5 Ways to Use the Wi-Fi Functions on the Canon EOS C100 Mark II

Another idea for using Wi-Fi with this camcorder works when you connect the camera to something like a home or office Wi-Fi network. Rather than using the peer-to-peer function (Camera Access Point) that we have used up until this point, the option below will utilize an existing Wi-Fi network in order to work properly. The Canon EOS C100 Mark II manual refers to this setup as “Searching for Access Points.” Essentially, you run a search for your Wi-Fi network, connect to it, and then store it into your camera memory. This was a straightforward process, but I do recommend having your manual in front of you when setting this up in case you do run into any issues.

FTP File Transfer and Google Drive

The ability to transfer files was one of the features that I was most interested in testing and using with the Wi-Fi functionality of this camcorder. Imagine a scenario where you could shoot a day’s worth of footage and then send all of that to the cloud to have it ready for postproduction and conveniently backed up.

While I was skeptical about how this function would work, I’m happy to say that my worries proved unfounded. There are definitely some nuances to this process, but it can work if you have a little time and patience. I spent a good chunk of time with Canon support in order to get this working correctly, but what you do need in place is a fully working FTP and the home Wi-Fi network connection that I mentioned earlier (Figure 7, below).

Figure 7. To configure your C100 for FTP transfers, all you need is a functional FTP and home Wi-Fi connection. Click the image to see it at full size.

In a nutshell, I was able to set up a workflow where I can push footage from my camera to an FTP or to my Google Drive. Google Drive is not an FTP, but is a cost-effective cloud storage system that makes it easy to share your footage with anyone by sending them links to files. Canon was kind enough of to share this article from their learning center on a step-by-step process on how to create this workflow.

Additionally, you can set up a sync process between Google Drive and a computer through the Google Drive app. This can help speed up downloads and automate your ingest process.

I found uploading directly from the C100 to my GoogleDrive to be another great way to share sample footage and clips with remote clients, directors, and editors. Also, you could use this process to back up a handful of your most important clips before you leave a production site. Perhaps it’s an interview or something rare you have captured; whatever the case, you could back that up quickly on the spot if you have Wi-Fi.

The important things to remember are that your camera needs to stay connected to Wi-Fi and that your camera needs to remain on during the FTP transfer process. Make sure you use a power supply or have long battery life before you start the transfer or you’ll run the risk of this process failing. Canon also recommends that you not lift the SD card slot during this process.

As you can see, there are several ways to start incorporating Wi-Fi into your production workflow with a Wi-Fi-equipped camera or camcorder. I expect that features like the FTP transfer process and remote browsing will continue to improve in the next generation of cameras.