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Can I import from a camera over USB?

Victor
  • Updated

Trying to import images while the memory card is still in the camera? Capture One will likely not see those files. This article explains why importing directly from a camera isn’t a supported workflow, and shows the best ways to bring your images in — using a card reader, camera “card reader” mode (if available), or ReTether.

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Why importing directly from the camera isn’t supported

When connected by USB, Capture One communicates with cameras over PTP for tethered control (camera control), not as a storage device. Because of this, files stored on a memory card that’s still inserted in the camera won’t appear for normal import.

 

The simplest way is to take the memory card out of the camera and copy the files using a dedicated card reader or your computer’s internal reader. Capture One works wonderfully with this setup:

  1. Remove the card from the camera and insert it into a card reader (or your computer’s built-in reader).
  2. Copy the image files to your chosen folder on a local drive.

  3. Open Capture One and import from that folder as usual.

     

Workarounds

Using “card reader” mode

Some cameras (for example, Fujifilm) offer two USB connection modes: card reader and remote control. If available, set your camera to card reader to enable a normal file import workflow. In remote control (PTP) mode, the camera is optimized for tethering, not file transfer. For more details, please consult your camera documentation. 

 

Using ReTether to fetch images shot while disconnected

ReTether lets you unplug the USB cable during a tethered shoot, keep shooting to the camera’s memory card, and have Capture One automatically import the new images the next time you reconnect.

  • How it works: Disconnect the USB cable and keep shooting to the card. When you reconnect, Capture One automatically fetches only the images shot while disconnected, avoiding duplicates. The fetched files use the exact same naming and image settings as shots captured directly into Capture One, so everything looks like one continuous session.
  • Enable it: In the Capture tab, under Tethering, turn on ReTether: fetch images from card when reconnecting via USB.
  • Compatibility: ReTether currently works with Canon and Nikon cameras.

Check the guide on ReTether here: ReTether

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