Tethering issues with 5D Mark III on Apple M3 processor

[LukeDesigner]

Hi all,

I’m having trouble tethering my Canon 5D Mark III to my MacBook Pro (2023, Apple M3 chip) using EOS Utility 3. I’m connecting via a USB-C to USB 2.0 Mini-B cable. Every time I try, it says it can’t establish a connection with the camera. I have to do a lot of fussing—unplugging the cable, turning the camera on and off, wiggling the cable, etc.—before it finally connects.

I’ve tried various cables, so I’m confident that’s not the issue. It works perfectly with my older MacBook laptops (Intel Core i5), so I’m wondering if the new M3 chip is the problem.

Any insights on how to get this working reliably without all the fuss?

Thank you!

[jrhoffman75]

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@LukeDesigner wrote:

Hi all,

I’m having trouble tethering my Canon 5D Mark III to my MacBook Pro (2023, Apple M3 chip) using EOS Utility 3. I’m connecting via a USB-C to USB 2.0 Mini-B cable. Every time I try, it says it can’t establish a connection with the camera. I have to do a lot of fussing—unplugging the cable, turning the camera on and off, wiggling the cable, etc.—before it finally connects.

I’ve tried various cables, so I’m confident that’s not the issue. It works perfectly with my older MacBook laptops (Intel Core i5), so I’m wondering if the new M3 chip is the problem.

Any insights on how to get this working reliably without all the fuss?

Thank you!

---

What version of EOSU3 and what macOS version?

[LukeDesigner]

I am using EOSU3 version 3.19.0 (3.19.0.12). Confirmed latest update. MacOS is Sonoma 14.6.1(23G93).

[jrhoffman75]

Not an exact answer, but MacBook Air (M2) and Sequoia 15.4.1. No trouble connecting via USB. I direct start EOSU3 from the folder; I don't use the EOSU connection app.

[LukeDesigner]

Can you clarify what you mean by direct starting from the folder? 

[jrhoffman75]

In the Applications Folder there is a folder for Canon Utilities. In that folder there is a folder EOS Utility. In that folder there is a folder EU3. Inside EU3 there is an icon for app EOS Utility 3. I double click and run that.

[LukeDesigner]

Gotcha. Yeah, I’ve tried that too. Doesn’t always work. The only thing that seems to be working is fussing with the cables and the on/off switch on the camera. It has to be something with the M3 chip and the EOS Utility software. My MacBook has no issue connecting to Capture One. The reason why I’m using EOS Utility is because it allows me to record video via tether. Capture One does not allow video. 

[LeeP]

I have an M3 and with my R8 I've experienced where the Mac sometimes can't/won't read the camera. I've never had that experience with any of my Canon DSLRs (that I used previously) on any Mac. My R100 has never had an issue with the M3. The way I got the Mac to be happy every time with the R8, was to open the photos ap on my Mac, then plug into the R8 while it is turned off, and then to turn the R8 on. #SUCCESS every time. I don't purport to know why that sequence works for me and I don't hypothesize that it's the solution to your problem. I'm just sharing what has worked for me. The R100 syncs up no fuss no matter the sequence. And yes it is odd that both Canons don't have the same temperament or that the Mac doesn't "love" them equally.