USB Connection

For most demanding workflows, Shutter supports USB connections.

When to Use USB

  • Large file transfers — USB is significantly faster than Wi-Fi for importing RAW files or large batches of photos.
  • Tethered shooting — a wired connection is more reliable for studio setups where the camera stays connected for extended periods.
  • Video monitoring - minimizes live view lag.
  • Wi-Fi issues — if wireless connectivity is unreliable in your environment (e.g. lots of interference from other networks), USB is a dependable alternative.

What You Need

A cable or adapter to connect your camera’s USB port to your iPhone or iPad. If your iPhone or iPad has an older Lightning port, you need to obtain a dedicated USB 3 Camera Adapter from Apple first. You cannot connect directly with the Lightning port!

Depending on your iPhone model and camera, you need:

  • A USB-C to USB-C cable (newer cameras, no adapter)
  • A USB-C to mini USB cable (older cameras, no adapter)
  • A USB-A to USB-C cable (newer cameras, USB 3 Camera Adapter)
  • A USB-A to mini USB cable (older cameras, USB 3 Camera Adapter)

How to Connect

For the first time, we follow the Add Camera flow in the app:

  1. Open Shutter and tap Add Camera.
  2. Choose USB as the connection method.
  3. iOS will prompt you to grant camera access — tap Allow.
  4. When prompted to connect the camera, make sure to return to the shooting screen and plug the USB cable into both devices.
  5. Shutter will detect and connect to your camera.

After the first connection, you can simply plug in the cable and the camera will appear on your home screen automatically.

Troubleshooting

For iPhone with a Lightning port, you cannot use the Lightning to USB-C cable included with your iPhone. You need a dedicated USB 3 Camera Adapter from Apple.

Make sure your USB cable supports data, not only power delivery. If the connection doesn’t work, try a different cable.