Remote Shooting with Capture Pilot App

Overview

In addition to browsing and rating images served by Capture One Pro via a computer, the Capture Pilot iOS app offers wireless remote control, image browsing and geotagging with Phase One and A-series IQ3/2 system cameras using Wi-Fi. Wireless streaming of live view is also possible in conjunction with the Phase One and the Alpa A-series IQ3 100/50MP and IQ250 models. In addition, by adopting the Alpa smart device holder, an iOS device can be directly mounted to the A-series camera and used as an electronic viewfinder.

With Phase One IQ3/2 based system cameras you can capture images, validate exposure, focus and composition and adjust ISO, exposure compensation, shutter speed and aperture value wirelessly from your iOS device. Camera Control is automatically enabled when a Phase One IQ3 digital back is connected to Capture Pilot and is optionally available as an-app purchase for other camera models (please be sure to check compatibility first). Only the aforementioned cameras can be operated directly using an iOS device, however, certain other camera models from Phase One, Leaf, Canon and Nikon can still be controlled remotely, providing they’re tethered to a Mac or Windows computer running Capture One Pro (version 6.2 or later).

Please note Camera Control has limited functionality with the A-series models due to their manual, mechanical features.

Key Features with Phase One IQ3/2 system cameras

• Access cameras wirelessly, either over a local network connection, or directly using the camera’s ad-hoc mode.
• Remotely adjust aperture, shutter, ISO, and exposure compensation values.
• Stream live view images and adjust and update white balance (IQ3 100/50MP and IQ250 only).
• Remotely release the shutter.
• Remotely confirm focus, composition and exposure of captured images.
• Record location data and geotag your images, either in real-time wirelessly, or later when connecting the camera to your iOS device after a shoot.

Key Features with A-series system cameras

• Access cameras wirelessly using the camera’s ad-hoc mode (local network connection is also an option).
• Stream live view images (A-series IQ3 100/50MP and IQ250 only).
• Remotely confirm focus, composition and exposure of captured images.
• Confirm current selection of A-series Rodenstock lens. 
• Record location data and geotag your images, either in real-time wirelessly, or later when connecting the camera to your iOS device after a shoot.

Key Features with supported Phase One, Leaf, Canon and Nikon models (tethered to computer running Capture One Pro)

• Access tethered cameras wirelessly, either over a local network connection, or directly using the computer’s ad-hoc mode.
• Remotely adjust aperture, shutter, ISO, and exposure compensation values.
• Remotely release the shutter.
• Remotely adjust and update white balance, and confirm focus, composition and exposure of captured images.

Note: Images on the iOS device are previews of images on the camera’s CF card, not RAW files.

Setup a direct (ad-hoc) connection with Phase One IQ3/2 based system camera

Phase One IQ3/2 system cameras can be operated remotely by an iOS device running Capture Pilot, all without the need to be tethered to a computer and is especially useful on location.

1. From the IQ3/2 series back, select Menu > WiFi > Mode > Ad-hoc, and return to the top level of the menu.
2. On the iOS device, launch the Settings app and select Settings> Wi-Fi > Choose a Network… This will initiate a scan for the network details. Please wait for the scan to be completed, and for the network name PhaseOne [serial number] to appear under the Choose a Network setting.
3. Select the PhaseOne [serial number] network name to make the server connection. Wait for the name to populate the Wi-Fi setting, complete with checkmark and signal strength indicator.
4. Exit the Settings app of the iOS device.
5. Launch the Capture Pilot app.
6. Select the appropriate network name PhaseOne [serial number] from the Server List page, displayed under Local Servers.
7. Capture a test image using the shutter release or Camera Control in Capture Pilot. An image will be rapidly displayed in the Capture Pilot browser if the connection was successful.

Notes

• Depending on the IQ3/2 back’s permissions settings, two server names (Capture Pilot and Camera Control) may be displayed on the Server List page with the same PhaseOne [serial number] network name.
• The option to capture is available from both the Pilot and Control servers, but the latter mode excludes all browsing and previewing options.
• Only one iOS device may access a server at a time, however dual servers allow independent access. For example, a photographer can remotely control the camera using one iOS device while a client browses the captured images on another iOS device.
• Enable/Disable the second Camera Control server. From the IQ3/2 back, select Menu > WiFi > Mode >Off>Settings>Capture Pilot>Capture Remote>On/Off.
• Enable/Disable the Camera Control option in the Capture Pilot server. From the IQ3/2 back, select Menu > WiFi > Mode >Off>Settings>Capture Pilot>Capture>On/Off.

Tips

• You can confirm the network details, signal strength and quality from the WiFi Status option of the IQ3/2 series back, located on the same page of the WiFi menu (Menu > WiFi > WiFi Status).
• The IQ3/2 series back automatically chooses the most appropriate channel but if interference is causing slow network connections, the user can select a channel manually. From the IQ3/2 series back, select Menu > WiFi > Mode >Off>Settings>Adhoc Channel>1,2,3,4… etc.

Setup a local network connection with an Phase One IQ3/2 series system camera

When working in a studio it is possible to connect a Phase One IQ3/2 series camera wirelessly to an iOS device running Capture Pilot via a router. This will extend the range from approximately 8m/25 ft for an adhoc connection to around a maximum of 30m/100 ft.

1. From the IQ3/2 series back, select Menu > WiFi > Mode>On > Select Network, and return to the top level of the menu.
2. If the local network is secured and this is the first attempt to join it, you will be prompted to enter the appropriate username and password (please contact the network’s webmaster for the details).
3. If the network has been joined previously, the login details are remembered and the network will be joined automatically once selected.
4. The IQ2 series back will display a graphic when attempting to establish the connection, and then another to confirm when successful.
5. Open the Wi-Fi settings from the iOS device Settings app and connect to the network.
6. Launch the Capture Pilot app and select the appropriate network name PhaseOne [serial number] from the Server List page, displayed under Local Servers.
7. Capture a test image using the shutter release or Camera Control from Capture Pilot.

Notes

• Depending on the IQ3/2 back’s permissions settings, two server names (Capture Pilot and Camera Control) may be displayed on the Server List page with the same PhaseOne [serial number] network name.
• The option to capture is available from both the Pilot and Control servers, but the latter mode excludes all browsing and previewing options.
• Only one iOS device may access a server at a time, however dual servers allow independent access. For example, a photographer can remotely control the camera using one iOS device while a client browses the captured images on another iOS device.
• Enable/Disable the second Camera Control server. From the IQ3/2 back, select Menu > WiFi > Mode >Off>Settings>Capture Pilot>Capture Remote>On/Off.
• Enable/Disable the Camera Control option in the Capture Pilot server. From the IQ3/2 back, select Menu > WiFi > Mode >Off>Settings>Capture Pilot>Capture>On/Off.

Tip

• You can confirm the network details, signal strength and quality from the WiFi Status option of the IQ2 series back, located on the same page of the WiFi menu (Menu > WiFi > WiFi Status).

Live View using a Phase One IQ3 100/50MP or IQ250 digital back

Wireless Live View is offered via Wi-Fi with an IQ3 100/50MP or IQ250 back using the Capture Pilot app and IOS device.

1. Establish an ad-hoc connection between iOS device and Phase One IQ3/2 series digital back.
2. Start Live View from the contextual menu on the IQ3 100/50MP or IQ250 back. (See IQ3/2 User Guide for more information). On the Phase One XF IQ3 100/50MP or 645DF+ with IQ250 series back, the camera automatically opens the shutter for live view to begin. If the IQ3/2 back is attached to any other camera, the shutter must be opened manually.
3. Open the Capture Pilot app on your iOS device.
4. Select the appropriate network name PhaseOne [serial number] from the Server List page, displayed under Local Servers.
5. Tap on the movie camera icon at the bottom toolbar of the Capture Pilot app (on an iOS device). The live view image is displayed from the camera. Choose between Low or High Quality (low or high refresh rates), depending on your needs. Tap LQ/HQ to switch between the settings.
6. To check focus and composition, zoom in and out of the image by pinching the screen. You can inspect detail up to 200%. Drag your finger across the screen to navigate around the image.
7. To capture an image, exit live view. The shutter will be closed automatically on the Phase One XF or 645DF+. On all other cameras, the shutter must be closed manually.
8. Start Camera Control…

Notes:

1. The Phase One XF IQ3 100/50MP, or 645DF+ with IQ250 back, supports Live View in Manual or Aperture Priority modes only.
2. All IQ3/2 series backs support live view with Capture Pilot when tethered to a Mac/Windows computer running Capture One.

Shoot remotely from Capture Pilot (Camera Control) using an Phase One system camera

The Camera Control option is automatically available in Capture Pilot when connected to a Phase One XF IQ3 100/50MP or 645DF+ camera with IQ2 series digital back. This allows both completely wireless remote control using an ad hoc (computer-to-computer) connection, as well as the option to operate the camera wirelessly from the app when the camera is tethered to a Wi-Fi-enabled computer running Capture One Pro. 

The Alpa A-series system cameras do not support remote operation, due to their mechanical operation.

For a nominal fee, Camera Control is available as an in-app purchase for other supported Phase One, Leaf, Canon and Nikon models. Supported cameras can only be operated wirelessly from Capture Pilot when tethered to a computer running Capture One Pro.

1. Press the Camera icon in the bottom left corner of Capture Pilot display on an iOS device. The Camera Control dialog window opens.
2. Long press the aperture, shutter or ISO values to access a menu list of alternative settings. Exposure settings can also be altered by swiping the (virtual) dial, which is located next to the numeric settings.
3. Press the Shutter button to trigger the shutter and expose an image. If the camera is tethered, files are saved to a designated Capture One folder on your computer. RAW files are not stored on the iOS device.

Setup a direct (ad-hoc) connection with an Alpa A-series system camera

With the Alpa A-series system cameras, the Capture Pilot app allows the user to remotely check the current selection of A-lens and confirm focus, composition and exposure of captured images. In addition, the Alpa A-series IQ3 100/50MP or IQ250 allows wireless previewing of images for composition and checking focus on an iOS device. By using the new Alpa smart device holder, an iOS device can be mounted directly on the camera and used as an electronic viewfinder.

1. From the IQ3/2 series back, select Menu > WiFi > Mode > Ad-hoc, and return to the top level of the menu.
2. On the iOS device, launch the Settings app and select Settings > WiFi > Choose a Network… which will initiate a scan for the network details. Please wait for the scan to be completed, and for the network name PhaseOne [serial number] to appear under the Choose Network setting.
3. Select the network name in the menu of the iOS device to make the server connection and wait for the name to populate the WiFi setting, complete with checkmark and signal strength indicator.
4. Exit the Settings app of the iOS device.
5. Start the Capture Pilot app.
6. Select the appropriate network name PhaseOne [serial number] from the Server List page, displayed under Local Servers.
7. Make a test shot to verify the server connection; an image will be rapidly displayed in the Capture Pilot browser if the connection was successful.

Notes:

• If battery power in the IQ3/2 Series back is very low a connection may not be easily attained.
• The IQ3/2 series back automatically chooses the most appropriate channel but if interference is causing slow network connections, the user can select a channel manually. Select Menu > WiFi > Mode >Off>Settings>Adhoc Channel>1,2,3,4… etc.
• Camera Control option in Capture Pilot is not supported by the A-series models due to the manual, mechanical features of the camera.

Tip: You can confirm the network details, signal strength and quality from the WiFi Status option of the IQ3/2 series back, located on the same page of the WiFi menu (Menu > WiFi > WiFi Status).

Use Capture Pilot as a virtual viewfinder with A-series IQ3 100/50MP or A250

1. Establish an ad-hoc connection between iOS device and A-series IQ3 100/50MP or A250 digital back.
2. Open the shutter, and start Live View from the contextual menu on the IQ3 100/50MP or A250 back. (See IQ3/2 User Guide for more information).
3. Start the Capture Pilot app.
4. Select the appropriate network name PhaseOne [serial number] from the Server List page, displayed under Local Servers.
5. Click on the Movie camera icon to display a full-screen live view image. Tap LQ/HQ (low or high refresh rates) to switch between the settings.
6. Capture an image using the A-series camera’s mechanical shutter release.
7. Tap any thumbnail to view a full screen image. Tap the Histogram icon to view exposure details.
8. Tap the Histogram window to confirm the A-series lens details.
9. To check focus and composition, zoom in and out of the image by pinching the screen. You can inspect detail up to 200%. Drag your finger across the screen to navigate around the image.
10. Touch-scroll to the next image.
11. Tap the Movie icon in Capture Pilot to return to Live View.
    

Browse images in Capture Pilot

1. Establish a network connection between iOS device and Phase One IQ3/2 series digital back / Alpa A-series camera (or tethered computer running Capture One Pro, if working with certain supported cameras).
2. Select the primary Capture Pilot server.
3. Capture an image an image using Camera Control (automatically activated with IQ3/2-series back, or in-app purchase for certain supported cameras).
4. Tap any thumbnail to view a full screen image.
5. Zoom in and out of the image by pinching the screen and navigate around to inspect close-up detail up to 200%.
6. Touch-scroll to the next image, or navigate using the forward or backward arrow at the bottom of the screen.
7. Press the Pause icon to temporarily hold the image for assessment (useful if working in collaboration with a photographer capturing images on the secondary Control server).

Notes: 

• Click the Back icon in the top left corner (of an iOS device) to go to the previous view. (e.g. Thumbnail view or Server list).
• Thumbnail size can be adjusted by pressing the S, M and L letters in the bottom right corner of the screen on a connected iOS device.
  

View Histogram and exposure data

1. Press the Histogram icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen (on an iOS device) to view or remove a floating/movable Histogram.
2. In addition to the brightness range, exposure information data (where supported) is also displayed.
   

Add Color tag and Star ratings

1. Tap any thumbnail to view a full screen image.
2. Press the Star icon at the bottom toolbar of the Capture Pilot display on an iOS device. A window will appear on the screen where color and star ratings can be applied.

Adjust White Balance

You can adjust and update white balance on captured images wirelessly using your iOS device and Phase One IQ3/2-series system camera or when working tethered with other supported camera systems. When streaming live view images from the Phase One IQ3 100/50MP or IQ250, the white balance correction made in Capture Pilot is automatically updated on the camera prior to capture.

1. Tap any thumbnail to view a full screen image.
2. Press the eye-dropper icon in bottom toolbar of the Capture Pilot display on an iOS device. A circular sight with cross-hairs will appear on the screen.
3. Drag and drop the sight on an area that you know should be white, or a neutral grey. The sight is active (and turns orange) when dragged.
4. The correction is applied when your finger is lifted from the screen.