The right tethering software for your needs begins with your camera. Not sure which software to choose? You’re in the right place – this article will cover some of the top tethering software available for your computer and apps made for mobile devices.
Each software or mobile device app is made compatible for particular camera models and operating systems. We recommend you check the compatibility guides provided by the software maker to ensure the one you choose is both — made for your camera make and model and compatible with your computer or mobile device operating system. Not all software is compatible with all cameras nor with all operating system versions. It is best to check before you download.
Tether Tools Software Products
Smart Shooter
Smart Shooter is a digital photography workflow application for tethered shooting, remote capture, and advanced camera control. Standard version includes remote capture, advanced camera control, scripts, Live View preview, Loupe and Quick Loupe ability. PRO version includes Standard features, plus multiple camera control, barcode/QR code scanning and external API. Free 30 day trial.
Smart Shooter – Check for compatibility; Windows and Mac, Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm.
Air Remote Mobile Tethering App
The Air Remote Mobile Tethering App, from Tether Tools, is compatible with Canon and Nikon cameras and is the free companion software for the Air Direct Wireless Tethering System and the Case Air Wireless Tethering System. This software will only work in conjunction with Tether Tools wireless hardware devices Air Direct and Case Air. Compatible on iOS and Android. Free download.
Air Remote Mobile Tethering App via Air Direct or Case Air – Check for compatibility; iOS, Android, Canon, Nikon.
Listed in alphabetical order
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom incorporates tethering functionality in its comprehensive RAW processing and photo management software. The tethering feature is compatible with select Canon and Nikon cameras. Check with Adobe directly for available plug-ins for other camera makes. Here a list of supported compatible cameras. A few of the many features include importing photos as they are taken and loading them to a selected catalog. Lightroom offers access to many of the camera’s settings directly from the computer as well as instant viewing, zooming, rating and tagging of shots. Free 7 day Trial.
Adobe Lightroom – Check for compatibility; Windows, Mac, Canon, Nikon.
Camera RC
Camera RC is a full featured tethering solution for Nikon DSLR cameras. CameraRC provides complete camera control and many features at a very affordable price. Camera RC includes live view mode with re-sizable and floating windows making it easy to compose and capture your images and customize features. Available for Windows and Mac – pre-Catalina OS update. Free 14 day Trial.
Camera RC – Check for compatibility; Nikon, Windows, Mac.
Canon EOS Utility Software
Canon EOS Utility Software is available free with Canon cameras (download direct from Canon website) and includes many features found in purchased software packages. The EOS Utility is a robust full featured software package that has been continually updated to add new features. Available for Windows and Mac. Free download.
Canon EOS Utility – Check for compatibility; Windows, Mac.
Capture One Pro
Capture One Pro is a professional RAW converter and image editing software which also includes robust tethering features. It contains all the essential tools and high-end performance in one package to enable you to capture, organize, edit, share and print images in a fast, flexible and efficient workflow. PhaseOne offers users the compatible Capture Pilot, a free app for your iPad or iPhone which integrates remote image viewing & zooming, rating, tagging and more. Capture Pilot works on any iOS device but must be used in conjunction with Capture One Pro 7 or newer. Available for Windows or Mac. Free 30 day trial.
Capture One Pro (PhaseOne) – Check for compatibility; available versions / Capture One Pro, Capture One for Sony, Capture One for Fuji, Capture One for Nikon, Windows and Mac.
ControlMyNikon and ControlMyCanon
ControlMyNikon and ControlMyCanon are two separate software versions, make sure you select the correct software version for your camera. Besides all of the standard tethering software features, ControlMyNikon/Canon goes above and beyond offering features like loupe view, voice control, white balance calibration, iPad/smartphone integration and many, many other features. Available for Windows computers. Free 14 day Trial.
ControlMyCanon – Check for compatibility; Windows, Canon.
ControlMyNikon – Check for compatibility; Windows, Nikon.
Darkroom – Core/Pro/Booth and Booth for iPad
Direct tethered capture via cable wirelessly. Superior workflow for event pro photographers, offering Core, Pro and Booth, plus Booth for iPad. Create, print and/or digital packages and proof products. Advanced editing and retouching, as well as Green Screen. Booth and Booth for iPad are social media ready, control all aspects of shoot including payments. Free Trial.
Darkroom Booth – Check for compatibility.
digiCamControl
digiCamControl is a free, open source tethering program that gives you full control over Nikon cameras from your Windows computer. It supports tethering, live view, remote triggering, direct image transfer, controlling multiple cameras simultaneously and even offers you camera control from your tablet or smartphone. digiCamControl supports Nikon, Canon and Sony, check site for compatibility. Free download.
digiCamControl – Check for compatibility; Canon, Nikon, Windows.
There are so many great software options out there, it took us two articles to cover the top options. This is article one of two, check back soon for the second installment.
