Cannon app wants full access to photo on iphone to be able to import pictures

[Rxcorrado]

Can we please get an update to remove this feature, it’s highly intrusive and inconvenient to deal with. Are there any work arounds other than uploading to the computer and then emailing the pictures? Is there a way to use the app to transfer the pictures directly from the camera to the iphone while maintaining the original quality. 

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

This is a simple permissions request.  Canon is not going to look at your images.  This is needed for access so the App can add images to your pictures folder.  

This is specific to your question (retaining original image quality) You have to select RAW if you want the images to retain original quality.  Otherwise they are converted to .JPEG.  

-Compatible File Types
JPEG, MP4, MOV, CR3, CR2

・RAW (CR3/CR2) images can be imported as RAW format by selecting [RAW image save format] > [RAW format] from the [Images on camera] setting while connected to a compatible model (iOS 12.1 or later for CR3).

・ Importing RAW (.CR2) format is possible with wireless compatible EOS models and some PowerShot models (G1 X Mark III / G9 X Mark II / G7 X Mark II).

・RAW (CR2/CR3) images are resized and imported into JPEG by selecting [RAW image save format] > [JPEG format].

・RAW burst files cannot be imported to smart devices. Extract the CR3 images from the RAW burst file in advance on the camera side, and then import them to the smart device.

・HEIF (10 bit) files shot with compatible cameras and RAW images shot with [HDR PQ settings] enabled cannot be imported. (They can be saved between apps using the linked mode with the Canon image editing app Canon DPP Express.)

・MOV files and 8K movie files shot with EOS cameras cannot be saved.

・RAW movie files shot with compatible cameras cannot be saved.

・AVCHD files shot with Camcorder cannot be saved.

If you don't want to use the app, you can download the images from your camera to a PC / MAC and upload them to iCloud or Google Drive, OneDrive etc.  They would then be accessible on your device.  

I would not recommend emailing them to yourself as this would be cumbersome in comparison to the above.  😉 

[throwmeaway]

>This is needed for access so the App can add images to your pictures folder. 

That's not true. The app can save photos with limited access. It had been doing it just fine up until the last update.

>Canon is not going to look at your images.

Then why does it want access to all of my photos? There's no other reason to request access.

[jrhoffman75]

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@throwmeaway wrote:

>This is needed for access so the App can add images to your pictures folder. 

That's not true. The app can save photos with limited access. It had been doing it just fine up until the last update.

>Canon is not going to look at your images.

Then why does it want access to all of my photos? There's no other reason to request access.

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In Privacy & Security on my iPhone I have the choice of full or limited access for Canon Connect.

[hitrov]

I would also like to raise this issue. Previous app version didn't require full access and worked just fine, so either adding photos or limited permission would work. I put one star on the App Store already and planning to leave a review there as well.

[Waddizzle]

The app creates a new album for the images it downloads from the camera.  If you feel storing images in a new Photos album, then where should the app store images?

Images stored in Photos are saved to the cloud, which makes them easily accessible to your other devices.  

[hitrov]

I don’t have a single app that has been granted full access to my photos, yet all of them function just fine when saving new images to my device. This includes various camera, editing, and media apps, all of which manage to store images without requiring unrestricted access.

If the Canon app truly needs this level of permission just to create an album and save images, it raises concerns about its implementation. Other apps, like GoPro Quik, manage to work perfectly well with limited access. So why is Canon taking a different approach? It feels unnecessary and, frankly, outdated in terms of respecting user privacy.

I hope Canon acknowledges this feedback and provides an update that aligns with modern iOS privacy standards.

https://www.reddit.com/r/canon/comments/1gua98b/camera_connect_app_requesting_full_access_to/

[hitrov]

I also don't trust them, especially considering reports of unintentional deletions in the App Store reviews section.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

I've been using this and other Canon apps for years, with multiple phones and different camera bodies / printers.  They are super convenient, safe and very reliable.  I've experienced zero data loss and have no privacy concerns.  I am an IT professional (for decades).  If I had any privacy or security concerns, I wouldn't use the app.  Both Google and Apple screen their App stores for malicious, invasive apps.  Note that Canon has never had an app removed for inappropriate content or behavior.  Their apps only ask for the permissions they needs to perform requested actions on a mobile device.  Some examples are printing,  image transfer, location or tethered shooting.  .

If you own a Canon printer and download the Canon print app, it will ask for permissions to access your camera.  It needs this access so you can scan documents from your camera and print.  Canon is not sitting around waiting for you to upload images, documents, etc so they can look at something.  It's really that simple.

If you are unable, or unwilling to accept the terms of service, Then don't use Canon Apps.  You do not need an app to print and you can transfer images manually directly from the camera's memory card using a card reader or cable.  I think what's important here is to point out that Canon has an excellent reputation.  I'm not going to try to change your mind, or force someone to use something they don't feel comfortable with.  I can only share my experiences which has been very positive.  The Canon Connect app has over 10 million downloads on Google Play.  If there was a problem I'm sure everyone would know about it.  

[hitrov]

Thanks for your comprehensive response. But is it really that difficult to acknowledge that Canon may have made a misstep here? Other apps manage to save photos without requiring such strict permissions.