Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT)
Canon's WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT) is designed exclusively for 5D Mark II Digital SLR cameras. The WFT-E4 IIA provides professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. With 802.11 a/b/g compatibility, photographers can remain wirelessly connected with reliable data transfer rates, strong resistance to electronic interference, and worldwide acceptance in heavy bandwidth environments, particularly within sporting arenas, entertainment venues and retail establishments.
The WFT-E4 IIA wireless file transmitter opens the door to new possibilities in remote and geotagged shooting applications. Photographers can fire up to 10 cameras simultaneously from across the room or across the country while maintaining control over camera settings and remote live view on a laptop or smart phone.
The WFT-E4 IIA wireless transmitter can also transfer and display images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible televisions and photo frames. Geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth (requires option adapter), using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.
- Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g Compatible
- The WFT-4E IIA provides a wide range of different wireless compatibility options, as well as a wired option to ensure the unit will sync into any professional workflow. With Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g compatibility, photographers can remain wirelessly connected with reliable data transfer rates, strong resistance to electronic interference, and worldwide acceptance in heavy bandwidth environments, particularly within sporting arenas, entertainment venues and retail establishments.
- WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
- To help make connecting the WFT unit to a wireless network even easier than before, Canon has added a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) option for a one-touch connection to local wireless networks. This easy option helps ensure that photographers not familiar with wireless LAN setups can just touch a button on their WPS-compatible wireless router to connect it to their camera.
- FTP Transfer Mode
- The WFT provides access to the camera from anywhere in the world via the internet as if it were an FTP site and can allow a photo editor to download images with ease. Canon's FTP connection is a direct file transfer mode that allows for the instant transfer of files across a local network or across the world via the internet. This is the connection of choice for many professional photographers looking to deliver their images with a wireless connection back to a computer as they are shot.
- New WFT Server Mode
- The WFT Server mode, previously called HTTP mode on legacy WFT units, allows up to 3 users to remotely connect to a camera via any standard Web browser for global access of images in real-time. Canon's WFT Server mode allows for multiple connected users to download both images and video files from a camera, as well as view still images, see a remote live view of the camera's rear LCD screen and remotely fire a camera all through the Web. The ability to initiate remote capture to a compatible personal computer while viewing the Live View display from either a computer terminal or mobile device such as a netbook, iPhone, or iPod Touch is an exciting and extremely useful feature that can be performed from within a local network or from across the globe over most Web browsers. Multiple photo editors can now have instant access to a photographer's images, or photographers can remotely control a camera and transfer images to a compatible computer from the comfort of their mobile devices.
- "EOS Utility" Mode
- The EOS Utility mode, previously called PTP mode on legacy WFT units, provides full-camera control while remote shooting with a complete full Live View preview on-screen, allowing a photographer to see and shoot from a computer as if the camera were in-hand. EOS Utility mode is essentially a wireless version of a direct USB connection, and the ideal mode for a commercial or portrait studio that needs full camera control and instant feedback across a local network.
- New Camera Linking Function
- The new Camera Linking function enables photographers to link up to 10 "slave" cameras wirelessly to one "master" camera and fire all eleven cameras simultaneously for multiple images from various vantage points. Imagine being able to capture the crowd's reaction while shooting the play on the field, or having a camera capture the view from the stage while shooting the event from the pit. Each linked camera must be equipped with a compatible WFT unit.
- USB Host Function
- While each Canon camera has a small USB port, the WFT unit includes a USB Host port, allowing photographers to connect large capacity storage devices or GPS units directly to the camera for maximum storage capacity or geotagging images. This allows for a huge amount of storage possibilities, as well as allowing for coordinate data input on image files. The WFT unit is now also compatible with Canon Bluetooth unit BU-30 (optional), allowing Bluetooth compatible GPS devices to connect and append information to images wirelessly. This allows the photographer to be completely free of wires while shooting and still tag GPS coordinates to images.
| Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) Wireless LAN 11a Ethernet (100BASE-TX) Ethernet RJ-45 port Hi-Speed USB port Bluetooth (with option adapter) |
| Wireless Range | Approx. 328' (100 m) |
| Power Requirements | LP-E6 rechargeable Lithium-ion battery (not included) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 25 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
68%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Reliable (7)
- Durable (6)
- Lightweight (4)
- Easy to use (3)
Cons
- Difficult to use (4)
- Not functional (4)
Best Uses
- Studio (8)
- Portraits (6)
- Travel (6)
- Everyday (3)
- Landscape photography (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Professional (9), Pro photographer (6), Semi-professional (5), Semi-pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (18)
Most Liked Positive Review
It works
I originally bought the first version of WFT-E4A and I had difficulties making it to connect with my Macbook Pro. So I returned it.
The new WFT-E4 IIA is an improvement to th...Read complete review
I originally bought the first version of WFT-E4A and I had difficulties making it to connect with my Macbook Pro. So I returned it.
The new WFT-E4 IIA is an improvement to the original. The manual in the CD is also much better in illustrating step to step in setting the 5D mk2 to connect with the computer.
I would have to add that it's not the most easy set up and you do require some knowledge of creating a wireless network (such as ad hoc) on your laptop. But once the camera is paired with the computer. the Eos Utility will launch. The live view has lag but you have full control of the settings of the camera, including shooting video.
The transmission of the files is not fast but it's reasonable considering how big the 5D mk2. I am mainly interested in the wireless live view and controlling the camera at afar.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
It works well but setup is diifficult!
I just used the WFT-E4 IIA for the first time at a charity event where I photographed lots of people in a "studio" setting, sending the files as they were taken to a ...Read complete review
I just used the WFT-E4 IIA for the first time at a charity event where I photographed lots of people in a "studio" setting, sending the files as they were taken to a processing and display station where the subjects could review their frames less than 5 minutes later and order prints on the spot. It was wonderful as a photographer to have complete freedom of movement since I was using a prime lens, "zooming with my feet" without trailing wires.HOWEVER, setting it up as I did in FTP server mode was difficult. [I haven't tried any of the other modes yet]. Due to time pressure (the WFT arrived only four days before the event) I spent another $400 on top of the [$] for the product on a network savvy tech. In addition to setting up the FTP server on the laptop, there are about 20 steps through the 5D menus, some rather mysterious to a network neophyte and the Canon manual (more than 100 pages) is somewhat difficult to follow. Even after setup, the startup process, linking the WFT to the remote laptop (Vista), was not consistent - but it did work and stayed linked reliably for the entire five hour event. Maybe after practice I'll figure out the most reliable startup sequence.Someone should post a step-by-step procedure for the PC. There is one for the Mac by Julian Love Photography:[@]
Reviewed by 25 customers
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Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
I use this primarily for GPS-tagging my photos using a bluetooth GPS unit from another vendor. It is also useful to transfer photos in the studio as you shoot them over wireless to your computer.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
It take a little time in getting the wifi setup. There isn't any user manual that has a step by step instructions, but a search on the net gave me some great set of instructions and I managed to get this up and running soon.
I mainly use it for studio fashion work. Have yet to give it a go outdoors.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
Overall, this is a great product that, unfortunatly, will take a little while to figure out and a little more time to master! I am currently using it with shuttersnitch and it's awesome for giving to the parents to rate photos as you shoot. It has GREATLY reduced my workflow! As far as getting it set up...I recommend using your internet search engine to find one of the many videos or sets of instructions that are available.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Not Functional
- Poor Design
Best Uses
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
won't work with my MacBook Pro running Lion OS. Neither could I get it to work with my MacBook running Snow Leopard.Returned it and got my money back.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
According to Canon Tech Support, the WFT-E4 IIA won't work with Lion OS. While that's part of the reason why I never was able to get it to work with my new MacBook Pro , neither was I ever able to get it to work with my MacBook which is running Snow Leopard.They said it would work with that version of Snow Leopard. All the horror stories seem to be true about the difficulty in getting this pricy piece of equipment to work. I messed with it for 1 1/2 weeks to no avail. Finally returned it to B&H.Canon did say they should have the software for Lion in the 2012 Spring. Maybe they'll do something to provide better instructions as well as a better piece of equipment.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Event
- Studio
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
Once set up this system works great. It will send images directly into a program or FTP site. Your images can go across the studio or across town. (Or the world) Unfortunately it requires advanced networking skills to set up. If you hire an I.T. person who is not familiar with your camera expect a learning curve on the camera menus and functions before this wireless system can be connected. We had to change a camera on location due to a failure of a processer in a camera. A customer was overheard saying, "That must be their I.T. guy because he is at the black screen where the I.P. information is." The point; this is very difficult to set up for all but those with advanced networking skills. If you search the internet you will find comments from very tech savvy people who have taken days to set the system up!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Reliable
- Very cool
Cons
- Difficult To Use
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
The set up of this was a pain in the...but once I had it figured out, it worked like a charm. I am buying a second one for my other camera. I set it up with an iPad, not a laptop.....it's probably easier with a laptop....
I am able to shoot and preview with the iPad now, charms the art directors...love this technology. I WILL NOT recommend this to a friend, because right now, it is an item I use to set me apart from my friends, once everybody has it, it is no longer cool....
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
I was thinking about getting this Wireless Transmitter since I got my Canon 5D Mark II couple years ago, but the reviews were not so good, so I bought it to give it a try and I'm really impressed about the things you can achieve with this item, follow the list below:
1) I can now wirelessly transfer my pictures directly from the camera to my Windows PC or Mac laptop, there are several methods I've tried EOS Utility, FTP and they work perfectly. You can use your home wireless network or even you can setup an ad-hoc network in your Windows or Mac so you won't need a wireless network at all, really convenient when you are shooting outside.
2) When I'm doing a photo shot, I bring my photographic equipment and my iPad, with the WFT-E4 IIA I can connect directly or through a wireless network to my iPad, and transfer the pictures to the iPad for better instant review, I installed the iPad application ShutterSnitch, which allows you do this.
3) I got the Cirago Bluetooth Adapter and the WBT-201 GPS Logger, the bluetooth adapter connected to the WFT-E4 IIA allows you to instantly geo-tagging your pictures to the current geographic coordinates. Pretty cool feature to have if you travel a lot. I LOVE IT! After taking a photo, you will be able to see the geographic coordinates in the camera screen, REALLY COOL!
You need to configure the WFT-E4 IIA, I know you are going to need some networking knowledge, that's why it was easy for me to do the setups, anyway Canon provides a WFT Utility that you can use to create different setup for your different situations. Here's the list of my setups:
1) Connect my WFT-E4 IIA to my Mac laptop using my Home Wireless Network (I can use this when I'm shooting at home)
2) Connect my WFT-E4 IIA to my Mac laptop using an ad-hoc network created in the laptop (I can use this one when I'm shooting outside and I have my laptop with me)
3) Connect my WFT-E4 IIA to my iPad using my Home Wireless Network (I can use this when I'm shooting at home)
4) Connect my WFT-E4 IIA to my iPad using an ad-hoc network created in the iPad (I can use this one when I'm shooting outside, perfect for wedding shootings) Note: To create an ad-hoc network in the iPad you need to jailbreak it)
5) Connect my WFT-E4 IIA to my Windows PC using my wireless network (I can use this one when I'm shooting at home)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Manual not useful
- Not Functional
- Poor Design
- Support from canon non ex
Best Uses
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
After about 6 hours I managed to get the unit to communicate with my desktop using the the EOS Utility software.
The reason I bought this was to communicate wirelessly with my Xoom tablet. Forget about trying this unless you have a degree in computing sciences. The mysteries of FTP are way beyond me and I'd rate myself an above average user. Canon are no help, the manual is no help.A lot of money for something that acomplishes what I could do in an instant with a tether.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good design
Cons
- EOS utility limitations
- Price is stretching it
Best Uses
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
I have been hesitant to buy a WFT for a long time because most reviews commented on how difficult it is to set up. Maybe it is because I work in the computer industry but it turned out to be a breeze.
The link to a bluetooth GPS data logger was working in no time - you just need to understand that the first step is to choose bluetooth for the usb device and then there is a second step to tell the bluetooth adapter to find the GPS.
Wireless transfer to a system on my LAN was almost as easy using FTP. You do need to know how to add a new computer to your network, which is essentially what the WFT turns your camera into. Once that is done all you need to know is the IP Address of the computer running the FTP server. There is a limitation that the file transfer is painful unless you are using FTP and choose to transfer only a small jpg to the system but keep the RAW file on the camera card. This will give you feedback in a coupe of seconds at most. The reality is that the jpg is still as high resolution as most displays and plenty good enough for previewing lighting, poses, etc.
I saw a lot of people struggling with ad-hoc networks. Setting it up in an ad-hoc network is ONLY useful if you want to use a laptop out in the field to preview images. In that case the trick is to use static IP addresses for the camera and the computer rather than ask the ad-hoc network to assign them. Ad-hoc file transfer is much slower than a wireless g network so I would not bother with the hassle if you are using it close enough to your regular network set up to stick with it.
I tried setting it up with EOS Utility but it dropped the connection so often - AND it always transfers the RAW file - that I gave up on that option.
Once you get those two main features working to your satisfaction, it is great to forget about all the geo-tagging steps required by other solutions and its REALLY great to get feedback in a studio environment without tripping over USB cables and being constrained by their length.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Not Functional
Best Uses
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
[...] three times set up and installedl,failed.Only thing is look good and vertical shooting.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- None
Cons
- Canon won't support help
- Difficult To Use
- Not Functional
Best Uses
- none
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
Complicated, Slow, and Unreliable...
Canon "tech support" can't even figure out consistent functionality!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- No cables
Cons
- Complicated
- Hard to setup
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
Very hard to setup with my macbook. Lots of setting changes on my wireless network that are not intuitive. Shouldn't be as hard as it is. Once it's working, its awesome.
- Ease of Operation:
- 7
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Client convenience
- No wires
- Time saver
Cons
- Doesn't include a battery
- Expensive
- Slow transfers
- Sometimes freezes
Best Uses
- Commercial photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
I bought this primarily to be able to review shots on my computer right after taking them without being tied to the computer by USB cables that can easily become disconnected. Since the new X2 cards from Eye-Fi aren't compatible with the 5D Mark 2, the WFT seemed like the only option. I was a little nervous because I read so many reviews where people said how difficult it was to setup. Fortunately for me, with a little help from a blog post by Julian Love, I was able to get the WFT and my macbook connected via FTP with very little difficulty. By sending only small JPG files, the transfer from camera to computer took only 1-2 seconds (which seems faster than the transfer times I got with the Eye-Fi card in my Rebel Xsi). I did experience a few instances at my first (and so far only) shoot with the transmitter when it failed to automatically transfer some images and I had to cancel and manually send the failed transfers, but I was able to do so in each of those instances. Overall it was a good experience and I recommend it for anyone wanting to shoot tethered, but doesn't want to be hassled by wires.
For a $700 unit, Canon could have included the $60 battery that it needs though.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Requires physical reset
- Slow xfer of large files
Best Uses
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
The thought of a wireless world comparable to wired performance keeps me hoping they get it right but they're not there yet. Trasfer speeds of full size raw images (and full size JPEGs) are just too slow using the WFT-E4 compared to the wired configuration. This does not help in live studio shooting where it's essential for quick reviews and archival. Additionally if the wireless connection is disrupted the only option often available is to disconnect the transmitter from the camera, reconnect and restart the link process. Again not good when doing live studio projects. I gave it several attempts but finally bailed and returned the unit until a more robust model or upgrade becomes available.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Useful
Cons
- Hard to install
Best Uses
- Studio Photography
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
Very useful in a studio enviroment, but very hard to install.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Convenient
- Wireless
Cons
- Drops out
- Lag / Shutter Delay
Best Uses
- Work with agency
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
So great not to have wires and be able to work off tripod with images viewed on laptop by client.
It is a bit tricky to set up and I am still working it out properly. I have had some troubles with it dropping out. Also there were no paper instructions with it...it only came with a disc with instructions, not as convenient when setting up something a little tricky like this.
but all in all I love it!
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- No wires to trip over
Cons
- Difficult to get set up
Best Uses
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
I found it very difficult to get it set up. The instructions was hard to follow, both in the instructions with the unit and the instructions for going wireless in the canon camera manual. I did pay a MAC trooper to come out and help me, and it took him 2 hours to figure everything out too. We did though, and now that it is up and running I am happy. File transfer is very slow, the only way to get decent file transfer speed is to transmit small JPEGS.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
I originally bought the first version of WFT-E4A and I had difficulties making it to connect with my Macbook Pro. So I returned it.
The new WFT-E4 IIA is an improvement to the original. The manual in the CD is also much better in illustrating step to step in setting the 5D mk2 to connect with the computer.
I would have to add that it's not the most easy set up and you do require some knowledge of creating a wireless network (such as ad hoc) on your laptop. But once the camera is paired with the computer. the Eos Utility will launch. The live view has lag but you have full control of the settings of the camera, including shooting video.
The transmission of the files is not fast but it's reasonable considering how big the 5D mk2. I am mainly interested in the wireless live view and controlling the camera at afar.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Doubles as a grip
- Wireless
Cons
- Too techical
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Travel
Comments about Canon WFT-E4 IIA Wireless File Transmitter (WFT):
I have used this product both in studio and on location. It has several modes of connection which work well in different scenarios. I use the FTP mode so that I can not only keep my raw files but display jpegs for clients to review. I love that it replaces wired tether shooting because of the fact that people can trip over the wires and sometimes pull the camera or laptop. It is a bit technical and there doesn't seem to be a lot of help on how to troubleshoot issues but once you get it going and learn the nuances, it is a great product.
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