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› › lightroom magazine › ›<br />
The name “tether” conjures up images of ropes and lines<br />
with a water skier. It’s not too far from the truth with<br />
Lightroom tether. You take a compatible camera, connect<br />
a suitable wire between it and the computer, and turn on<br />
tethering. As you shoot, each photo will be imported into<br />
Lightroom and appear onscreen.<br />
why tether?<br />
Why would you even want to tether? An image may look<br />
great on the back of your camera, but tethering allows you<br />
to see the full-resolution RAW file on a large screen, so it’s<br />
easier to see focus issues, motion blur, or composition errors<br />
that could ruin the shot.<br />
If you look at behind-the-scenes shots or videos of any<br />
medium to large production shoot, you’ll see someone manning<br />
a laptop or computer, checking the files coming in, and<br />
providing feedback. You’ll often see the client standing at<br />
the computer too, so there’s no guessing if they’re happy<br />
with the results. Just because you see tethering used in larger<br />
shoots, though, shouldn’t stop you from using it for smaller<br />
productions. Here’s how to get tethering.<br />
Another great, must-have gadget from Tether Tools is<br />
the JerkStopper. The JerkStopper attaches to the camera’s<br />
strap holder and to the TetherPro cable, allowing you to<br />
create slack on the cable between the JerkStopper and the<br />
camera’s USB connector. This means that if someone trips<br />
on the cable, it will pull the camera rather than break the<br />
USB connection.<br />
practical tether<br />
First, get a suitable cable for your camera. For a full list<br />
of compatible cameras, go to http://helpx.adobe.com/<br />
lightroom/kb/tethered-camera-support.html. Additionally,<br />
third parties offer software for Pentax, Samsung, Olympus,<br />
and Fuji (X-T1 only). By way of example, I’m tethering with a<br />
Canon EOS 5D Mark III, which has a USB Mini-B socket, so a<br />
USB to USB Mini-B cable is required.<br />
While you can get long, basic USB cables from just about<br />
anywhere, I highly recommend a TetherPro cable from<br />
Tether Tools for the following reasons. First, you’ll avoid<br />
a trip hazard—because of its color. Many years ago while<br />
using a standard black cable on location, I managed to<br />
catch the cable and send a 5D Mark II flying to the ground.<br />
I saved the camera with my foot, but the USB cable broke<br />
the USB connection inside the camera during the fall. The<br />
bright orange of a TetherPro cable acts as a visual reminder<br />
on set that you’re connected, helping you to avoid tripping<br />
on the cable. Second, TetherPro cables are thicker than normal<br />
USB cables, making them hardier with a better signal.<br />
And third, they’re available in long lengths, which you generally<br />
need for tethering.<br />
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