The Tether Tools Case Air Wireless Tethering System is a compact and portable device designed to provide wireless camera control and image transfer for a variety of Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras. It eliminates the need for a physical USB cable running from the camera to a computer, offering greater freedom of movement and a more streamlined workflow on set.
How It Works
Connection to Camera: The Case Air unit is a small, lightweight device that mounts to your camera's hot shoe or a lanyard. It connects to your camera's USB port using one of the included cables (a variety of USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 cables are typically included to ensure compatibility with different camera models).
Wi-Fi Network Creation: Once powered on, the Case Air creates its own 802.11 b/g/n ad-hoc Wi-Fi network. This means it doesn't require an external internet connection or a router. You simply connect your mobile device or computer to this network.
Control with App/Software: You then use the dedicated Case Remote app (available for iOS and Android) or the Air Direct Utility (ADU) software for macOS and Windows to control your camera and view images wirelessly.
Key Features and Capabilities
Remote Camera Control: The Case Remote app gives you full control over your camera's settings from your connected device. You can adjust:
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
White balance and other creative settings
Exposure compensation
Live View and Critical Focus: You can view a live feed from your camera on your device's screen. The app supports features like:
Tap-to-focus: Tap on a specific area of the screen to set the focus point.
Pinch-to-zoom: Zoom in on the live view to check for critical focus, especially useful for macro or portrait photography.
Focus Stacking: The app has a dedicated mode for capturing a series of shots at different focus points for later stacking in post-production.
Advanced Shooting Modes: The Case Air system enables advanced creative functions that may not be available on some camera models, including:
HDR and Exposure Bracketing: Automatically capture a series of bracketed shots for high dynamic range or exposure blending.
Time-Lapse: Program and run extensive time-lapse sequences.
Bulb Mode: Control long exposures for creative light painting or night photography.
Image Review and Transfer: Photos are saved to your camera's memory card, and thumbnails are instantly transferred wirelessly to your device for review. You can then download full-resolution JPEGs or even RAW files to your device for editing or sharing.
Portability: The Case Air is extremely small and lightweight (around 1.76 oz / 50 g), making it easy to carry and mount on your camera without adding significant bulk.
Power: It has an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides an approximate 6-8 hours of continuous use. You can also charge it during use with an external power bank and a specialized cable like the Tether Tools Case Air Power Split Y-Cable (sold separately).
Compatibility
The Case Air is primarily designed for select Canon and Nikon cameras. It's important to check the official Tether Tools website for a specific list of compatible models. While it offers a great solution for many older cameras that lack built-in Wi-Fi, its functionality and stability can vary between different camera models and operating systems.