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Camera TabUpdated 3 hours ago

Summary

  • The Camera tab supports Canon DSLR/mirrorless cameras and any Windows-compatible webcam.

  • Use it to connect your device, preview the scene, and set exposure/white balance/focus.

  • Changes take effect immediately for testing; click Save Changes to keep them for next time.

Supported devices and requirements

  • Canon DSLR/Mirrorless (USB tether):

    • Connect via USB directly to the PC (avoid hubs if possible).

    • Turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/NFC on the camera.

    • Use a full battery or AC adapter. Disable Auto Power Off on the camera.

  • Windows Webcams (UVC):

    • Any webcam that shows up in Windows Camera settings is supported.

    • Plug and play; drivers are usually automatic.

Device selection and properties

  • Choose Device:

    • Select “Canon Camera” (your model) or a “Webcam” (name varies by manufacturer).

    • Click Refresh if you just connected the device.

  • Webcam: automatic property builder

    • FMX reads all controls the webcam driver supports and builds the UI automatically.

    • Typical controls (availability depends on your webcam/driver):

      • Resolution/FPS, Exposure, Gain/ISO, Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness

      • White Balance (Auto/Manual with temperature), Focus (Auto/Manual with distance)

      • Backlight Compensation, PowerLine/Anti-Flicker (50/60 Hz)

    • If a control isn’t supported by your webcam it will appear disabled.

    • Tip: For stable booth results, start with Auto exposure/WB, then lock them if supported.

  • Canon: photo settings via camera and app

    • Exposure: Shutter, Aperture, ISO (prefer Manual mode on camera).

    • White Balance: presets or Custom WB.

    • Focus: AF or Manual (for fixed distance booths, prefer Manual Focus).

Live View and photo capture (important differences)

  • Webcam (frame grab):

    • Keep Live View ON to capture; FMX grabs a high-quality frame from the stream.

    • Do not stop live view before capturing; the still comes from the video feed.

  • Canon DSLR/Mirrorless (still capture):

    • Live View is for preview only. At capture, FMX stops Live View, triggers shutter, then resumes preview.

    • Expect a brief preview blackout during capture.

    • For photo booths: lens stabilization OFF (tripod use); disable Auto Power Off.

  • Workflow switching (Live → Photo → Live):

    • Webcam: stream stays running; capture is instant.

    • Canon: Live View stops, photo is taken, then Live View resumes.

  • Canon DSLR/Mirrorless:

    • Mode: Manual (M)

    • Shutter: 1/125s–1/200s

    • Aperture: f/5.6–f/8

    • ISO: 200–800

    • White Balance: Custom WB (under booth lights) or preset

    • Focus: Manual Focus for fixed setups

    • Stabilization: OFF

    • Auto Power Off: Disabled

  • Webcam:

    • Resolution/FPS: 1920×1080 (30fps) or 1280×720 if needed

    • Anti-Flicker/PowerLine: 50 Hz (EU) / 60 Hz (US)

    • Exposure/WB: start Auto; switch to Manual and lock if unstable

    • Focus: Manual/Fixed if supported

    • Lighting: keep constant to avoid auto shifts

How to test your setup

  1. Select your device in the Camera tab and confirm Live Preview.

  2. Adjust exposure and WB; confirm colors look natural.

  3. Set focus: Manual for fixed distance, or AF and confirm lock.

  4. Trigger a Test Capture:

    • Webcam: keep Live View on; still should match preview.

    • Canon: Live View stops, photo captured, preview returns.

  5. Verify saved image in your folder.

  6. Click Save Changes to keep your settings.

Saving your camera settings

  • Settings apply immediately for testing.

  • Click Save Changes on the Global Settings screen to persist them.

  • Closing FMX without saving discards changes.

Troubleshooting

  • Device not detected:

    • Try a different port/cable; avoid hubs.

    • Close other camera apps.

    • Power cycle device; click Refresh.

  • No live preview:

    • Webcam: check Windows privacy settings.

    • Canon: confirm photo mode; ensure no other app is using it.

  • Blurry photos:

    • Canon: faster shutter (e.g., 1/160s), tripod, Manual Focus.

    • Webcam: lock focus if available; improve lighting.

  • Flicker or banding:

    • Match Anti-Flicker/PowerLine to region (50/60 Hz).

  • Colors look wrong:

    • Canon: set Custom WB.

    • Webcam: disable Auto WB and set fixed temperature.

  • Camera goes to sleep (Canon):

    • Disable Auto Power Off; prefer AC power.

Quick checklist

  • Pick device → Confirm Live Preview → Adjust exposure/WB → Set focus → Test Capture

  • Webcam: keep Live View ON to capture

  • Canon: expect Live View blackout during capture

  • Save Changes

Do/Don’t summary

  • Do keep webcam Live View running during capture.

  • Do expect Canon Live View to stop briefly; this is normal.

  • Do disable lens stabilization (photo booth).

  • Don’t run other camera apps while using FMX.

  • Don’t forget to Save Changes.

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