Using laptop to view photos "real time"

[jammarrac]

I have Nikon D700 and MacBook. I would like to view photos as I take them on the laptop so subject and I can view them in larger format. What software and connections do I need to do this?

[drg]

Welcome to Photography Review!

What you are wanting to do is called Tethered Shooting. A USB cable (or with the Nikon there are additional options including HDMI output) is connected and the images are written out to the computer after each shot. Then it/they can be viewed/evaluated on the larger display.

The Nikon Capture (NX2) software will do most of what you probably want initially. There are more advanced and flexible solutions.

With a MacBook you have both the option of Aperture and Lightroom software programs. Adobe Photoshop Bridge will also allow, though at a much slower rate per image, the same facility and with less flexibility for a photographer's workflow.

I work with another photographer with some regularity right now who shoots entirely Nikon. When working with their cameras we shoot and display on a 720i (once in a while a 1080i) HDTV screen. As the Nikon directly supports the HD output it makes for an easy and impressive output for the customer and the models. When shooting tethered to a Mac (or PC) a direct connection to the computer via the software allows for a gallery to be built and evaluated. Or you can shoot one image at a time a look and adjust, such a preparing lighting, testing poses and/or other combos.

The cables that come with the D700 (perhaps add some extensions ) are all you need for the camera. The Mac may need a small table/stand and be sure to run from an AC adapter/source as else you will run down the battery in no time at all!

There are a couple of non-intuitive techniques with the software, so either reference the manuals or post a question and we will try to get you 'all hooked up'!

Let me know if this helps!!

[jammarrac]

Thanks. Your info was a lot of help. I now even know what it's called. I'll let you know how it works when I try it next few days. jammarrac

[telebump]

I have the same question using a MacBook Pro and a Canon 7D. Any suggestions how to set this up? Also, I am a new mac user and am trying to understand when I should use iphoto versus aperture versus elements. Any suggestions are appreciated!