The DSLR feature allows operators to connect a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera directly to Pictor, delivering high-quality images with full manual control over exposure, focus, and color. This guide explains how to enable the DSLR feature, connect your camera, configure settings, assign it to templates, and resolve the most common issues.
1. Accessing DSLR Settings
Prerequisites
To use DSLR functionality, you must have a Pro license for Pictor.
How to Access
Open the desired Event in your Pictor dashboard.
Navigate to the Devices section.
Toggle on the DSLR device.
When Enabled:
Pictor automatically applies DSLR settings.
Live View appears when the connection is successful.
The DSLR becomes available as a camera option for templates.
2. DSLR Settings Overview
Once enabled, Pictor displays all supported DSLR controls.
⚠ Important: Settings vary by camera manufacturer and model.
Pictor dynamically adapts to show only options supported by the connected DSLR.
Recommended Starting Point
Set Exposure Mode → M (Manual)
Manual mode unlocks full control of ISO, Shutter, Aperture, and more.
Focus Time (Most Important Setting)
Inside Live View, set Focus Time to the lowest value.
This reduces lag and results in a smoother, faster capture experience.
3. Adjustable Camera Settings
1. Exposure Mode
Controls whether you or the camera manages exposure.
2. ISO
Controls sensor sensitivity.
Higher ISO = brighter but more noise.
3. Aperture (f-stop)
Controls depth of field and light entry.
Lower f-stop = more background blur + brighter image.
4. Shutter Speed
Controls how long light hits the sensor.
Fast shutter = sharper images.
5. Exposure
Overall image brightness, controlled through the exposure triangle.
6. Image Quality
Adjusts resolution and format (varies by model).
7. White Balance
Automatically or manually corrects lighting color.
8. Kelvin (Color Temperature)
Fine-tune white balance manually for warmer or cooler tones.
4. Assigning DSLR Source to Templates
Each template must be told which camera to use.
Open your template in the Capture Configure section.
Locate Camera Source.
Select one of the following:
Front Camera
Rear Camera
DSLR Camera
Save the template.
Save the event.
5. Launching the Event
When you start the event:
Choose your template as normal.
The DSLR will automatically initialize and switch into Live View.
The camera will auto-focus before capturing.
Optional Setting
Autofocus During Countdown
Enables continuous autofocusing until the exact moment of capture.
Recommended when guests move frequently.
6. Troubleshooting
1. Camera Stops Responding After Changing Settings
Usually caused by:
A dropped USB connection
Camera freezing during Live View
Fix:
Turn the camera off → wait 2 seconds → turn back on.
This resets the camera state.
2. Live View Not Showing
Check the following:
DSLR is toggled ON in Devices
USB cable is firmly connected
Camera is not in video mode
Camera is not switch-locked
3. Some Settings Are Disabled
Cause: Camera is not in Manual (M) mode.
Fix:
Set Exposure Mode → M to unlock full control.
7. Best Practices
Always perform test shots before the event - venue lighting varies significantly.
Recommended baseline settings:
ISO: 400–800
Aperture: f/4
Shutter: 1/125s
Review sample captures and fine-tune from there.
Keep spare USB cables and battery/AC adapters ready for redundancy.
Reduce focus time for faster guest flow.