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.
Recommended baseline setup
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
Select your device in the Camera tab and confirm Live Preview.
Adjust exposure and WB; confirm colors look natural.
Set focus: Manual for fixed distance, or AF and confirm lock.
Trigger a Test Capture:
Webcam: keep Live View on; still should match preview.
Canon: Live View stops, photo captured, preview returns.
Verify saved image in your folder.
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.