DIY remote live view on the cheap ! ! !

Review: DIY Remote Live View

Table of Contents
Intro Who is this for How I use this Whats to like
Whats to hate My Verdict Where to buy Alternatives

Introduction to DIY a remote live view for your DSLR

TP-Link_TL-MR3040

If you’re looking for a budget method of getting remote live view for your dslr, then check this out. You will need

1) DSLR compatible with #3
2) An Android device compatible with #3
3) DSLR Controller (in Google Play Store)
4) TP-Link TL-MR3040 (or another #2)

This setup will get you wireless remote live view for your DSLR. Whether it’s for remote shooting, selfies or taking vids. This will help a lot.

Who is this for

TP-Link_TL-MR3040

If you’re on a tight budget, The cheapest way, is to have 2 Android devices capable of running DSLR Controller and linking them together instead of using the TP-Link TL-MR3040. But from my experience it’s a bit laggy and can get frustrating. However, I was using older phones that have since went the way of the dinosaurs. You will have to be comfortable with a replacing the firmware of the TP-Link TL-MR3040 essentially making it a dedicated DSLR Controller router for you DSLRs

Where to buy (also alternate versions)
How I use this

TP-Link_TL-MR3040

I’ve used my phones (Samsung Note 5, Sony Neo V, Note 2) with DSLR controller with a Canon 7D, 7D II and a 5d II. Using 2 phones is a bit laggy but doable but since my Note 2 and Neo V busted, I bought the TP-Link TL-MR3040. The TP-Link TL-MR3040 is a battery powered portable router which you will need to change the firmware available from DSLR Controller. Firmware and easy to follow instructions HERE.

So basically, I can set up my camera on a tripod, compose for the scene then walk away and remote trigger when I see something interesting walk into view. I can tap the subject in my scene to focus on that. But mainly I use it for taking action selfies and discreet street shots while having coffee.

Whats to like

TP-Link_TL-MR3040

All the “extras” you can do remotely via DSLR Controller, more stealthy street shooting, this method is cheaper than anything I’ve found at the time of this writing. Unless you’ve got two recent android phones you can use.




Whats to hate

The TP-Link TL-MR3040 is discontinued and getting harder and harder to find at regular/original price. There are a few “scalpers” out there selling them at double the price.

If you want to change your firmware back to factory, it may be as simply as finding the original firmware and following the same directions as before but there’s no guarantees.

My Verdict

Absolutely LOVE THIS!!!

 

Alternatives

Remote live view from Canon DSLR via android device

Check out this site to see if you have a compatible android device: http://dslrcontroller.com/

Even if your phone isn’t listed, check what version you have and if you can update to a compatible version. Also, you will need your phone to have USB Host capable. Once your device is good you will need an OTG (On The Go) cable to connect your device to your camera and voila remote shooting and live view.

I have a Sony Ericsson Neo V and all I needed was an OTG cable and the original USB cable that came with the cameras. Purchased and installed the software. It works on both the Canon 7D and 5DII. Although I haven’t had time to check every single feature, all the ones I use/need I checked and it all works!

Next up: I’m gonna try out the WIRELESS remote view….will put up a more detailed review and maybe a vid when I’m done testing/playing.

DSLR Controller = AWESOME if you got compatible gear

UPDATE:

Without having to root anything, I can connect the Neo V to either camera, turn on tethering, launch DSLR Controller then launch DSLR Controller on my Note 2 and get remote live view! AWESOME!

Months Ago I tried doing this with a rooted galaxy tab (GTP1000) it wouldn’t work (something to do with power on its USB port etc). However, using it to recieve the remote live view works.