DSLR Controller is fully compatible with most recent Android powered phones and tablets.
Virtually all Android devices can be used to connect to your camera by Wi-Fi. This does require your camera to have built-in Wi-Fi support, or using a compatible Wi-Fi extension. Using USB is recommended when available, due to the much higher data rate and lower latency, which translates to higher FPS and thus a smoother experience. For more information about connecting using Wi-Fi, read the Connecting using Wi-Fi guide.
Some Android devices have trouble connecting by USB, especially older ander cheap ones. As a rule of thumb, all medium-to-high-end big-brand devices from 2015 onward should be fine, when using the appropriate USB host connector (see the Cables section at the bottom of this page). The table below is meant only to document older devices and their compatibility, if known.
Note that there is further information on compatible cables at the end of this page.
Legacy USB compatibility table
| Device | How to connect | Tester |
|---|---|---|
|
Samsung Galaxy S2 International, GT-I9100 Gingerbread 2.3 (KH and KG): root not required Gingerbread 2.3 (other): root required Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0+: root not required Carrier and localized models In general, it is expected that the app will work with root on Gingerbread firmwares, without root on Ice Cream Sandwich firmwares. This might differ per model. |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 Both international as well as carrier and localized models are fully compatible |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
Samsung Galaxy Note International, GT-N7000/GT-I9220 Gingerbread 2.3: root required Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0+: root not required Carrier and localized models In general, it is expected that the app will work with root on Gingerbread firmwares, without root on Ice Cream Sandwich firmwares. This might differ per model. |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
Samsung Galaxy Note 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8.0, 10.1, 10.1 (2014), Pro 12.2 Both international as well as carrier and localized models are fully compatible |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
Samsung Galaxy Tab - 7.0" Plus, 8.9", 10.1" Honeycomb 3.0: may work if rooted Honeycomb 3.1+: root not required Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0: root not required Vodaphone 10.1v: ICS 4.0 required ! |
USB Adapter Kit | Chainfire |
|
Samsung Galaxy Tab - 7.7" |
USB Adapter Kit | Chainfire |
|
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 - 7", 10.1" We get a lot of problem reports with these models. For as of yet unknown reasons, it seems recent firmwares are having some trouble with DSLR Controller on these devices for some users. For other users it works fine. |
USB Adapter Kit | Users |
|
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 - 7", 10.1" Compatibility unknown - please report back if you use this model |
USB Adapter Kit | NONE |
|
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4, Tab Pro, Tab Pro 12.2, Tab S 8.4, Tab S 10.1, Tab S 2 Many users report success on the bigger versions of these tablets, but the Tab S 7" models aren't compatible |
Various | Users |
|
Google/Samsung Galaxy Nexus Requires ICS 4.0.2 (ICL53F) or newer firmware |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
Google/LG Nexus 4 Due to a hardware issue with the Nexus 4, it is NOT supported |
- | - |
|
Google Nexus 5, 7, 7 2013, 9, 10 Some Nexus 7 2013 users may have USB connection issues. Please see the guide for further details. |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
Google Nexus 5X, 6P |
USB-C Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
Google Pixel C |
USB-C Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
LG G3, G4, G5 |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
HTC One X, X+ Requires Jelly Bean 4.1 |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Users |
|
HTC One Android 4.1/4.2: USB host support is broken on the standard firmware, custom kernel is currently required. Android 4.3: Works with standard firmware |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
HTC 10 |
USB-C Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
Motorola Xoom, Xoom 2 Honeycomb 3.0/3.1: may work if rooted Honeycomb 3.2+: root not required Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0+: root not required |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Users |
|
Acer Iconia A200, A500, A501, A700 Requires a Honeycomb 3.1 or newer firmware |
No special USB cable needed | Users |
| Asus Transformer, Transformer Prime |
Connect to keyboard dock, or Asus USB Adapter |
Users |
| Asus Fonepad (not the Padfone) | USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Users |
| Asus Pad MeMO 7 | USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Users |
| Toshiba Thrive | No special USB cable needed | Users |
| Lenovo Thinkpad | No Special USB cable needed | Users |
|
Barnes & Noble Nook Color Requires CyanogenMod 7, and the Nook Color Tweaks tool to enable USB host mode. Memory limit must be changed from 32 MB to 128 MB. Not recommended for non-tech users |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Users |
|
Amazon Kindle Fire Requires CyanogenMod 9 firmware and a kernel with USB host support Not recommend for non-tech users |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Users |
|
Sony Tablet S |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Users |
|
Sony Xperia Arc Requires Android 2.3.4+, with root |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Users |
|
Sony Xperia T, V, Z, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z3 |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Chainfire |
|
Sony Tablet Z |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Users |
|
Archos G9 80/101 |
USB Host / On-The-Go cable | Users |
|
Ainol Novo 7 Aurora Requires Ice Cream Sandwich and Kernel 1.0 or newer |
Included OTG cable | Users |
DSLR Controller supports most Canon EOS models released in Q3 2006 or later. It is specifically designed for models released in Q3 2008 or later. The older models use VxWorks, while the newer ones use DryOS. VxWorks models may not support some functionality such as auto-focus and continuous shooting. The cameras themselves may be able to do it - it just cannot be done remotely. If you have a Canon EOS newer than listed here, it is likely to just work.
| Device | Compatible | OS | Tested by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1D | No | - | - |
| 1D Mark II | No | - | - |
| 1D Mark II N | No | - | - |
| 1D Mark III | Mostly | VxWorks | Users |
| 1D Mark IV | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 1Ds | No | - | - |
| 1Ds Mark II | No | - | - |
| 1Ds Mark III | Mostly | VxWorks | Users |
| 1D X | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 1D X Mark II | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 20D | No | - | - |
| 30D -- no liveview! | Mostly | VxWorks | Users |
| 300D / Rebel / Kiss | No | - | - |
| 350D / Rebel XT / Kiss N | No | - | - |
| 40D | Mostly | VxWorks | Users |
| 400D / Rebel XTi / Kiss X -- no liveview! | Mostly | VxWorks | Chainfire |
| 450D / Rebel XSi / Kiss X2 | Mostly | VxWorks | Chainfire |
| 5D | No | - | - |
| 5D Mark II | Yes | DryOS | Chainfire |
| 5D Mark III | Yes | DryOS | Chainfire |
| 5D Mark IV | Yes | DryOS | Chainfire |
| 5Ds(r) | Yes | DryOS | Chainfire |
| 50D | Yes | DryOS | Chainfire |
| 500D / Rebel T1i / Kiss X3 | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 550D / Rebel T2i / Kiss X4 | Yes | DryOS | Chainfire |
| 6D | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 60D | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 600D / Rebel T3i / Kiss X5 | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 650D / Rebel T4i / Kiss X6(i?) | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 7D | Yes | DryOS | Chainfire |
| 7D Mark II | Yes | DryOS | Chainfire |
| 70D | Yes | DryOS | Chainfire |
| 700D / Rebel T5i / Kiss X7i | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 750D / Rebel T6i / Kiss X8i | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 760D / Rebel T6s / 8000D | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 80D | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 1000D / Rebel XS / Kiss F | Mostly | VxWorks | Users |
| 1100D / Rebel T3 / Kiss X50 | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 1200D / Rebel T5 / Kiss X70 | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 1300D / Rebel T6 / Kiss X80 | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| 100D / Rebel SL1 / Kiss X7 | Yes | DryOS | Users |
| M (remote control crippled by Canon) | No | - | - |
| M2 | No | - | - |
| M10 | No | - | - |
| M3 (some features work using Wi-Fi, do not use USB !) | No | DryOS | Chainfire |
On some of the VxWorks models, you may need to enable liveview in the camera's settings before being able to use liveview with DSLR Controller. The setting is usually located somewhere under C.Fn configuration. Even with that setting enabled, some models still only support liveview in A-DEP, M, Av, Tv and P modes.
Wi-Fi equipped camera
If you are having trouble connecting using USB on a Wi-Fi equipped camera, make sure Wi-Fi is turned off. On some
cameras, having Wi-Fi enabled in turn disables USB. If you are connecting using Wi-Fi,
use either Smartphone (/tablet) or EOS Utility (computer/laptop) mode. Both are supported, but have
different pros and cons. For further details, see the guide about Connecting using Wi-Fi.
TP-Link TL-WR902AC wireless routers can be turned into a Wi-Fi module for any compatible camera. See the Creating a wireless remote from a TP-Link TL-WR902AC guide for further details.
| Device |
|---|
|
TP-Link TL-WR902AC v1 Latest DSLR Controller firmware: TP-Link TL-WR902AC (8 MB) |
Nexx WT3020 (H/F/AD) wireless routers can be turned into a Wi-Fi module for any compatible camera. See the Creating a wireless remote from a Nexx WT3020 guide for further details.
| Device |
|---|
|
Nexx WT3020 (H/F/AD) Latest DSLR Controller firmware: Nexx WT3020 (8 MB) |
|
Nexx WT3020 A This variant does not have a full-size USB port and is not supported |
TP-Link TL-MR3040 wireless routers can be turned into a Wi-Fi module for any compatible camera. See the Creating a wireless remote from a TP-Link TL-MR3040 guide for further details.
| Device |
|---|
|
TP-Link TL-MR3040 v1.x Marketed as 3G/3.75G router. Has a switch on one side only, next to the microUSB connector. Latest DSLR Controller firmware: TP-Link TL-MR3040 v1.x (4 MB) |
|
TP-Link TL-MR3040 v2.x Marketed as 3G/4G router. Has a switch on both sides. Latest DSLR Controller firmware: TP-Link TL-MR3040 v2.x (4 MB) |
Android TV sticks that can run the DSLR Controller Wi-Fi Stick software. See our Creating a wireless remote from an Android TV stick guide for further details.
| Device |
|---|
|
CX-919 The Android 4.2 firmware is required. There are show-stopper issues with the 4.1 firmware, root is broken and hotspot functionality does not work. Updating the firmware is possible, but we advise making sure your unit comes with 4.2 at purchase time, as it can be quite a hassle to update. For best performance, use the DC port (on the side of the stick) for power, and the full-sized USB port to connect your camera. This will be up to 35% faster than using the two ports next to eachother. Reference 4.2 firmware and all the tools you need to flash: download (270 MB) Instructions on how to flash: GeekBuying.com |
|
Tronsmart MK908 We have this stick working as well. It is not as good as CX-919, specifically it has some interference issues and random slowdowns. We strongly advise you to use the OTG port (on the side of the stick) for power, and the full-sized USB port to connect your camera. If you use the two ports next to eachother together, speed will slow to a crawl. It seems most firmwares work correctly, but we always advise flashing the reference firmware (the firmware we ourselves use for testing). Reference 4.2 1080p firmware and all the tools you need to flash: download (297 MB) Instructions on how to flash: GeekBuying.com |
The device compatibility table above lists eBay links for a variety of cables and connectors. The cable you need is generally called a USB host or OTG (On-The-Go) cable. These are pretty standard if your Android device has a USB port, but especially tablets sometimes have a proprietary connector you may need to hunt down. If available, we always recommend getting the original cable or connector from the company that also makes your phone or tablet.
The cable or connector plugs directly into your phone or tablet, and provides it with a full-sized female USB port - the same port you are familiar with from your laptop or computer. This is where you plug your camera's cable into; the very same cable you would use to connect your camera to your laptop or computer.
Phones and tablets commonly have a microUSB, microUSB-3 or USB-C port. Cables for these ports are available from many places and many brands, ranging from a few cents to dozens of dollars in price. Unfortunately, quality varies wildly, and especially with the cheaper models, they often simply do not work. Worse, a cable that works with one phone or tablet may not work with another. You may need to a buy a few different ones before you get a working one.
A commonly attempted solution is connecting a standard phone cable and a standard camera cable together with a female-to-female connector - while it does fit, it does not work.
Another commonly attempted solution is finding a single cable that fits into the phone at one end, and into the camera at the other. These cables do exist, but unless explicitly specified they are not USB host capable, and it will not work. The LINDY brand does make cables like these that are USB host compatible.
While we recommend against using extension cables, as they will often break the USB standard and DSLR Controller operation, we've had some success with the AmazonBasics 3m (10ft) extension cable. This does not mean it will work for you - various users have reported they cannot get extension cables to work - so only go this route if you really have to, and are willing to gamble the money.