The Benefits of Tethered Shooting

by Will Lewis

Tethered shooting offers numerous advantages to elevate your photography. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of tethered shooting and highlight why Tether Tools products are a must-have.

What is Tethered Shooting?

Tethered shooting is connecting your camera directly to a computer or tablet using a cable. Some cameras offer wireless connectivity to your computer, but this relies on a strong and stable network, so it’s better to use a cable for the most dependable connection. This setup allows you to instantly view your images on a larger screen as you shoot.

What are the benefits of Tethered Shooting?

The key benefit is getting the perfect photo in fewer shots, however tethered shooting provides a variety of advantages to your workflow:

• See images at full resolution instantly, on a larger screen as you shoot.
• Check focus, composition, colour, styling and adjust your lighting and camera settings accordingly.
• Collaborate more effectively with assistants, stylists, models or subject matter.
• Tag, rate, compare and share images while you shoot.
• Share images with your client on site (or remotely by screen sharing your computer, if you have network connectivity).
• Back up files to your computer while shooting and connect an external hard drive for extra backup, peace of mind and reduce the chance of image loss.

It's a game-changer! Better images, less photos, less editing.

Why Choose Tether Tools Cables?

The experience is only as good as the tools you use. That's where Tether Tools cables come into play. Here's why they're the go-to choice for photographers.

Orange Cables

A vibrant colour makes the cable easy to spot. Reduce the chances of you, your assistant, the client or the model tripping over them and accidentally unplugging them during a shoot (they do offer Black cables, but we would always recommend Orange).

Increased insulation

Take a look at the photo below. notice the thickness. Both around the coloured part around the copper wire and the increased white insulation between the coloured wires, providing two benefits. First, added insulation provides extra protection to the stranded copper wire that transmit the signals from your camera to your computer. In other words, it stands up better to kinks, knots, and people stepping on your cable. Second, greater shielding on the wires prevents signal interference or ‘noise’ during transmission.

Constructed to the Highest Standards

Many manufactures make and sell cables cheaply by hitting the ‘minimum’ specifications. Tether Tools Cables are designed to the highest specification possible for both cable and connection. As an example, if a specification to get the highest result calls for a Ferrite Bead (that round part found at the end of some cables) or gold-plated connectors, then you can rest assured that the Tether Tools cable has it.

Lengths Tailored to the Photographer’s Needs

Over the years, we’ve found that one of the best ways to protect a cable and make it work to its fullest potential is to provide the appropriate length for the job. Whether that means a very short 1 foot cable or stringing together a cable with an active extension to go 30+ feet, Tether Tools Cables come in the length photographers need.

Straight or Right-Angle Options

For the most popular camera connections USB-C, Micro-B and Mini B 5-Pin you have the choice of a straight connector or a right angle connector so its more snug to the camera.

Reliability and Durability

Tether Tools offer ‘signal boosting’ options for longer length cables. Depending on the age of your computer (older computers may not have a strong enough power/signal output), the ‘USB Port’ (USB-A is an older technology and may require boosting over 6 foot) and the length you to want to achieve, you may need to ‘boost’ the signal. If in doubt call or talk to one of our team who will be more than happy to help you.

Upgrades

Tether Tools also provide a wide range of options to support the Tethered Shooting. From options that ‘lock’ the cable to your camera’s USB port, all the way through to tethering workstations that mount your monitor and computer for the complete studio setup. Click HERE to see the full range of options.

Which Cable do I Need?

First look at the port on your computer its either USB-A or USB-C:

USB-C / USB-A

Then look at the port on your camera, where there's a little more variety in options:

USB-C / Micro-B

Micro-B 5-Pin / Male B

Mini-B 5-Pin / Mini-B 8-Pin

Invest in Tether Tools cables and elevate your tethered shooting experience. With their robust construction, fast data transfer, and thoughtful design, you'll wonder how you ever shot without them. Other cables are available, but remember the saying “buy cheap, buy twice!”

Shoot Tethered with Accurate Colour

For the ultimate studio tethered solution, we highly recommending using a colour accurate and calibrated monitor. Personally, we love EIZO Colour Accurate Monitors, or Calibrite calibrators for your existing monitor or screen. A colour accurate or calibrated monitor ensures your images display true-to-life colours, reducing the need for extensive edits and rework. The combination of tethered shooting and accurate colours will save you valuable time, leading to bigger profits for your photography business.

Tethertools offer simple but effective solutions for incorporating your monitor seamlessly into your studio, including Tether Tools Aero Table and Rock Solid Monitor Mount.

Tether Tools Aero Table