Nikon SnapBridge App - The Basics
Keywords: nikon, snapbridge, connectivity, bluetooh
We have an updated SnapBridge how-to from 2019 on how to set up the software. You may want to consult that article first, especially if you have issues getting SnapBridge working.
The recent Nikon SnapBridge Connectivity system using a low-powered bluetooth circuit which Nikon says they have invented, was announced by Nikon January 6th, 2016. The key element here is that it is using way less power than the older, Wifi based connectivity of certain Nikon cameras, which often also meant using an additional Wifi adapter for your camera to get it working.
The "always-on" bluetooth interface should make it easier to share images and control camera functions from a connected, "smart device" such as your smart phone or tablet computer, i.e. an Apple iPad and possiby other devices supporting the protocol.
The first camera out supporting this new communication protocol via BlueBooth was the Nikon D500 DSLR. Meanwhile Nikon lists a total of 9 cameras supporting the general "SnapBridge App" and two cameras using the "SnapBridge 360/170" app, specifically made for the two KeyMission cameras, "KeyMission 170" and "KeyMission 360". The simplier "KeyMission 80" uses the general app.
The SnapBridge software comes with the promise of making it easier than ever to share stuff, that is meta data (settings) and content (the image itself), between your smart device and your camera.
The name
Maybe a name is not that important, but hey, "SnapBridge", how cool is that (not). I get it though, it is for us snappers, snapping away. And bridge is because it is a communication bridge, bridging my camera with my smart device, such as those other "bridge" software applications and plugins we have come to love (and hate) over the years.
The name probably has a lot to do with that the software first showed up together with the Nikon Coolpix cameras, which users allegedly are more prone to be "snapping away" than DSLR photographers.
The important things
The D500 was the first DSLR supporting SnapBridge and it has now been joined by the Nikon D3400.
The apps are available as SnapBridge for iOS and SnapBridge for Android. The older Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility is still available for Android and Apple iOS as well, but these apps are likely not going to be upgraded to work with the new protocol.
What the SnapBridge app helps you with
- Seamless transfer of pictures, even during shooting
- Embedding of credit information
- Remote control functions during shooting
- Automatic synchronization of location and time information
- Seamless sharing to social media and NIKON IMAGE SPACE
The app should be easy to install and use, getting your camera connected easily, according to Nikon.
Learn more here
Nikon USA's main landing page for SnapBridge
Nikon USA also has an info page on SnapBridge App with a nice, little blurb video on its usage
Get the apps here
For Wifi connectivity:
- Wireless Mobile Utility from Nikon in the iTunes App Store for iOS
- Wireless Mobile Utility from Nikon on Google Play for Android
Apps from third parties to use with Nikon cameras
Other articles regarding camera remote control
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- Capture Pilot 1.2 review
- Unfettered shooting
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- Foolography Unleashed und Holux M-1000C (in German)
Originally written on December 4, 2016
Last updated on June 20, 2019
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1 comment
Andreas Vesper (andreas1202) on March 23, 2017
The article does not really reflect what Snapbridge and more important for the Nikon D500 users, what Snapbridge can't do. First of all, Snapbridge works nicely enough with cameras like the D3400 that do not have WiFi and that are capable transferring 2 megapixel images. When reading this, you shouldkKeep in mind that Bluetooth LE was not designed to Transfer files or Images, but rather small pieces like Status Messages, temperatures, GPS data. Page 20 of this presentation by two of the Bluetooth LE key developers tells it more than clearly: https://www.bluetooth.org/docman/handlers/downloaddoc.ashx%3Fdoc_id%3D227336 That said, Snapbridge is not 'low energy' when transferring original size Images and it's not 'low energy' even when transferring only GPS data from the phone to the camera: 180 Images / 2 hours / 22% remaining battery capacity.