Why isn't the Fuji tethering plugin free, or built into the camera?

[MarkoKovacevic]

All the Nikons and Canons I've used have had it built in, from the top pro level to consumer. The XT1 is a pro camera with a pro price, why doesn't it have it? It's annoying when I'm shooting in studio but i don't want to pay out of principal

 

[Dante_Stella]

It's not a mainstream pro camera, nor does it sell at the price of one. 😱

But as to the why, the marketing of Fuji X cameras seems to emphasize non-studio applications (weddings, travel). Tethered studio shooting is a niche (studio) with a niche brand (Fuji) within a niche (mirrorless). To justify the cost of developing the plug-in, they have to sell it for 29 bucks. Completely rational, since that feature is not itself selling cameras to many users. The Camera Remote application, by contrast, is fantastic. And free.

Also, isn't the idea of sticking a USB 2.0(!) cable in a camera and connecting it to a computer for shooting so very 2001? If your major goal is to see shots as they come in (or show them to clients), an old iPad and an Eyefi card work very well (as long as you use the current Mobi software).

Dante

 

[willie_901]

The camera tethers wirelessly to iOS and Android devices allowing both display and camera control. Unfortunately the App (iOS anyway) is a bit clunky and should be updated. In my experience the WiFi signal is strong and works well up to 30 ft. away through drywall construction. WiFi operation does decrease battery life. However, an optional camera power supply is available.

I am unfamiliar with Android OS but with iOS the device connected to the X-T1 can link to larger displays including HDTVs.

In February Fujifilm announced a USB 2 tethering plug-in for Photoshop and Lightroom. I don't think the $30 cost is an issue. My guess is very few X-T1 owners are interested in tethering.

With the WiFI App the camera is suitable for studio work. One disadvantage would be not having access to post-production rending on the mobile device. If the client(s) are sophisticated enough to appreciate real-time rendering adjustments, that costs $30.

I am unfamiliar with how well it works as the OS X version was reported to be D.O.A. Maybe it works now.

 

[FranZ]

Hi Willy, Quote from Fuji:
""
The plug-in will be available to download from 26th February 2015 for customers that have purchased the “HS-V5 for Windows® Ver.1.0” software.
""
This app costs €120 in Europe, so, is not for -almost- free.
I use the Fujifilm Camera Remote app from my tablet with android 4, which works pretty good. The connection times out in a few second on my Samsung S4 with android 5 so that is not quite usable, but the tablet is Ok, since it also affers a bigger screen to view the image form te camera.