Connect two cameras by USB?

XgQoRl8sPyW5

1

« on: 28 / August / 2013, 15:59:44 »

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Hello, I'm curious if I can use CHDK to improve my stereo camera rig, which is currently 2 canon G10s connected with a 2.5mm split remote trigger. Ideally I would be able to connect the two cameras directly using a USB cable, and slave one to the shutter button of the other. Has anyone ever tried this before?

I've seen several posts and references to connecting multiple cameras via USB, but it is not clear to me exactly what cable one would use; do USB mini to mini cables even exist? Are there current problems when connecting two cameras directly? When I built my remote trigger years ago I learned that I had to use diodes to prevent battery drain across the two cameras, so I wonder if that is also a problem when connecting via USB.

I am a programmer, so I'm willing to try my hand at this even if it isn't fully supported in software, but I need to understand the hardware requirements first. Thanks in advance! -george

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waterwingz

12140

Re: Connect two cameras by USB?

« Reply #1 on: 28 / August / 2013, 16:23:06 »

This has been discussed several times on this forum. Search for USB master slave or USB device host
Here's a recent one :
http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php?topic=8105.msg85382#msg85382
Unfortunately, your cameras are known as USB "devices". Devices can only talk to "hosts" - like your PC. Devices cannot talk to devices.

« Last Edit: 28 / August / 2013, 16:25:38 by waterwingz »

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Ported : A1200 SD940 G10 Powershot N G16

Microfunguy

4037

Re: Connect two cameras by USB?

« Reply #2 on: 28 / August / 2013, 17:43:22 »

This is far, far simpler than you seem to be thinking.
No programming required, it works 'out of the box'.

You seem to be saying you simply want synchronised shooting rather than the more complicated communication between cameras.

You can use CHDK, or alternatively SDM that has many features specially for support of multi-camera shooting :-

http://stereo.jpn.org/eng/sdm/index.htm

You can obtain inexpensive switches here :-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fvdk3d/sets/72157624151791739/
http://www.digi-dat.de/produkte/index_eng.html#SDM_flash
http://www.gentles.ltd.uk/gentstereo/sdm.htm

and obtain lots of practical advice here http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/StereoDataMaker/

David

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waterwingz

12140

Re: Connect two cameras by USB?

« Reply #3 on: 28 / August / 2013, 17:52:15 »

Quote from: Microfunguy on 28 / August / 2013, 17:43:22

This is far, far simpler than you seem to be thinking. No programming required, it works 'out of the box'. You seem to be saying you simply want synchronised shooting rather than the more complicated communication between cameras. You can use CHDK, or alternatively SDM that has many features specially for support of multi-camera shooting

If this is the case, detailed CHDK info is here : http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/USB_Remote_V2

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Ported : A1200 SD940 G10 Powershot N G16