Should you require to use your camera tethered via a cable or wirelessly via a WT-2 or WT-3 adapter for fast image transfer, then Nikon's Camera Control Pro is the software to use.
This sofware is easy to use and is essential when using your camera tethered or with a wireless adapter. (It is also possible to use an FTP Server to perform the wireless operation, but this will not allow remote-control of the camera from the PC).
Take Control of Your Photography — Remotely
"Using the included USB or Firewire cable and/or optional WiFi adapters for select models, Nikon Camera Control Pro enables you to capture unique images no matter what the subject.
The software enables simplified remote control of many Nikon digital SLR functions from a personal computer, and includes advanced features such as “Viewer” that provide substantial improvements in operation. Camera Control Pro is compatible with Nikon’s latest software, including Capture NX , for smoother image processing from shooting to transfer and storage".
Compatible with all D-series SLR models, Nikon Camera Control Pro Software duplicates many of your camera functions right on your computer's screen.
Major Features
Viewer Function
Enables captured images to be viewed within the software. Viewer window
contains the following buttons: “Previous image”, “Next image”, “Show focus
area”, “Fit to screen”, “100%”, “50%”, and “Delete”.
Tone Compensation Curves can be saved in camera
In newer Nikon digital SLRs, including the D2Xs, customized Tone Compensation
Curve data can be saved to tailor the camera’s behavior to the photographer’s
vision and improve efficiency when using multiple cameras at the same time.
Improved graphic user interface
A simulated (camera) LCD panel on the computer screen performs the same
function as the camera’s viewfinder display, and has been modified to be
consistent with those used in the latest cameras for smoother operation. It is also
possible to control the camera from your personal computer without having to use
the control menu on the computer (the control menu can be hidden and the
simulated [camera] LCD panel used exclusively).
Compatible with Nikon’s Image Authentication Software
Image data can be transferred and stored without affecting the authentication
function.
Compatible with Wireless LAN
In addition to supporting USB cable connections, Camera Control Pro offers
compatibility with the optional Wireless Transmitter models WT-2 and WT-3*.
When attached to a digital SLR, the WT-2 and WT-3* enable remote shooting and
setting via a wireless LAN over WiFi.
Connecting the camera to the computer
To shoot in tethered mode you need the ability to connect your camera to the computer. Ideally, you want the fastest connection possible. Most professional digital SLRs will offer a Firewire (IEEE 1394) connection, which in practice will allow you to shoot and download at around the same speed as you can with a fast camera memory card.
Basic Operating Procedure:
Start Camera Control Pro.
Select Download Options… in the Tools menu
Adjust capture options
Select the folder to which photographs will be down loaded as they are taken.
Choose the application that will be used to display captured photographs after
they are saved to disk.
CPU: Pentium 300MHz or higher recommended OS: Preinstalled versions of Windows XP Home Edition,
Windows XP Professional, or Windows 2000 Professional RAM: 256MB (768MB or more recommended) Hard disk space: Requires 50MB for installation, plus 1GB of free disk space for
running Camera Control Pro Display: 800 x 600 pixels or more with 16-bit colour (High
colour/thousands of colours) Interface
USB: Only built-in USB ports supported
IEEE 1394: Only OHCI-compliant boards supported
Note: Operation is not guaranteed when connection has been made to a
USB hub. Cameras supported: D2 series, D1 series, D200, D100, D70 series, D50 Miscellaneous:
CD-ROM drive required for installation
Internet connection required for Nikon Message Center
Macintosh:
CPU: PowerPC G3/G4/G5 OS: Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later RAM: 256MB (768MB or more recommended) Hard disk space: 50MB required for installation Display: 800 x 600 pixels or more with 16-bit colour (High
colour/thousands of colours)
Interface USB: Only built-in USB ports supported Note: Operation is not guaranteed when connection has been made to a
4 USB hub.
Internet connection required for Nikon Message Center.
Downloads: Nikon's U.S. and European technical support websites have both posted 30-day trial versions of Camera Control Pro for Windows and Mac OS.
A Rough Guide to Camera Wireless Transmitter Pricing:
Canon WFT-E1/E1A
Approx.Price £779
Nikon WT-1/1A
Approx.Price £379
Canon WFT-E2/E2A
Approx.Price £649
Nikon WT-2/2A
Approx.Price £599
Nikon WT-3/3A
Approx.Price £399
Prices quoted above are for Wireless Transmitter Only - Accessories are usually extra:
Canon WFT-E1/E1a uses a BP-511A battery at £55 and needs a CB-5L charger at £40
(Canon WFT-E2/E2A doesn’t need a battery as it takes its power from the camera)
Nikon do not need special batteries for their wireless transmitters.
Prices as per June 2007
Conclusion: The figures speak for themselves - Nikon provide the most cost-effective solution
Save over £70 on
Control Pro User / Reference Manual
Nikon Camera Control Pro Software