Troubleshooting Canon EOS cameras

BoothX controls Canon EOS cameras over USB (and, depending on the version and model, over Wi-Fi through CCAPI). Cameras from other brands are not supported for control: use a webcam instead. If the camera doesn't show up at all, start with Camera not detected. This article covers problems that occur once the camera is detected.

Quick diagnosis

The camera won't take a picture

1. Focus: in autofocus, if the camera can't find anything sharp to focus on (plain background, low light), it refuses to fire. Solutions:
   • add light;
   • switch the lens to manual focus (MF), focus once on the area where guests stand, and leave it alone;
   • or turn off focus priority in the camera menus, if your model allows it.
2. Memory card: card full, locked (small switch on the side) or missing when the camera requires one. Depending on the settings, BoothX saves photos on the computer, but the camera may refuse to fire without a card: insert an empty, formatted card.
3. Camera mode: the mode dial must be on a photo mode (M, Av, P…), not on video or a scene mode that blocks remote control.
4. Open menu: a menu displayed on the camera's screen can block remote control. Close it.

Black or frozen preview

• Another program is using the camera (EOS Utility, import software): close it, turn the camera off and on again, then click Open session on the Cameras page.
• Lens cap, or viewfinder shutter closed on some models: check the obvious.
• Exposure simulation: in manual mode with an exposure set for flash, the preview can be very dark even though the photo will be fine. Turn on exposure simulation in the menus, or accept a dark preview and check with a Test photo.
• Overheating: after a long period of preview, some cameras shut off Live View. Let them cool down and keep them out of direct sunlight.
• Automatic preview turned off: turn it on in the Cameras page so it restarts with the session. See Photobooth shooting settings.

Blurry or dark photos

• Shutter speed too slow for moving guests: in manual mode, keep a fast shutter speed and add light or a flash.
• Depth of field too shallow for a group: stop down the aperture a little.
• Focus on the background: focus manually on the guest area.
• Exposure: set it once in the evening's conditions (room lights on), then lock it in manual mode.

Starting values and explanations: Set up your camera for the photobooth.

Slow between photos

• Set the camera to JPEG (not RAW, nor RAW + JPEG) and medium size: files arrive faster and are more than enough for a print.
• Use a fast memory card if the camera also saves to a card.
• A flash that is recharging sets the pace: use a lower power setting or continuous lighting.
• For burst and GIF, see Burst mode.

Disconnections

• Power: use an AC adapter (dummy battery); a battery won't last a whole evening of live preview.
• Auto power off on the camera: turn it off in its menus.
• USB port going to sleep (Windows): turn on Settings › Power › Keep USB ports powered in BoothX.
• Cable: a short, good-quality cable, plugged directly into the computer, and secured so nobody pulls on it.

During the event, BoothX tries to reopen the session on its own and shows guests a waiting message. If it keeps happening, change the cable and the port.

Wi-Fi (CCAPI)

Over Wi-Fi, the camera and the computer must be on the same network, and the preview is less smooth than over USB. If the connection drops:

• move the camera closer to the access point, or use a router dedicated to the booth;
• avoid hotel networks with client isolation;
• switch back to USB for an important event.

See Canon camera over Wi-Fi (CCAPI).

Before each event

• AC adapter connected, auto power off turned off.
• Empty, formatted memory card (if the camera requires one).
• JPEG, medium size.
• Focus checked (or manual), exposure set in the room.
• Camera Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned off for a USB connection.
• One Test photo and one complete session.

Still having a problem?

See Troubleshooting cameras, then send a report to support with the camera model, the BoothX version and the message displayed. See Logs and support reports.