HOW TO USE YOUR ANDROID PHONE AS A CAMERA MONITOR 

I have CANON EOS R7 MIRRORLESS CAMERA

I'm glad this helped. You might also like one of my newer videos that lets you connect a camera to a phone while also charging the phone from a powerbank, thereby extending the shooting time further. Here's the link. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ggz9T2kOXWE.html

You're welcome.

Glad to have helped.

Thanks 😊

Thank you.

Always a good idea to use the free version of the app first.

Thanks for commenting. Not everyone needs to use a monitor and recorder like the Ninja V, but having a larger display makes composition a lot easier and is good for people like me, who occasionally need to show the camera's screen in a video tutorial or blog post.

That's fantastic. So glad it worked for you.

Thank you

You're welcome.

You're welcome!

Happy to help!

You're welcome (Nie ma za co).

Glad it was helpful!

You're welcome.

Thanks

You're welcome!

Thanks for the sub Peter! I hope you find the setup useful. BTW. After connecting, if you find that the screen in the app is blank or frozen, tap on the USB icon to open a list of USB devices (there'll probably only be one device) and then tap on your camera/capture card again. That usually does the trick. Unfortunately I only found that out after publishing this video. BTW. If you want to see what footage looks like that has bee recorded from a mirrorless camera to a Samsung phone, check out the video that I have scheduled to go live this Friday.

Good luck with your camera work.

Good luck with your camera work.

Thanks. I'm glad it was helpful.

You're welcome. I hope it was useful.

I'm pleased you've found the video helpful. You're right, you have to use the controls on the camera, but at least it works. Good luck.

Thanks.

Glad it was helpful!

My pleasure.

Gracias. Me alegro que el vídeo haya sido útil. Than you.

Thanks for the comment.

I hope you enjoy your holiday in Iceland. From videos I've seen, it's well worth taking a camera.

Thanks 👍

Thanks.

You're welcome.

You're welcome.

Perfect!

Glad I could help

I'm glad it helped

When I record myself I find the vari-angle screen and the inputs for the mic and headphones are on the same side, so the mini-jacks and cables get in the way and make it difficult to judge if I'm in the middle. Being able to see myself on my phone makes framing much easier.

@@DIYVideoStudio Same issue. Why I have things set standard in my office. I still want to see if I can connect my Android to my Canon via bluetooth. I have the instructions but have been lazy in trying it.

@@topshelfva You can use the Canon Canon Connect app to link to your Canon camera. Personally I don't like it, but you can see yourself and control your camera.

I'm pleased you found the video useful.

You're welcome.

Thanks a lot!

Happy to help

Good to hear that. I can do the same with the Canon Camera Connect app, but you can't make the view full screen. That's where this method wins. However, the Camera Connect app doe allow you to control the camera, something you can't do with this setup.

@@DIYVideoStudio yep, just to control camera and have articulated viewfinder it's more than suitable

​@@igor_timofeev I'm one of the lucky one's that can't get image sync to work on my phone, only on my tablet 😢

You're welcome.

Thanks.

Glad I could help!

You're welcome

Glad it was helpful.

You're welcome.

I hope it helps you.

You're welcome

Thanks. No, I've not made a video about processing my audio yet, but plan to do so. I would say that recording outside is a great way to avoid the roomy echoey sound you can often get with lav mics, but you do get the problem of background noise (like neighbors cutting their grass etc.). That can be fixed if you are willing to pay for noise reduction plugins, but I've heard there's a new free AI plugin for Audacity that can clean up audio recorded in a noisy environment. I've therefore added this as a topic to cover in a forthcoming video.

@@DIYVideoStudio Thanks, I'm looking forward to those future videos. Cheers!

Thank you.

@@DIYVideoStudio you're welcome anytime ☺️ ❤️

Yes most cameras offer a wireless solution. But my experience with Canon cameras is that the camera app sucks and the wireless tech in DSLR/Mirrorless cameras is way behind what smartphones can do.

@@DIYVideoStudio I have video cam capture that I run to VLC on my Linux PC also, I like that for indoor video.

On my Canon R6 the LCD/EVF also goes blank when the HDMI output is enabled, although there is a setting that does turn the LCD screen back on but at the cost of not recording to the SD card.

Good luck 👍

Thank you.

It's not an Atomos replacement because the Ninja V (etc.) does a lot more (it also costs several hundred dollars more). However, you can record video to your phone if you need to, but it will use the motion jpeg format. I've got a video scheduled for this Friday that includes a clip of me recorded onto my Android phone from my Canon EOS R6. Make sure you're subscribed so that you get notified when the video is released.

@@DIYVideoStudio Thank you will do👍👍I just want to record my EVF for my YT channel without buying an Atomos.

Thanks

I've not experienced a time limit on the app, but I paid for the Pro version, so perhaps that's different. There's also another app you can try. I've used Endoscope USB, but you need to pay if you want higher resolutions. Thanks for leaving a comment.

In answer to your points. 1) I don't see why not. In fact, I initially hit upon the idea of using my phone when looking for a better and inexpensive way to compose landscape images without having to spend £500+ on a Ninja V. 2) No. You need the video capture card. 3) Provided it has an HDMI output you'll be fine. If you want to use wifi then use the app provided by the camera manufacturer. Canon has Camera Connect, but I gave up on it because it's dreadful and I couldn't get the image to fill the screen (althougfh it's better on a tablet but the app and their wireless tech is dreadful). 4) Yes there is a lag, but slightly less than when using Camera Connect. This is meant as a "cheap and cheerful" solution costing under $20 that will give you a better view of the scene, to aid composion, than you'll get on the camera's LCD screen. It is not meant to be a cheap replacement for expensive external monitors and recorders, nor it is suitable where you must react to fast action, like sports and bird/wildlife photography.

Thank you. You should be able to take photos on the camera and send them to your phone by using your camera's app. For instance, if you have a Canon camera, use the Canon Camera Connect App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Although you can use this method to capture video on the phone, it's primarily for monitoring the camera output on the phone screen. Some recent cameras with UVC/UAC compatibility may be able to to connect directly from the camera's HDMI output to the phone's USB-C port, otherwise you will need the capture card. I tend to use the capture card with a USB-C output to minimize the number of parts.

USB Camera Pro is available for iOS, follow this link apps.apple.com/us/app/usb-camera-pro/id6450152282 If the screens on your cameras are dimming and not the actual video output, then you should be fine on the phone.

Yes, but it doesn't show the image full screen, although it does let you control the camera from the phone.

Yes you can still shoot 4K and LOG to your SD card, provided you use an HDMI setting on your camera that delivers an HDMI output and simultaneous recording to the camera's SD card. Although you can record video and photos to the phone, I don't recommend it for high quality capture. This setup is really about using the phone as an external camera monitor as an aid to composition, checking the focus, and other setting. It's not setting up the phone as an external camera monitor and recorder like the Ninja V.

I haven't tested that, but I think you should hear the audio that is sent to the phone. But as I said, I have not tried that.

For this method, and cameras like the EOS R and R6, you need the video capture. If you have a more recent camera that includes UVC/UAC compatibility, you should be able to connect the camera to the phone from the camera's USB-C port to the phone, using a USB cable (although I have not tested this). I believe this is the case with some Sony cameras and Canon's EOS R6 Mkii, R8, and R50.

Although you can record to the phone, that's not really what I would use this setup for, since you'd be limiting yourself. Yes you can record to the camera's SD card (providing you use the correct setting in the camera's menu), and that's what I do when using this setup with my Canon R and R6. I hope that helps.

@almasspace2130 As you rightly say, the controls work on the camera but not on the mobile device display. The USB Camera app will not transfer touch screen control from the camera to your mobile device. As far as displaying the camera's display on both the camera's LCD screen and the mobile device, that should be possible on the R5, as it is on my R6, but it's not necessarily desirable with this setup. It's more for situations where you are monitoring and recording on something like an Atomos Ninja V. I'm guessing the HDMI functions on the R5 are pretty much the same as on the R6, which is the camera I'm using. In the red shoot menu and HDMI display sub-menu, you can choose between HDMI Display only or HDMI Display + Camera LCD. If you choose the former, your camera's display will be shown on the mobile device along with any overlays and menus. Control of the camera will be through the use of the controls on the camera. When you press record on the camera, the camera view is recorded to the camera's memory cards. If you choose to display the camera view on both the camera screen and mobile device, the camera will send a "clean" image to your mobile device and will display an image with the usual overlays on the camera's LCD screen. You will be able to use the touch screen on the camera and also use the camera's controls. But there's a catch. You can't record to the camera's memory cards. This setup on the R5/R6 assumes you will be recording on the external device. Although the USB Camera Pro app can record the image or video to your mobile device, you'll be limited in the choice of resolution and codecs. Also, the amount of memory space on your device may also be a limiting issue. I hope that answers your question.

Not that I know of.

I have the Camera Connect app and it has some good and some not so good point. It's good that Camera Connect allows you to control the phone remotely from your phone or tablet, but the downside is that you can't make the view full screen. That's OK on a tablet but on a phone the viewable screen is about the same or smaller than the camera's LCD screen. Furthermore, I've found the wireless connection to be somewhat flaky, limited in range, and laggy. Nonetheless, it's good to have the option.

@@DIYVideoStudio thanks I didn't know that Canon Camera Connect doesn't fill the full screen on phone, tablet etc. ? I'm guessing it's reduced by camera functions on either sides? Like you said a tablet works better - larger screen. But how does it work controlling the camera?

The camera must have an HDMI output port, preferably clean HDMI output (you don't see any text or the over overlays on the back of your camera). I believe the Nikon D3300 can do so. You're phone must also be OTG compatible. If you are unsure about the latter, you can download an app (such as USB to OTG Converter) that will check whether your phone is supports OTG technology.

Yes I know about Canon's Camera Connect app. In some ways it is better because the app allows you to control the camera remotely, however you cannot make the preview full screen. This allows your view to be bigger, which I find useful. If you also create how-to videos/blogs, it also allows you to capture the screen on the camera. That avoids picking up reflections and glare, as you often get when trying to photograph the camera's screen. So it's just another tool that has its pros and cons.

I'm sorry to hear it's not working for you. Sometimes when this doesn't work it's often the fault of the app or the phone. The phone must be OTG enabled (many recent phones are). If that is the case then you can try a different app. Alternative apps I've tried include: USB Endoscope app Android 10+ and USB OTG camera. I hope that helps.

@@DIYVideoStudio Its a Canon R10 and Phone OTG is on, OTG kabel tested with RTLSDR. Android 10. Phone connector is Micro USB. I did try a differ video capture card the one with the cable on it. I order the USB card you using to see if helps. Otherwise keep using WiFi and BT to view pictures.

For most casual users that's true. But there are plenty of people who don't have or don't want a phone like a Samsung S23. There are also many situations where a smartphone, even a S23, isn't the right tool.

I want to use my s23 as my monitor for my blackmagic pocket cinema

The camera does not provide power to your phone. If you need to charge the phone you'll need the USB hub that I mentioned in the video, or use the adapter I talk about in this newer video. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ggz9T2kOXWE.html This set up only lets you view what you would normally see on the back of the camera, but the screen size is likely to be larger and therefore useful. You'll need to control the camera using the buttons and dials on the phone. If you need to grab video or stills of what's on the camera's LCD screen (if you're making How-To videos or tutorials) make sure you check out the video I'm publishing this Friday. It includes footage of video recorded from my EOS R6 to my Samsung phone.

You'll see your camera's display on your phone, so it doesn't matter whether you're shooting video or still images. Like video, you will need to use the controls on your camera to make any changes to your camera settings.

You can use the USB Camera app to record your video, but you'll be limited in the resolution and video quality. I believe the M200 can manage 4K output, but most of these inexpensive video capture cards will stop you from capturing 4K. If you read the Amazon listings carefully, they usually say that they can accept a 4K input, but they will only output a 1080p signal. When I tried using a capture card that can output 4K video (CamLink 4K) the USB Camera app wouldn't display the video. Furthermore, the recording app probably won't offer you the best recording codecs that are available on your M200.

No. You need to use the controls on the camera.

That's odd and not something I've experienced.

@@DIYVideoStudio Not to worry. I had another old Android phone lying around and it's working perfectly on that one. I must have messed up the config on the other somehow ... or it could be a bug. It's all good. Thanks again, this is a great and economical solution to a real problem. It was a real struggle trying to record using just the camera monitor. Can't wait to try this out in the field.

The 90d has an HDMI output, so you will be able to view the normal screen output on your phone.

I've not tried, but I think it’s possible

With your R6 in 4k60 with Clog3, the HDMI output will display on your phone in the USB Camera Pro app using this setup. However, this setup is not about recording to your phone, just displaying your camera's display on the larger screen of your phone. The USB Camera Pro app can record video in H.24 format or MJPG and up to 1920x1080. If you're using the R6 Mk2 and want to record 6k RAW you'll need an Atomos Ninja V recorder.

First make sure the screen can auto rotate, and then after the image appears on the screen, tap the image to maximize it and get rid of the top menu bar. I hope that answers your question.

It's possible to (using the USB Camera Pro app) to record video or take a snapshot (still) on the phone of the feed from the DSLR/Mirrorless camera. So, yes, you can get an image onto the Android device and then share it.

You think you can do a video on how to do this. I'm sure 1,000s of your follow like me could be interested in how to do it.

@@jorgeoliva5648 Thank you for the suggestion. I might go ahead and do that.

@@DIYVideoStudio Basically the idea is if you're at a party with your Canon DSLR your phone is connected to the DSLR you take pictures of your guests and immediately they can view it on the Android phone and share it to their text or email. Is it possible to do that?

If your Nikon has an HDMI output, then it should be. Makes sure your phone is OTG compatible, most modern Android phones should work with this setup.

Yes you do need the video card. This setup is about using a phone as a camera monitor and not as an external recorder (such as a Ninja V). Although you can record video or photos onto the phone using the USB Camera app, that's not what this setup is really about. If you do record on the phone, the quality will not be as good as recording to the camera's SD card, so it's only something I would do if I wanted to have a record of the camera screen (eg if I were making a tutorial video).

This video is about connecting to an Android phone and not an iPhone. If you're using an iPhone you'll probably need some other adapters. Since I have not tried using an iPhone in this way I can't say exactly what you'd need.

You will see the output of the screen on your phone whether the camera is in video or stills mode. Although you can record video to your phone and even take "snapshot" stills on your phone, I don't recommend doing so because the resolution and image quality will be much better when you save to the camera's SD card. You might like to watch another video of mine that shows how you can record to the phone (if you need to do that), here's the link ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Pm1jxGCmvVY.html

@@DIYVideoStudio thank you 🙏

If you check my blog article www.diyvideostudio.com/use-your-android-phone-as-a-camera-monitor-and-recorder/ I mention charging the phone while shooting. I also have a video coming out on Monday that provides an alternative way of charging the phone.

I assume you're using the Canon Camera Connect app (or the one from the camera manufacturer). Yes, that works, but in my experience it's not very good and I can't make the image full screen on my phone. But it has the advantage of allowing you to control the camera from the phone screen.

@@DIYVideoStudio no nikon d7100

Your camera should feed the external mic audio to the phone, but this video is not about recording your camera output to a phone (like a Ninja V). It's about using the phone as a larger monitor than your camera’s lcd screen. However, the app will record video & audio, but you won't get the same quality codecs as the video recorded to the SD card.

Thanks.

You will need an hdmi cable that matches your camera's output and the capture card's input. Your camera should then send the necessary signal. Good luck 👍

@@DIYVideoStudio does it also work with data cable connected to the phone?