview is too dark.

  • This can happen for a few reasons. Make sure the lens cover is not on the camera lens and that the camera settings are not causing the dark preview (ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture are the main settings that can cause this). If your camera is set to Manual mode, try Auto mode to see if that helps.

  • If the live preview is too dark, but the captured image comes out ok, the issue is probably being caused by the flash. The flash creates enough light to light up the environment, but before capture, it isn't creating any light, making the live preview too dark. There are three potential solutions to this:

  • Some cameras have an Exposure Simulation option. Disabling this can help. This setting must be changed on the camera. It can't be changed from the app.

  • If your camera does not have an Exposure Simulation option or wants more flexibility, you can use the app to choose different camera settings for the live preview. This article has the details.

  • Use sufficient constant lighting instead of a flash.


Live Preview delay or glitch

  • Check the Image Preview time on the DSLR (this is a part where the image shows on the DSLR after it has been captured)

  • Format the SD card

  • Replace Cable between DSLR and iOS device


Nikon

  • Do a full SD card format if you are experiencing a slow shutter speed after pressing the tap to start. (We haven't been able to replicate this issue, but one of our users managed to fix it with this solution)

  • The SD card needs to be in the Camera (Check that an SD card is there and that writing permission is not on)

  • Make sure the Lv (Live View) button is enabled. It is usually to the right of the View Finder.

  • Disable USB Charging


Sony

  • Disable USB Charging

  • Set USB Mode to PC Remote

  • The SD card needs to be in the Camera (Check that an SD card is there and that writing permission is not on)

  • Set image capture to JPG (Sony RAW is not supported)


Canon

  • Could you check that the Live View is enabled? It will be under Menu settings for the DSLR. (DSLR only)

  • The SD card needs to be in the Camera (Check that an SD card is there and that writing permission is not on)

  • Disable USB Charging (specific models)

  • Ensure the USB Connection Type is set to "Photo Import/Remote Control."

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