Connect M50M2 to iPhone via Bluetooth only for remote shooting in the field

[HGn]

Hello,

I am trying to connect an M50m2 to an iPhone via the Camera Connect app. I only want to use Bluetooth, as I will not be in wifi range when shooting in the field. Would like to use the interface on my phone for rapid adjustments to iso and shutter speed while shooting northern lights. Why?… (1) Lighting conditions can change fast when shooting northern lights and (2) I want to use remote shoot for stabilization instead of the timer. Also it’s dark and my fingers are a bit fumbly, so the iPhone interface would be ideal.

Here are the issues: (1) once paired on Bluetooth, if in range of WiFi it automatically wants to switch from Bluetooth to WiFi even if I’ve disabled WiFi on the camera. It keeps asking me to turn on WiFi, and says it is switching because it found a faster connection through WiFi. If I try to use any of the Camera Connect “Shoot” functions, it won’t let me because a pop up tells me to switch to WiFi or that it cannot connect to WiFi. (2) pairing on Bluetooth is finicky - sometimes it pairs, most of the time it doesn’t. (3) I have loads of cellular data if I could hot spot, but that connection never comes up as an option in the menu. 

What am I doing wrong?? Thanks in advance for your help.

[p4pictures · Accepted solution]

You have to use WiFi to connect to the camera for remote control and shooting. The camera will create a WiFi hotspot that your phone connects to, there doesn't need to a working wifi network in the area.

Bluetooth is used essentially to be an easy way to link the camera and phone, once paired you can do only the basics like release the shutter with Bluetooth, anything else requires a wifi connection. This is largely because Bluetooth doesn't have the bandwidth that is possible with wifi. In this case, as you have found, the Bluetooth connection is used to setup the wifi connection between the two devices, and then you have remote control of the camera settings and the ability to remote release the shutter. You have to enable wifi in the camera menu for this to work.

[HGn]

Thanks Brian - I tested off site and it is working now. Appreciate the help.