Built-In Webcams
Canon/Nikon Mirrorless and DSLR cameras
Recommended Cameras | USB Cable and Adapter

Introduction

LumaBooth is a versatile and user-friendly app designed for photo booth setups, offering compatibility with a range of camera options to suit various needs and preferences. This guide provides detailed information on how to set up and use both built-in cameras on iPad/iOS devices and external high-quality cameras such as Canon and Nikon with the LumaBooth app.

Using Built-in Cameras on iOS, iPadOS and MacOS Devices

Supported Devices and Camera Types

LumaBooth is compatible with iOS devices, including iPhones and iPads. The app supports the use of:

• Front-facing cameras
• Rear-facing cameras (standard, wide, and telephoto lenses)
• When running on MacOS, LumaBooth can also use any external webcam connected to your computer. LumaBooth 4.0 or later is required.

Setting Up Built-in Cameras

• Install LumaBooth App: Ensure that your device has the latest version of the LumaBooth app installed.
• Select Camera: Open the app and go to Settings, Camera settings, Advanced. Here you can select which built-in camera you wish to use (front, back, wide, or tele).
• Adjust Settings: Customize the camera settings according to your preferences, such as auto/manual exposure, white balance, zoom, and video stabilization.

Using with Canon and Nikon cameras

You also have the option to use professional cameras for better capture and print quality.

Supported Camera Brands

LumaBooth supports a variety of professional mirrorless and DSLR cameras, particularly from renowned brands like Canon and Nikon.

Canon EOS cameras released around 2010 and later (excluding certain EOS M models) are generally compatible.

Nikon D-series SLR and Z-series mirrorless cameras released around 2012 and later typically function very well. Models included:

Nikon Z9
Nikon Z8
Nikon Z7 II
Nikon Z7
Nikon Z6 II
Nikon Z6
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z50
Nikon Z30
Nikon Z f
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D3200
Nikon D3300
Nikon D5200
Nikon D5300
Nikon D5500
Nikon D5600
Nikon D7100
Nikon D7200
Nikon D7500
Nikon D810
Nikon D800
Nikon D500
Nikon D600
Nikon D610
Nikon D750
Nikon D780
Nikon D850
Nikon Df

Recommended Models

If you're capturing mostly photo, we recommend the Canon EOS R100 which is a phenomenal value.

If you're capturing 360, boomerang, or video regularly, we recommend the Canon EOS R50 which has better auto-focus and a flip-out screen. If you will be using a flash with the R50, you will need the shoe adapter which is somewhat hard to find.

Requirements

LumaBooth 4.0 or later is required.

iOS/iPadOS 14.2 or later is required. For Nikon iOS/iPadOS 15 or later is required. If using Mac, then MacOS 13.4 or later.

USB Cable & Adapter

To connect these cameras to your iOS/iPadOS/MacOS device, you will need either:

• Device has a USB-C charging connector
  
  • Apple USB-C AV adapter or any USB-C hub with power delivery
    and your camera's USB cable. This will allow your device to charge while it is connected to the camera.
  • or if both your camera and device use usb-c, you can use a usb-c to usb-c cable if you are worried about charging your device.
• Device has a Lightning charging connector
  
  • Apple lightning camera adapter and
  • your camera's USB cable.

Connecting Canon/Nikon cameras

1. Connect the Camera: Use the appropriate cable and adapter to connect your external camera to your iOS device.

• For USB-C cameras, connect the camera directly to the iOS device using the USB-C cable.
• For other cameras, connect the camera to the Apple camera adapter using a USB cable, and then connect the adapter to your iOS device.
• Power On the Camera: Turn on your external camera and set it to the correct mode for computer connectivity (refer to your camera’s manual for specific instructions).
• Configure Camera Settings: Adjust your camera settings directly on the camera as you wish.
• Launch LumaBooth App: Open the LumaBooth app on your iOS device.
• LumaBooth will automatically detect your camera and use it if it's supported. You can confirm that your camera is properly connected under under Settings, Camera settings..

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Built-in Camera Issues

• Camera Not Detected: Ensure the LumaBooth app has the necessary permissions to access your device’s camera.
• Poor Image Quality: Check if the lens is clean and adjust the camera settings within the app.

External Camera Issues

• Camera Not Connecting: Ensure that the cables and adapter are properly connected and that the camera is in the correct mode. We recommend putting your camera dial on Manual mode.
• Unsupported Camera Model: Verify that your camera model is supported by LumaBooth. Refer to the list above for a list of compatible camera models.

Live view is dark

When using a flash, some Canon cameras display a very dark picture during live view as these cameras do not account for the flash firing and instead are displaying the wrong exposure.

The solution is to go to your camera’s settings and turn off exposure simulation and that will give you a properly exposed live view video feed. Canon 40D and higher have this feature. Canon T6i and less do not have this feature.

Camera has Exposure Simulation Setting

When using a newer Canon camera that supports changing exposure simulation go your Camera > Exposure Simulation and set it to Disable.

• 60D, 7D, 1D Mark IV Can be enabled/disabled in LiveView Settings menu.
• 5D Mark II Can be enabled/disabled in 2nd Live View Settings menu/“Screen Settings".
• 1D and 1Ds Mark III Can be activated with C.Fn IV-16-1.
• Canon M6 can be enabled/disabled under Camera > 3 > Expo. simulation.

Camera does not have Exposure Simulation Setting

When using an older or lower model Canon camera that does not have that option and using our Windows software, go to Settings, Camera, and Check Canon Auto Exposure.

Note: Exposure simulation cannot be adjusted in certain Canon cameras when using an external strobe or flash.

Canon Mirrorless Cameras and Recording Video

For mirrorless Canon cameras, if live view is working but camera cannot record video, go to your camera's settings, Camera, HDMI info disp and set to With Info.

Mirrorless cameras have the option of having movie recording use auto exposure or manual exposure. This can be set by changing the shooting dial to Video mode, choosing "Movie auto exposure" or "Movie manual exp." then changing the shooting dial back to M mode. 

M50 Mark II and similar

These camera has two sets of exposure settings, one for photo and one for video. LumaBooth can setup the photo camera setting under Settings, Camera Settings. To set the exposure for Boomerang and Video sessions, change the camera mode to Video camera icon then set your ISO, Shutter Speed, and ISO. Then you can set the camera mode back to M if you wish to shoot both Photo and Video sessions.

Autofocus Issues or Photo Capture Fails

In dim settings, the camera might be unable to autofocus and capture a photo. Make sure your camera Autofocus method is set to Zone AF or your Focus Mode is set to Manual.