Helicon Remote

Helicon Remote: A Professional Camera Control and Tethered Shooting App

Helicon Remote is a professional-grade mobile application designed for tethered photography and advanced remote camera control. It transforms your Android device into a powerful command center for compatible Nikon and Canon DSLR cameras, enabling photographers to execute complex shooting sequences directly from their phone or tablet. This tool is essential for studio work, macro photography, and any scenario requiring precision and repeatability beyond what a camera’s native controls offer. By facilitating tasks like focus bracketing and time-lapse creation, Helicon Remote provides unparalleled control over the image capture process.

Automated Focus Bracketing Sequences

This core function allows users to automate the process of capturing a focus stack. Photographers begin by defining the start and end points of the desired focus range within the Helicon Remote interface. The application then calculates the number of shots needed based on a user-specified step size. Upon initiation, Helicon Remote automatically adjusts the lens focus incrementally between each shot, capturing a sequence of images where the focal plane shifts progressively through the subject. This automated workflow is critical for macro and product photography, ensuring a complete set of images is ready for stacking in post-processing software.

Integrated Time-Lapse and Exposure Bracketing

Helicon Remote expands its automation capabilities by combining multiple techniques into a single shoot. Users can configure the app to shoot a time-lapse sequence where each frame is itself an exposure bracket. The setup process involves setting the interval between time-lapse frames and then defining the number of exposures and the EV step for each bracket. Helicon Remote executes the entire sequence hands-free, controlling the camera to capture each set of brackets at the prescribed interval. This is particularly useful for landscape photographers dealing with changing light conditions, as it efficiently generates the material needed for HDR time-lapse videos.

Live View with Focus Peaking and Histogram

For precise composition and focus verification, Helicon Remote streams a live feed from the camera’s sensor to the mobile device. Users can utilize this full-screen Live View to frame their shot without touching the camera, preventing shake. The application enhances this view with two professional tools: a live histogram (in grayscale or RGB) for exposure analysis and focus peaking. Focus peaking highlights the edges that are in sharpest focus with a colored overlay, allowing users to manually adjust the lens with confidence. This real-time feedback is vital for achieving perfect focus and exposure before committing to a shot.

Bulb Mode for Long Exposures

Helicon Remote provides complete control over long-exposure photography through its Bulb mode implementation. Users simply select the Bulb option, input their desired exposure duration (up to 32 minutes on supported cameras), and trigger the shot from their mobile device. Helicon Remote locks the shutter open for the exact specified time and then closes it, eliminating the need for a physical remote or manually holding a button. This feature is indispensable for astrophotography and capturing smooth motion blur in low-light scenes, all while allowing the photographer to monitor the process remotely.

Direct Image Review and Management

Immediately after an image is captured, Helicon Remote can display it directly on the mobile device’s screen for instant review. This allows photographers to check critical focus, composition, and exposure without needing to review images on the camera’s smaller LCD screen. Users can zoom in to inspect fine details to ensure the shot meets their requirements before proceeding. This rapid feedback loop enables on-the-fly adjustments to camera settings, saving time during a shoot and ensuring no crucial moment is missed due to an incorrect setup.

Wireless Tethered Shooting Support

For cameras equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities or compatible wireless transmitters, Helicon Remote can establish a connection without a physical USB cable. Users enable Wi-Fi on their camera, connect their Android device to the camera’s wireless network, and then link within the app. This wireless functionality provides greater mobility and flexibility during a shoot, allowing the photographer to control the camera from a distance while still enjoying all the advanced features of Helicon Remote. It is ideal for situations where a cable would be restrictive or impractical.