This guide is intended specifically for Sony camera users to set up a wired connection to Zno Instant.
For a more comprehensive article about how to use Zno Instant, which is not camera-specific, please see How to use Zno Instant.
What You’ll Need
- Phone
- OTG Cable
- Camera Mount (optional)
- Zno Instant already downloaded onto your phone.
Step 1: Adjust Camera Settings
- Set your Sony camera power to stay on for the longest time.
- Set the photo format to JPG.
- Check the camera's external connection settings and turn off: Bluetooth, WiFi, FTP transfer, etc (ignore turning off these settings if not applicable).
Step 2 (a): Using “Manual Mode”
“Manual Mode” refers to a process where you will be able to shoot when disconnected and then transmit images once reconnected. To use this mode, adjust the camera's "USB Connection" to "MTP."
Notes:
- In this mode, you can only manually push images to be uploaded. You cannot automatically upload images while shooting.
- This mode reads data from memory card slot 1 by default. So it’s recommended to only use one memory card and to keep it in slot 1.
Watch this tutorial video to learn how to configure your Sony camera to use Manual Mode.
Step 2 (b): Using “Automatic Upload Mode”
“Automatic Upload Mode” refers to a process where you will be able to shoot and transfer simultaneously.
To use this mode, adjust the camera's "USB Connection" to "PC Remote." Once in "PC Remote Settings," change "Still Image Save Destination" to "Computer + Capture Device" or "Phone + Capture Device." Change “Computer Save Image Size” to “Original.”
Notes:
- If your Sony camera does not have the "Computer + Capture Device" setting, do not attempt to use the “Shoot and Transfer Mode.” Images will not be saved to the storage card, which may result in loss of images.
- If the “Computer Save Image Size” of your Sony camera is not changed to “Original,” it will affect the image size on the Zno Instant Event page.
- Images that are shot when the connection is disconnected cannot be read in this mode. If there are missed uploads, change "USB Connection" to "MTP" to read the images shot when the connection is disconnected.
Watch this tutorial video to learn how to configure your Sony camera to use Automatic Upload Mode.
OTG Connection
️️️If you are using your Sony camera with cell phone brands such as OPPO, vivo, OnePlus, iQOO, realme, the OTG function needs to be manually enabled. In your cell phone settings, search for "OTG" and then enable "OTG connection." Huawei and Xiaomi phones are enabled by default.
Pop-Up Authorization
Once you have successfully connected your Sony camera, you may receive a pop-up authorization. If there is a pop-up asking for authorization for the “album” or “gallery,” you will want to click "Cancel." It’s only when Zno Instant specifically asks for authorization that you should click "OK" (see below).
FAQ
1.Why can't my camera connect to Zno Instant APP?
For wired connection, troubleshoot with the following steps:
- Turn off the USB power supply setting in the camera: "Setup" > "USB" > "USB Power Supply" - Off.
- If you are on an Android check if the phone system is above 7.1.1 and that an OTG function is enabled on the phone.
- Make sure the data cable is specifed as an “OTG cable.” Just because the plugs on your cable are compatible with both your cell phone and the camera does not mean it’s an OTG cable.
- Make sure you have only selected authorization pop-ups specifically for Zno Instant. Pop-ups for other things such as “album” or “gallery” should not be clicked.
- If you upload photos using "Manual Mode" , select "MTP" under "USB Connection”.
- If you upload photos using "Automatic Upload Mode", select "PC Remote" under "USB Connection." In addition, you need to set "Transfer/Remote" > "PC Remote Function" > "Still Img.Save Dest." > "PC+Camera" .
(6) If you are using an iPhone with a system version that is above iOS 18.0.0, you need to manually open the access permission settings for Files & Folders to use the wired connection mode in Zno Instant. Open Settings > Privacy > Select Files & Folders > Open Zno Instant permissions and toggle it to green.
(7) iPhones’ original charging cable is not supported (a dedicated data cable is required).
(8) The camera's Bluetooth, WIFI, and FTP all need to be turned off (ignore this if there is no relevant setting).
(9) Make sure your Zno Instant APP is updated to the latest version.
(10) Check whether your phone system has opened the camera access permission for Zno Instant.
2. Why does the Sony camera screen display "Mass Storage"? What should I do if the USB connection of the Sony camera cannot be changed?
- Set up "Network" > "Transfer / Remote" > "Transfer / Remote" > Turn off "Ctrl w / Smartphone" .
- Set up "Network" > "Transfer / Remote" > Turn off "FTP Function" and turn off "PC Remote".
3. Why do I get "Communication Error" immediately after connecting and even after restarting the camera?
If you have deleted or adjusted photo positions midway during shooting this may have caused it. You can perform "Recover Image DB" in the camera settings, or format the storage card.
4. My Sony camera connects successfully but it cannot recognize images for transfer.
There might be 5 different causes for this, please check your settings in the following order:
- Images must be saved in memory card slot 1:"Shooting" > "Shooting Mode" > "Memory/Recall Media" > "Slot 1"
- Photo format must be JPEG, switch from JPEG/HEIF to JPEG:"Shooting" > "Image Quality" > "JPEG/HEIF Switch"
- If you upload photos using "Manual Mode" , select "MTP" under "USB Connection”.
-
If you upload photos using "Automatic Upload Mode", select "PC Remote" under "USB Connection." In addition, you need to set "Transfer/Remote" > "PC Remote Function" > "Still Img.Save Dest." > "PC+Camera"
- If you have deleted or adjusted photo positions midway during shooting this may have caused it. You can perform "Recover Image DB" in the camera settings, or format the storage card.
5. What should I do if my phone prompts that the accessories cannot be used when using the Zno Instant APP?
Check the camera settings, ensure that USB power supply is turned off, and set the USB connection mode to PC Remote.
6.Your phone prompts “Cannot Use Accessory”?
Check the camera settings, make sure the USB power supply is off.
7.Wired connection for Sony A7M4(Firmware 4.0 and above):
(1) Set Image Quality to JPG.
Select “Shooting”>“Image Quality”>“JPEG/HEIF Switch”>“JPEG”
(2) Check the camera's external connection settings and turn off: Bluetooth, WiFi, FTP transfer, etc (ignore turning off these settings if not applicable).
- turn off Bluetooth
- turn off WIFI
- turn off FTP transfer
(3) Select“USB” > “USB Connection Mode” > “Remote Shooting” .
Then click “Set Now” > “Still Img.Save Dest.” > “Dest + Camera”
If you click “Close”，you can find “Network” > “Cnct./Remote Sht.” > “Remote Shooting” > “Still Img.Save Dest.” > “Dest + Camera”.
8. Why are the images transmitted by Sony A7M4 very small?
(1) If the camera firmware version is 2.0 and above, two steps are required:
Step 1: Set "Network" > "Transfer/Remote" > "PC Remote Function" - "PC Save Image Size" to "Original"
Step 2: Set "Network" > "Transfer/Remote" > "Sending Target" to "Original Only"
(2) If the camera firmware version is 2.0 and above, only one step is required:
Step: Set in the camera: "Cnct/ Remote Sht." > "Remote Shooting Setting" > "Save Image Size" to "Original".
9. The connection appears to be normal, why can't the photos in the camera be uploaded to ZI's Instant Gallery in real time?
The format selected for taking photos might be set to RAW or another format. Please make sure you are taking your photos in JPG format.
If our team can be of any additional assistance, please send us an email to support@zno.com or give us a call at 1-888-966-9539.