Cameras

Canon camera over Wi-Fi (CCAPI)

What Canon's Camera Control API is, its requirements, its limits and when to prefer USB.

Support in preparation. Wi-Fi control relies on Canon's Camera Control API. Depending on your version and system, it may not be offered on the Cameras page yet. USB remains the recommended connection method.

What is CCAPI?

The Camera Control API (CCAPI) is Canon's network interface for controlling a camera over Wi-Fi: shooting, live preview, battery level. It is available on some recent Canon cameras.

BoothX uses it first on systems where Canon's USB SDK isn't available (for example some ARM computers), and as a cable-free option elsewhere.

Requirements

A CCAPI-compatible camera. Check Canon's list and our camera compatibility page.
CCAPI activated on the camera, using the activation tool provided by Canon. This is done only once per camera.
The camera and the computer on the same Wi-Fi network, or the computer connected to the camera's Wi-Fi access point.
The camera's IP address, shown in its network menu once the connection is established. The default CCAPI port is 8080.

Connect

On the camera, turn on Wi-Fi and connect it to the network (or turn on its access point).
Note the IP address shown by the camera.
In BoothX, on the Cameras page, add the camera over Wi-Fi with this address.
Open the session and start the preview.

Wi-Fi limits

	USB	Wi-Fi (CCAPI)
Preview smoothness	Excellent	Choppier, depending on the network
Shutter delay	Immediate	Slightly longer
Reliability in a venue	Very good	Sensitive to interference (phones, other networks)
Cable	Yes	No
Camera battery	Can run on mains power	Wi-Fi uses more power

In a reception hall, hundreds of phones and Wi-Fi networks can disrupt the link. For a booth that runs all evening, USB remains the best choice.

When Wi-Fi is useful

A booth where the camera is far from the computer and a cable would get in the way.
A system without Canon's USB SDK.
Tests or a temporary setup.

Tips