Standing outside in the cold for hours isn’t much fun, even with the distraction of taking incredible images. But shooting remotely using the Sony Imaging Edge app or desktop software can make the process a little easier and warmer.

By creating a remote connection to your camera via Imaging Edge, you can still take photos with your Sony Camera from the comfort and warmth of your shelter by using your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

You can download the Imaging Edge mobile app on the Android or iOS stores or Imaging Edge Desktop for Windows or Mac by visiting your local Sony website.

Wired or Wireless

The fastest and most reliable way to connect your Sony camera to your computer is via a USB connection, known as tethering. The advantages are a stable connection, fast transfer speeds with less lag on the live view, and longer battery life due to not using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the camera. However, there are limitations, mainly when shooting in winter conditions as the distance from your camera is limited to the cable's length, typically around 5 metres. Over time, cold weather can damage cables, and even the USB port could be vulnerable to the weather when the connection door is open.

A wireless connection solves many issues of a tethered connection. Still, there are disadvantages, such as the connection not being as stable - especially in poor weather conditions – as well as higher battery consumption, live view and transfer lag.

Two more advanced options are aimed at professional photographers: connect your camera to a Wi-Fi network and allowing it to be accessed via the internet from any computer in the world. An Ethernet connection can also be used on some Alpha cameras, such as the Alpha 9 III and Alpha 1 II, to connect directly to a network or computer, with the advantage that Ethernet cables run significantly further than USB cables.

Keep a distance from wildlife

Remote shooting is great for wildlife photography, as it allows you to keep a safe distance from your subject. One of the obvious things that you could try to photograph at home or in a park is bird activity. Or you could try getting creative with a macro lens like the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS and carefully place your camera to photograph some mice or other small mammals.

If your ambitions are larger, then combine your camera with a wide-angle lens, such as the FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens, for photographing deer or even musk ox up close. Regardless of your choice, the Imaging Edge software will allow you to shoot and monitor wildlife from a safe and more comfortable shelter or even from the comfort of your sofa.

Timelapse

Winter is an excellent time of year for Timelapse photography, from the Northern Lights to snow showers. However, being out for hours shooting in the cold can be a struggle.  The solution? Tuck yourself away in a shelter and use the Imaging Edge Desktop app to shoot remotely. We have covered how to shoot time lapses in a previous top tips article, and the principles are the same if you are shooting remotely, except that this time, you are setting up the camera via the Imaging Edge Desktop.

You will need to set a start time and then choose the capture interval, the amount of time between each photograph. After that, you select the number of images that will be taken between two and 1000, or you can simply have the camera shoot until you press the stop button. Then, it is merely a case of clicking start.

Currently, you cannot use Imaging Edge mobile to shoot time-lapse sequences. Instead, use the camera interval timer, as discussed in our previous article.

Battery Life

Remote shooting requires a constant wireless connection between your camera and your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This obviously requires battery power, so your battery may lose charge faster than usual. It’s worth noting that the cold weather can impact battery life at this time of year. For both reasons, ensure you have a genuine and 100% fully charged battery inserted into the camera, as well as a spare keeping warm as a backup.

Alternatively, use a USB battery for constant charge or power delivery on smartphones, tablets, and most recent Sony cameras. Depending on your USB battery, it could provide more power than your camera battery alone.

Weatherproofing

Although most Sony cameras have a certain degree of weatherproofing, it can be worth adding additional protection with a rain or weather cover. These will help prevent moisture from getting into any open ports, such as those providing a USB connection or power supply.

Summary

• Use Sony Imaging Edge Mobile or Desktop software to shoot this winter
• A USB connection straight to your computer is the best connection, but it limits you to a physical 5m distance
• A direct Wi-Fi connection allows you to be further away from your subject
• Imaging Edge is great for wildlife and Timelapse shooting as you can sit somewhere sheltered and monitor and capture images and video.
• Wireless remote shooting drains the battery faster, so make sure you use genuine Sony batteries.
• For longer shoots, use a Power Delivery USB battery to keep your camera charged and shooting for much longer.
• If you are out in wet or snowy conditions, add a waterproof cover to your camera, especially if you have a USB or other ports on the camera open.