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Using your camera tethered can improve your workflow at events but there are several factors that you need to take into account before your consider using this option.

Tethering Overview
Tethering your camera at events is where you attach the camera to your computer by a cable - usually USB although it can be by Ethernet or FireWire.  As you take pictures they are downloaded to the capture application programme on the computer where they can be opened instantly in your chosen viewing software

What do I need?
You will need the USB cable which came with your camera. In practice this will a metre or so in length so you will also need one or more USB extension cables so you have sufficent distance from the camera to the computer. You will also need the capture software appropriate to your brand of camera which will bring the images in to a designated folder. For the images to be viewed, you will need your preferred viewing software installed on your computer, set up to 'look at' the imported image folder. We would suggest some sort of security device to stop the cable being inadvertantly pulled out of the camera (this can be as simple as a cable-tie or elastic band, or one of the proprietory devices such as the 'Jerkstopper') as well as hazard tape or some sort of cable-guide to stop people tripping over it.

Can I tether my camera?
Most digital cameras can be tethered.  Nikon owners will have to purchase Nikon's 'Camera Control Pro' software.  Canon owners are supplied with Canon's 'File Transmission Utility' with the camera software.

What are the pitfalls?
Obviously, because you are 'tied' to your computer by a cable, your mobility is restricted by the length of the cable.  In addition the cable presents a 'trip' hazard and can be pulled out of the camera accidentally with the potential to damage the camera's USB port.

What are the advantages?
The main advantage is that the images are avaialbe for viewing almost instantly after you have taken them. This improves your workflow, your workrate and consequently your profitablity at the event. In addtion, you no longer need to worry about transferring cards or about your card capacity.

What About Wireless?
The introduction of wireless camera systems that provide the same facilities as tethered operation has not resulted in tethering being totally superseded. Despite the freedom and mobility offered by wireless operation, tethering remains an option for photographers because of its lower cost. It is also the only option for cameras which can not be adapted for wireless use.

Useful Links
We sell the standard mini USB cable that fits into the side of the camera and well as the extension cables needed to make the cable-run longer. Tethering is one of the subjects covered in the workflow section of our Event Photography for Profit Training Course