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Nikon SnapBridge now available for Android, iOS to follow this summer

Brittany Hillen | Published: Apr 19, 2016 at 19:54 UTC

Nikon's SnapBridge app is now available for Android. First announced as a feature on the Nikon D500, SnapBridge allows photographers with a compatible Nikon digital camera to maintain a connection to a mobile device using Bluetooth low energy. SnapBridge for Android is available as of today in the Google Play Store, and the iOS version is expected later this summer.

Once the app is installed, the camera and phone can be paired and will maintain the Bluetooth connection as long as both devices are on and within range. SnapBridge is able to create a low-energy, persistent connection making it easier to automatically transfer images to a mobile device during shooting. Additionally, SnapBridge offers remote control over camera shutter and settings, and can be used to upload images to Nikon's cloud storage service.

We were fans of the similar technology in Samsung's NX1, though only the Android version of the app offered the Bluetooth option. SnapBridge for Android requires Android 5.0 or later, or Android 6.0.1 or later to run.

As of April 2016, Nikon SnapBridge has been tested with the following smartphones and approved for use with them:

Samsung:

Galaxy S5(v.5.0.0)
Galaxy S4(v.5.0.1)
Galaxy S6 Edge(v.5.0.2)

Google:

Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi(v.5.1.1)
Nexus 6(v.6.0.1)
Nexus 5(v.6.0.1)
Nexus 4(v.5.1.1)
Nexus 5X(v.6.0.1)
Nexus 6P(v.6.0.1)

Sony:

Xperia Z4(v.5.0.2)
Xperia Z5(v.5.1.1)

Comments

Total comments: 20

Why Bluetooth? I'm inclined to say that WiFi has a far better range and fewer drop outs. This also creates confusion in the user base, with D750 users complaining. Nikon really doesn't need to expand their software ecosystem, as much as polish their existing apps and software.

Nikon has been on a losing streak lately, with the high price and delayed launch of the D500 and poor low ISO performance of the D5. I don't think that adding app confusion is going to help with public relations.

0 upvotes

I think the key words are "always on connection." Wi-fi would impose a steep penalty in power usage for that type of connection.

1 upvote

Bluetooth allows for the main functionality of Snapbridge, which is an always-on connection. Depending on its execution, it could well be a lot less clumsy than the current methods (which always end up with me doing this weird semi-juggle with a phone in one hand and camera in another).

It does use Wifi as well, but the connection is initiated by Bluetooth. BT as a whole is slow in comparison to WiFi's throughput.

1 upvote

The word on the D500 release date in the US is April 25, I believe that store have begun emailing customers.

0 upvotes

Now all I need is that preordered D500 (delivery date unknown)

0 upvotes

The SnapBridge appsite only mentions Nikons D500 and 11 third party cameras. Why the H not my Nikon D750?

0 upvotes

"First announced as a feature on the Nikon D500, SnapBridge allows photographers with a compatible Nikon digital camera to maintain a connection to a mobile device using Bluetooth low energy. "

Key word: Bluetooth.

3 upvotes

I downloaded it just to be sure...and yes, it looks only for Bluetooth devices. No option at all for wi-fi.

0 upvotes

Thanks yslee 1 and D200_4me. I got it. Bluetooth

0 upvotes

I hope it works better than ViewNX-i which crashes all the time on my PC and Mac. Great cameras, bad software.

0 upvotes

that sure doesn't look like a D500. what other DSLRs are SnapBridge compatible?

1 upvote

Toshiba FlasAir in 2nd SD slot works well for me too

1 upvote

That doesn't even offer the same functionality - the key part here is the "Always-on" feature.

I wonder how good the Android software is though; for it to be seamless it has to be running in the background, and I wonder what the effect it will have on battery life.

1 upvote

That's cool. I just transfer directly to my phone for Instagram or Facebook. The RAWs go to the PC.

0 upvotes

Does the Toshiba FlasAir also supports the remote control? I wasn't aware that the SD/WiFi cards are capable of that.

Edited 23 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

So....d500, the DLs - will there be a wireless unit to bring in older cameras?

0 upvotes

Ignoring Windows Phone vol. 14356768

5 upvotes

WP is irrelevant

4 upvotes

Well, at least we were spared the "Why do all these companies do iOS apps first?" complaints in these mobile app threads

3 upvotes

Way to go Nikon! I have used my remote capture and transfer app for years and will never buy a camera without this functionality. So welcome to the 2010's :)

1 upvote

Total comments: 20

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