FUJIFILM CAMERA REMOTE

FUJIFILM X-T1 & XF 18-55mm @ 55mm EXPOSURE: 1/300sec @ f/10 ISO 400

EDIT 07/01/2015: New, changed and corrected content

WiFi - Everything you need to know!

The free “Camera Remote” application from Fujifilm may not be the fastest or easiest software to use, but it sure can help you get some amazing images. Whether you are into street, wildlife or reportage photography, the power of shooting remotely will open up a whole new world of opportunities.

I initially had used this with an Android device when I wrote my first article, but as I am putting together this 2nd version I’m using an Apple iPhone 4s as well. Basically the procedure for both the Android and iOS devices are more or less identical so this write up should be helpful to both camps.

Preparation-psychology

For starters, don’t be intimidated by the length of this article. Also try not to get frustrated with your first couple of attempts. I promise you, once you have done this a few times and get to learn the particularities of your Smartphone or tablet, then connecting both devices will become a piece of cake! From here on I will be using the term Smartphone for any phone or tablet using Android or iOs. Also note that apart from the X-T1, the operations explained below should also work on the X-E2, X30, and X100T.

PREPARATION-SOFTWARE

So you've taken a deep breath, and you are mentally prepared. Next you'll want to prepare your Smartphone as well. Download the free “Fujifilm Camera Remote” app and for Android users I highly recommend a WiFi manager as well. Please note, that Fujifilm supply a number of apps so make sure you pick the right one: "Fujifilm Camera Remote" and not "Fujifilm Camera Application"!

For iPhone users, the WiFi Manager may not be needed since going to Settings>WiFi> and picking the X-T1 is quick and easy. With some Android devices I have found that getting to the settings tab and digging through to reach the WiFi settings may be a bit troublesome. If you are currently located in a highly congested WiFi metropolitan area, an app that can help you manage your WiFi connections will be handy no matter what Smartphone you have.

PREPARATION-SETTING UP Camera

The third thing you want to do is prepare the camera before the shoot by placing the camera on a tripod and adjusting such settings as macro, zoom and/or framing. Also, since you can’t select exposure modes from within the app, you will do that on the camera before you attempt to connect through WiFi. In most cases Manual is a good choice, since you can change both aperture and shutter. If you leave both aperture ring and shutter dial options set to A than the app will display P for Program Auto mode in which your control of exposure is limited by the use of the exposure compensation button.

NOTE: The camera name can be changed using the WIRELESS SETTING > GENERAL SETTINGS > NAME option in the camera setup menu.

REMOTE CONTROL

This process seems a little less complicated on the iPhone. On Android devices you need to tap to OK button on both the smartphone and camera a couple extra times. So to pair up your devices do the following:

1. First turn on your camera and press the WiFi button or whatever Fn button you have assigned, otherwise start it from within the cameras Menu. The WiFi icon will start flashing while the search is on.
2. On your Smartphone go to your WiFi manager, deselect any other network you were using and now select the X-T1 or whatever other WiFi capable X camera you are using. Exit the WiFi manager and launch the Fujifilm “Camera Remote” app.
3. iPhone: If you are using an iPhone, the process is more automated since it will bypass the green Connect button and connect without even needing to press the OK button on the camera.
4. Android: On the other hand, with an Android, you'll need to depress the green Connect button and then keep an eye out on the rear LCD screen on the camera for confirmation that it has found your Smartphone. As soon as your smartphones name appears, tap the OK button on the rear of the camera. NOTE: If the correct device is not displayed, press DISP/BACK and try connecting again.
5. Once the connection is established, the LCD on the camera will switch off (turns black). At the same time your Smartphone will show the cameras live view feed. Now you are set to go.
6. With the exception of the ON/OFF button, camera controls are disabled during the wireless connection. Sometimes if the signal is dropped or the wireless connection is otherwise disrupted the camera may fail to turn off on its own or freeze. In such a situation, turn the camera off and then on again.
7. To end the connection, on your camera press DISP/BACK or on your Smartphone tap the left arrow button to exit the Receive tool. A confirmation dialog is displayed to prevent accidental exiting.

1) Close Camera Remote and return to main menu
2) Tap anywhere in the frame to focus.
3) Depending on what exposure mode the camera is set to, you will get access to the corresponding adjustments. For instance in Manual you get to choose Aperture and Shutter while in Program you get to choose only Exposure Compensation. Tap the center title to choose a control and tap the left or right arrows to adjust its values.. 
4) The shooting menu will give you access to such things as ISO, Film sim, WB and others. 
5) Shutter button 
6) Tap this to get access to the most recently selected menu item from the shooting menu.
7) Tap the Play button to view the pictures on your Smartphone.
8) Slide the red button to switch between photo and movie modes.

RECEIVE

This part of the free “Camera Remote” application allows you to upload pictures to your Smartphone without the hassle of entering user IDs or passwords. You can share photos on the spot and upload them to your Facebook or Twitter account etc. Please note that the time needed for uploading varies depending on the file size and the distance between the devices. It is highly recommended to use the X-T1’s default settings which is set to ON for WIRELESS SETTING>RESIZE IMAGE FOR SMARTPHONE.

Connect your Smartphone and camera like before, and at the main menu select the RECEIVE tab. Once connected, scroll through your images and when you find the one you want, just hit the OK button. After a few seconds, the upload will be complete and the image will show on your Smartphone. Additional pictures can be uploaded just by selecting another image on the rear LCD and pressing the MENU/OK button to start the upload.

To end the connection, on your camera press DISP/BACK or on your Smartphone tap the left arrow button to exit the Receive tool.

BROWSE CAMERA

The third option allows you to browse the pictures or videos you have taken with the X-T1 and then select the ones you want to download to your smart device (as long as the chosen format is supported by your device).

Connect your Smartphone and camera like before, and at the main menu select the BROWSE CAMERA tab. Once connected, scroll through your images and select images by checking them for download. Images marked with a question mark “?” will not be downloaded. To view and download images one at a time, tap the magnifier icon.

The connection terminates automatically when you exit the Smartphone browser. Tap Exit to close the browser window.

NOTE: Under MOVIE MODE>MOVIE SET-UP it is recommended to choose HD (1280×720) or a smaller size when using the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. This will ensure better comparability.

GEOTAGGING

Last but not least, the Geotagging option will allow you to use your Smartphone’s location data and save it the EXIF section of your image files (both RAW and JPEG). This feature is not only interesting and useful, but as it turns out its very easy to use as well. Once you download the data to the camera you can disconnect and the camera will use the data for the next 3 hours unless you update the coordinates again. 

Connect your Smartphone and camera like before, and at the main menu select the GEOTAGGING  tab. Once a connection is established, you will see SEARCHING COMPLETED on the LCD of the camera. On your Smartphone select START. If you are using an iPhone or iPads the transfer begins automatically once the connection has been established. If successful, you will see "Location data upload complete".

The connection to the iPhone will end automatically when location data upload is complete. On an Android device you will have to terminate it manually.

NOTE: To add location data to pictures, select ON for GEOTAGGING SET-UP>GEOTAGGING in the setup menu (if the location info icon flashes in the camera display, the location data may be out of date; update location data before proceeding). To view location data on the camera, select ON for GEOTAGGING SET-UP>LOCATION INFO in the setup menu. During playback, location data are shown for a few seconds each time a picture with location data is displayed.

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