Link external monitor's touch screen to EOS R-series camera

[mleenheer]

I use Canon R series cameras in my portrait studio, and a few of our team members have been suffering from failing eyesight.  One solution we are looking at is to add a small external monitor to our setup, we've had to help is to link a small preview monitor to the camera, something like the 7" monitors many video producers use.

Since I'm quite new to this -- is there any way to also have the touch screen features work from the external monitor?

Is this something I can enable through the HDMI, would it need a USB or tablet of some kind?

[AndyMc · Accepted solution]

This isn't going to work via HDMI, but you could set something up via USB or WiFi to a computer that's running EOS Utility and has a touchscreen monitor attached to it.

There are remote shooting options available on tablets (and other mobile devices), but the EOS Utility option is going to be the most fully featured.

[stevet1]

mleenheer,

I use an app called Camera Connect and Control in a wireless (Wi-Fi) setting with my 10" Android tablet all the time.

It's a paid app that you can get on the Google Play store.

Steve Thomas

[mleenheer]

I've worked with that too, thanks for the suggestion.  It is a good option; I've also worked with a CamRanger2 and that's a remarkable tool, they are good options but the wireless connections aren't always reliable and require a lot of battery power.

My ideal would be to just have access to Canon's camera interface on a larger screen, including the touch features.  Apparently HDMI cables can not transfer touchscreen data, and while it's possible for USB-C to do so I don't believe that is possible with Canon's current firmware.

The options are either an HDMI connection for viewing only, or a wireless interface as you describe. 

[stevet1]

mleenheer,

With that Camera Connect and Control app I mentioned, you can operate your camera in either a wired, or a wireless state.

Actually, that's why I got it in the first place. I was looking for a wired connection to my Android tablet, and at the time, Canon didn't seem to have one.

You can shoot either still photos or videos either wired using a USB cable, or wirelessly. The app sits on your Google account, so you can use it with either your phone or a tablet, if you have one.  I use it on my Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 tablet all the time. It's like having a 10" LCD screen.

If you want a wired connection, you'll need an OTG (on the go) cable to connect your Android device to the USB cable, and an interface cable to connect the USB cable to the USB port on your camera. Your manual should tell you what interface cable to use.

Steve Thomas