This guide is intended specifically for Sony camera users to set up a wired connection to Zno Instant.
For a more comprehensive article about how to use Zno Instant, which is not camera-specific, please see How to use Zno Instant.
What You’ll Need
- Phone
- OTG Cable
- Camera Mount (optional)
- Zno Instant already downloaded onto your phone.
Step 1: Adjust Camera Settings
- Set your Sony camera power to stay on for the longest time.
- Set the photo format to JPG.
- Check the camera's external connection settings and turn off: Bluetooth, WiFi, FTP transfer, etc (ignore turning off these settings if not applicable).
Step 2 (a): Using “Manual Mode”
“Manual Mode” refers to a process where you will be able to shoot when disconnected and then transmit images once reconnected. To use this mode, adjust the camera's "USB Connection" to "MTP."
Notes:
- In this mode, you can only manually push images to be uploaded. You cannot automatically upload images while shooting.
- This mode reads data from memory card slot 1 by default. So it’s recommended to only use one memory card and to keep it in slot 1.
Watch this tutorial video to learn how to configure your Sony camera to use Manual Mode.
Step 2 (b): Using “Automatic Upload Mode”
“Automatic Upload Mode” refers to a process where you will be able to shoot and transfer simultaneously.
To use this mode, adjust the camera's "USB Connection" to "PC Remote." Once in "PC Remote Settings," change "Still Image Save Destination" to "Computer + Capture Device" or "Phone + Capture Device." Change “Computer Save Image Size” to “Original.”
Notes:
- If your Sony camera does not have the "Computer + Capture Device" setting, do not attempt to use the “Shoot and Transfer Mode.” Images will not be saved to the storage card, which may result in loss of images.
- If the “Computer Save Image Size” of your Sony camera is not changed to “Original,” it will affect the image size on the Zno Instant Event page.
- Images that are shot when the connection is disconnected cannot be read in this mode. If there are missed uploads, change "USB Connection" to "MTP" to read the images shot when the connection is disconnected.
Watch this tutorial video to learn how to configure your Sony camera to use Automatic Upload Mode.
OTG Connection
️️️If you are using your Sony camera with cell phone brands such as OPPO, vivo, OnePlus, iQOO, realme, the OTG function needs to be manually enabled. In your cell phone settings, search for "OTG" and then enable "OTG connection." Huawei and Xiaomi phones are enabled by default.
Pop-Up Authorization
Once you have successfully connected your Sony camera, you may receive a pop-up authorization. If there is a pop-up asking for authorization for the “album” or “gallery,” you will want to click "Cancel." It’s only when Zno Instant specifically asks for authorization that you should click "OK" (see below).
FAQ
- ️️️️️️Why can't I connect?
Answer: For wired connection, troubleshoot with the following steps:
- Turn off the USB power supply setting in the camera.
- If you are on an Android check if the phone system is above 7.1.1 and that an OTG function is enabled on the phone.
- Make sure the data cable is specifed as an “OTG cable.” Just because the plugs on your cable are compatible with both your cell phone and the camera does not mean it’s an OTG cable.
- Make sure you have only selected authorization pop-ups specifically for Zno Instant. Pop-ups for other things such as “album” or “gallery” should not be clicked.
- For “Upload Mode” you must select "MTP" under "USB Connection." For “Shoot and Transfer Mode” you must select "PC Remote" under "USB Connection." Additionally for “Shoot and Transfer Mode” you must change "Still Image Save Destination" to "Computer + Capture Device" in "PC Remote Settings."
- Why does the Sony camera screen display "Mass Storage"? What should I do if the USB connection of the Sony camera cannot be changed?
Answer: Turn off "Use Smartphone to Control" in “Camera Network Settings”. Enter camera settings in "Disconnect" state and turn off "FTP Transfer" & "PC Remote."
- Why do I get "Communication Error" immediately after connecting and even after restarting the camera?
Answer: If you have deleted or adjusted photo positions midway during shooting this may have caused it. You can perform "Repair Image Database" in the camera settings, or format the storage card.
- My Sony camera connects successfully but it cannot recognize images for transfer.
Answer: There might be 5 different causes for this, please check your settings in the following order:
- Images must be saved in memory card slot 1 (Camera MENU — Capture — Capture Mode — Select Media).
- Photo format must be JPEG, switch from JPEG/HEIF to JPEG (Camera MENU — Capture — Image Quality — Select Media).
- For “Manual Mode” (manual uploading), "USB Connection" must be "MTP".
- For “Automatic Mode” (automatic uploading), set "Still Image Save Destination" to "Computer + Capture Device" (Do not use Shoot and Transfer Mode if this setting is not available, as it will result in no images being stored on the storage card).
- If photos have been deleted or positions adjusted midway, perform "Repair Image Database" in the camera settings, or format the storage card.
- Why are Sony camera transfer image sizes so small?
Answer: If "Computer Save Image Size" is not set to "Original" in the camera, it will cause the image size to be smaller.
- The phone is indicating that it cannot use the accessory?
Answer: Check the camera settings, ensure that USB power supply is turned off, and set the USB connection mode to PC Remote.
For more information, please email support@zno.com.