One of the questions I hear all the time is, “How can I turn my iPad or iPhone into a wireless field monitor?” Well, if you’re shooting with a Nikon or Canon DSLR, the CamRanger may be the answer.
This small gizmo (about the size of a deck of cards) connects to your DSLR via USB, and creates its own ad-hoc WI-FI network. By connecting your iOS device to the CamRanger’s network, and running the free CamRanger app, you can view and change multiple camera settings (including focus) remotely. Your Apple device will also receive a live video feed from your camera, effectively turning your iPhone or iPad in to a wireless field monitor.
On the down side, there’s a slight delay in the signal and the frame rate is low (8-10 fps). Additionally, not all DSLR cameras are compatible with the CamRanger, so make sure you check the developer’s website before making a purchase. While the CamRanger certainly won’t replace a dedicated, high-end field monitoring system, it does a pretty impressive job for a low-cost solution. Is it really worth $300?  Let me know what you think in the comments.
Here’s some video of the CamRanger in action:
2 Responses
I wish I could get a similar device for giving me the same capabilities coming out of a video camera, maybe out of the HDMI connector. Having a relatively low cost, wireless iPad as a monitor for a video camera would be incredible.
Check out the Teradeck Cube, Jos.