Sofortbild is a fantastic little piece of software that allows you to control your Nikon digital SLR by connecting it to a Mac via USB or over a wired or wireless LAN.

You can adjust most of the settings you would normally be able to adjust on the camera by using the software. Stuff like aperture, metering mode, exposure compensation, bracketing, white balance, ISO etc. When you’re all set up, snap a pic and it will appear on your Mac’s screen. Examine the histogram, peruse the geo tagging in Google Maps (if you’ve got a GPS), zoom in and check the focus. Sofortbild will also download your photos straight from the camera as you take them and helps you to rename and alter the image number.

[click image to enlarge]

You still have complete control of your camera and you can override the software at anytime. This software isn’t really for everyone but it’s ideal for studio-based work like macro, tricky lighting, HDR or high speed flash. The best bit is seeing your photos on a large screen straight away which takes all the guesswork out of using the LCD.

It works with all 2nd and 3rd generations dSLR Nikons; from the D40 up to the D3x. First generation models (D1, D2, D50) coming soon as is Canon and Sony support. Best of all it’s free, but donations are encouraged and it’s an awesome program.

I am really happy to announce that Nikon Control now is called Sofortbild. Sofortbild 1.0 is based on Nikon Control Beta 3 with some small bugfixes, new name and icon. In addition the Inspector now has a HUD design and there is a help book.

Tags: sofortbild, nikon+remote+control+software, camera+control+software, mac+tethered+shooting, nikon+camera+tethering+software