Tether Tools has introduced a new device that enables users to create a wireless connection between their camera and theirfavoritee tethering software, and which avoids the use of hot folders and middleman applications for camera controls.

The new Air Direct allows a much wider range of camera models and brands to be used than the company’s current Air Case, and enables tethering software applications to operate as if the camera were connected with a cable.

Typically, though, tethering is done via a USB cable. The wireless options so far have mostly been fairly limited to either proprietary grips and dongles that cost almost as much as the camera, or you can only tether to mobile devices like your phone or a tablet. Or, they’re limited to specific brands and models of camera. Tether Tools’ new Air Direct also lets you tether over WiFi, but it allows you to do it to your usual desktop tethering software. And it can do it with just about any camera, too. Any camera that offers wired USB tethering support should work with the Air Direct.

The new device uses twin antennas to send and receive data to and from the camera via 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11AC Wi-Fi networks, which Tether Tools claims, along with a USB-C cable, allows a transfer connection 5x faster than before. Air Direct has a range of 200ft/60m and can send both Raw and JPEG files to PC and Mac computers simultaneously. Battery or DC powered, the Air Direct doesn’t drain camera power and can be run using an external battery pack via the USB-C connection.

Key Features:

• Wireless camera control and transfer from your software. No compromises. Capture One, Lightroom, Smart Shooter, DarkRoom & many other tethering software programs.
• USB-C technology for lightning fast transfer.
• 802.11AC Wi-Fi connection. Internet access not required.
• Two-way communication from computer to camera, camera to computer.
• Transfer Raw and JPEG to Mac and PC simultaneously.
• One to One camera connection for secure communication.
• 5X faster transfer speed and range up to 200 feet (60m).
• Compatible with Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic LUMIX, Phase One, Hasselblad, Leica models with USB tether. Not designed for non-supported camera models.
• Mobile users enjoy all the benefits of the Air Remote App on iOS and Android devices.
• Powered by easy access LP-E6 battery or DC input. Air Direct utilizes its own power source and will not drain the camera’s battery. For longer shoots, use large external USB batteries or AC wall power via the supplied DC cable. Air Direct offers the flexibility to hot swap power without ever shutting down. Power and shoot simultaneously.

The Air Direct offers two ways to wirelessly tether your camera. Connect the Air Direct to your PC or Mac via the Air Direct Utility (ADU) and use tethering software of your choice, or connect the Air Direct to your mobile device (phone or tablet) and tether with the Air Remote App. Connecting the Air Direct to your mobile device phone or tablet is compatible with Canon and Nikon cameras only at this time.

The Tether Tools Air Direct will cost $329.99.
For more info see the Tether Tools website.