25Jul Nexus 7 with the DSLR controller app
A number of you asked if the Nexus 7 tablet would work with the dslr controller app and the answer is yes. The adapter cable showed up and I had just enough time for a quick test this morning. I can confirm that the image displayed is 30fps, video looks good, and controls work pretty well.
The other thing to note is that with the controller (shown with the t2i above) it allows you to have the camera display on while using the tablet as a controller slash monitor. So if you’ve been looking for a way to use the camera screen with a monitor this might be an option to consider.
In the brief bit of testing I was able to do, It seemed as though the controls on the tablet were fairly responsive. I did have to tap a focus point more then once a to get the camera to focus a few times, but the rest of the controls worked well. The other thing I had to do was turn the camera on and off once after plugging it in to get the app to recognize the camera. Not sure if I have something set wrong and need to select an option from the DSLR controller menu or if that is just the way the controller software works.
I will say that the dslr controller app seems to have come a long ways since the first time I tested it out. If you already have the Nexus 7 you’ll just need the $2 adapter cable and the dslr controller app to get things started. I’ll post more on this once I’ve had a chance to spend some time playing around. Now I just need to find a good mounting method.
July 25th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Are you considering usint it as your field monitor often ? i have no monitor right now and considering getting the nexus since it have so much option.Should i buy it if i am considering using as my main monitor or i be better off buying a real monitor ?
July 25th, 2012 at 5:53 pm
I’m still trying to figure out a proper method for mounting the tablet on a camera rig. I also need to do some more testing before I can recommend the Nexus 7 as a monitor replacement.
July 26th, 2012 at 7:25 am
I have it working on a 60D and I find the picture on the Nexus to be more accurate than on the monitor I have. I am waiting on the 7″ tablet windshield mount I purchased to try to adapt it to a friction arm and use it on a job. I also have to turn the camera on and off a few times to get it to connect. I wonder how long the Nexus battery will last using it this way since it seems to get a little warm while in use.
July 26th, 2012 at 11:29 am
Is there a way to make it wireless with bluetooth or something? Is there such thing as a USB bluetooth cable? Would be handy for client viewing.
July 25th, 2012 at 10:08 pm
A friction arm, some kind of stable back plate to attach to the friction arm, velcro and a nexus 7 case to slap the velcro to.
July 25th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
Sounds possible, but I think I’ve found an off the shelf solution to the mounting issue.
July 25th, 2012 at 11:30 pm
I would look into Guitar Center for some tablet music holder… I know ipad has some but not sure about 7 inch tablets that’s fully adjustable. VERY VERY COOL discovery though!
July 26th, 2012 at 4:56 am
What do you think on using it as a video monitor?
I’ve got DSLR controller on my Galaxy Note (see my setup here: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/17902742/dslr_controller_note.jpg) and I find it great for photography. For video it is useful on some occasions, but pulling focus isn’t one of them. Because of the delay I always focus further than I should.
Is the delay noticeable on your Nexus 7 or is it just my phone?
July 26th, 2012 at 6:28 am
How does it function in movie mode? Does the image from the camera playback smoothly?
July 26th, 2012 at 7:56 am
It functions very well, and playback is smooth. Still doing some more testing. Video should be up in the next few weeks.
August 1st, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Sounds great. Looking forward to the update Deejay
July 26th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Works with ML installed?
Is there an option for peaking focus?
July 26th, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Yes to both questions but magic lantern functions (e.g. cropmarks, false color, focus peaking and so on) won’t show up on the DSLR controller device.
There is a focus peaking function in DSLR controller itself, but I find that the magic lantern one works better.
July 26th, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Have you had a chance to test out the latest MJ release 2.3? I have it downloaded but haven’t had time to install it. The focus peaking features are supposed to be a lot better.
July 27th, 2012 at 6:59 am
I haven’t donated to Magic Lantern yet. I’ll definitely do so when I start making a bit of money with video (just hobby now) but I was very tempted because I’ll get access to the new version, already! So haven’t tested it yet but the focus peaking from ML won’t show up on DSLR controller AFAIK. For that you need a true field monitor.
Do you know if it works like this with donating for ML: “Once donated, eternally grateful”? Because with last release (the X-mas version), they provided a complete HDR Avisynth workflow for download if you’d donated.
Or do you need to donate every new release to get the bonus?
Looking forward to your video about using DSLR controller!
July 27th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Once you donate they match your PayPal email with your forum account and give you access to the beta and early release firmware .
July 30th, 2012 at 11:33 pm
any word yet on your test? can’t wait! thanks man
August 1st, 2012 at 7:38 am
Will this setup work with the Canon 7D?
August 1st, 2012 at 11:13 am
Yes.
September 25th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Would this work with a Nikon d3100? I just got a nexus but I think the 3100 has issues with things like this.
September 25th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
The DSLR Controller app is Canon only, but there are some other nikon apps out there you might want to check out.
January 7th, 2013 at 9:12 am
Hi Deejay,
I have a couple questions for you that I can’t seem to find the answers to anywhere else. I want to use a Google Nexus 10 (with the DSLR Controller App) as a video field monitor on my 5D Mark 2 because of it’s big, super high resolution screen. I know you said that the video on a Nexus 7 is 30fps, but will I be able to get at least 24fps out of the Nexus 10?
Does the DSLR Controller App utilize the full tablet screen resolution?
I really enjoy your Youtube channel and website. You have a lot of informative stuff and I’m looking forward to all your new stuff.
Thanks a ton,
Tim Crowe
Los Angeles, CA
January 7th, 2013 at 10:14 am
A bigger screen wont give you higher resolution. The usb port only outputs (ruffly) 720×480 so if you go full screen on the nexus 10 you’ll just be stretching that out.
January 8th, 2013 at 10:10 pm
OK… Well, that might change things. I may go with the Nexus 7, now knowing the resolution ceiling. I’m curious as to whether or not it’s a helpful enough tool for exposure and focus pulling. It’s certainly the more economical route. Thanks for getting back to me.
Much appreciated,
-Tim