Cheapest Canon Camera that I can control via Desktop PC

I'm looking for a camera that I can connect to a laptop/desktop and be able to see and compost the shot on the screen and not thru the view finder.. What is the first model I can do that with?

Thanks!

Any EOS Camera. The software comes in the box with your camera is called EOS Utility. Unless you bought it used you might can go to canon website and download it

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=eFXHpjFekII

There is also software (possibly freeware or shareware) you can get. If I can find it I will post it here. I don't have time now, but search for it. It's out there....I have seen it. You may be able to use a cheaper model, but the EOS line would be the best bet. Good luck

yuriyo923 wrote in post #10151586
I'm looking for a camera that I can connect to a laptop/desktop and be able to see and compost the shot on the screen and not thru the view finder.. What is the first model I can do that with?

Thanks!

I'm gonna assume you meant compose, not compost.

Using the EOS capture utility will let you operate the camera from your computer; you still need to compose the image through the viewfinder.

BUT, since I don't have any SLRs with Live View, I don't know if composing the image can be done on the computer with such a camera.

Hopefully someone will be along to confirm this or correct me.

I recall being able to control my old Canon S3 with the included remote capture utility. So it isn't just SLR's.

griptape wrote in post #10151843
I recall being able to control my old Canon S3 with the included remote capture utility. So it isn't just SLR's.

This.

I believe my S5 did the same thing

You can use the EOS Utility supplied with the 7D to shoot tethered..

When in 'Live Mode', you can see what the camera sees in real time displayed on the computer screen.. The live view sent from from the camera to the computer screen is a little jerky, but it's good enough to compose shots.

I use Breeze Systemssoftware, different versions for DSLR and point and shoots. They have lists of what will work.

Blockburner28 wrote in post #10151604
Any EOS Camera. The software comes in the box with your camera is called EOS Utility. Unless you bought it used you might can go to canon website and download it

I have tried that, but I need to be able to see and Compose the shot on my PC screen.. not just operate the Camera!

Blockburner28 wrote in post #10151615
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=eFXHpjFekII

Same as above.. need to see the shot live on the screen

NJ.Murphy wrote in post #10151764
I'm gonna assume you meant compose, not compost.

Using the EOS capture utility will let you operate the camera from your computer; you still need to compose the image through the viewfinder.

BUT, since I don't have any SLRs with Live View, I don't know if composing the image can be done on the computer with such a camera.

Hopefully someone will be along to confirm this or correct me.

Sorry... Wow.. Yes COMPOSE!!!

Jim_T wrote in post #10151927
You can use the EOS Utility supplied with the 7D to shoot tethered..

When in 'Live Mode', you can see what the camera sees in real time displayed on the computer screen.. The live view sent from from the camera to the computer screen is a little jerky, but it's good enough to compose shots.

Yes want do do something like that but not with the 7d... I was hoping I could do that with XT or XTI... 40D maybe..

TroyRaymond wrote in post #10151962
I use Breeze Systemssoftware, different versions for DSLR and point and shoots. They have lists of what will work.

Thanks, I'll check it out!

YES.. Looks like this would work with XT or XTI.... for $129

I'm gonna reasearch this option... Anyone knows of any other option?

TroyRaymond wrote in post #10151962
I use Breeze Systemssoftware, different versions for DSLR and point and shoots. They have lists of what will work.

I mainly use their PSremote with an A640 on a 40' mast.

I have an XT, The XTI is the first camera that has live video out. Not sure if the XT will show a live preview since it only shows the shot on the screen after the image is taken. The XTI with the 'video out' allows me to go wireless if needed with a downlink monitor.

Another consideration, the software will allow you to save to the camera and/or the computer. I would save to the camera because of the time needed to transfer the image. Also, when writing to the computer, the image is stripped of EXIF data, but will retain the data on the CF card. When using programs like PTgui to stitch images together it needs the EXIF data. Lens distortion correction software also needs the EXIF data.

EDIT: the XSi is the first to have "live view".

Really good tips here... Thanks for sharing.

Their website says that XT and even 300D will work, I want to give it a try..

TroyRaymond wrote in post #10152220
I mainly use their PSremote with an A640 on a 40' mast.

I have an XT, The XTI is the first camera that has live video out. Not sure if the XT will show a live preview since it only shows the shot on the screen after the image is taken. The XTI with the 'video out' allows me to go wireless if needed with a downlink monitor.

Another consideration, the software will allow you to save to the camera and/or the computer. I would save to the camera because of the time needed to transfer the image. Also, when writing to the computer, the image is stripped of EXIF data, but will retain the data on the CF card. When using programs like PTgui to stitch images together it needs the EXIF data. Lens distortion correction software also needs the EXIF data.

I don't yet have XT or XTi.. Do you mind downloading thier trial version of the DSLP Pro and try how it would work on your XT?

TroyRaymond wrote in post #10152220
I mainly use their PSremote with an A640 on a 40' mast.

I have an XT, The XTI is the first camera that has live video out. Not sure if the XT will show a live preview since it only shows the shot on the screen after the image is taken. The XTI with the 'video out' allows me to go wireless if needed with a downlink monitor.

Another consideration, the software will allow you to save to the camera and/or the computer. I would save to the camera because of the time needed to transfer the image. Also, when writing to the computer, the image is stripped of EXIF data, but will retain the data on the CF card. When using programs like PTgui to stitch images together it needs the EXIF data. Lens distortion correction software also needs the EXIF data.

TroyRaymond wrote in post #10152220
I mainly use their PSremote with an A640 on a 40' mast.
.

What sort of photography requires a 40 foot mast?