Using a Mac laptop as a Screen for the K5

paceyy · 05-24-2015, 10:57 PM

I have searched for the past week a way to put my camera screen on my laptop. I can do it with the TV with the mini-HDMI - HDMI cord but I can't get it up on my laptop!! Frustration!

I don't *need* to control it through the laptop, even though that would be nice it looks like the software I found only works with windows.

I just need to be able to see the frame set up and whether it's in focus etc through my laptop, any thoughts, help, advise?

Adam · 05-24-2015, 11:07 PM

Originally posted by paceyy

I have searched for the past week a way to put my camera screen on my laptop. I can do it with the TV with the mini-HDMI - HDMI cord but I can't get it up on my laptop!! Frustration!

I don't *need* to control it through the laptop, even though that would be nice it looks like the software I found only works with windows.

I just need to be able to see the frame set up and whether it's in focus etc through my laptop, any thoughts, help, advise?

Laptops don't generally support video input. You would need external hardware such at this to capture the camera's video stream:

Elgato Game Capture HD60 10025015, 1080p Capture with 60 fps - Newegg.com

It might be cheaper just to get an external monitor. Also, remember that the camera only streams what you see on the display, so it's not possible to zoom in beyond that (640x480px).

There is no tethering / remote control software for the K-5 that I know of apart from PKTether, which as you noted is for Windows (and is fan-developed). The closest you could get is the FluCard that works with the K-3. Even the K-S2, with its native wi-fi, currently only supports smartphones and tablets.

paceyy · 05-24-2015, 11:15 PM

Well that makes sense. I plan on getting an external monitor for another purpose in the future so it may just have to wait until then. Thanks for that Adam!

05-24-2015, 10:57 PM	#1
paceyy Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Sydney, NSW Photos: Gallery Posts: 45	Using a Mac laptop as a Screen for the K5 I have searched for the past week a way to put my camera screen on my laptop. I can do it with the TV with the mini-HDMI - HDMI cord but I can't get it up on my laptop!! Frustration! I don't need to control it through the laptop, even though that would be nice it looks like the software I found only works with windows. I just need to be able to see the frame set up and whether it's in focus etc through my laptop, any thoughts, help, advise?

05-24-2015, 11:07 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Originally posted by paceyy I have searched for the past week a way to put my camera screen on my laptop. I can do it with the TV with the mini-HDMI - HDMI cord but I can't get it up on my laptop!! Frustration! I don't need to control it through the laptop, even though that would be nice it looks like the software I found only works with windows. I just need to be able to see the frame set up and whether it's in focus etc through my laptop, any thoughts, help, advise? Laptops don't generally support video input. You would need external hardware such at this to capture the camera's video stream: Elgato Game Capture HD60 10025015, 1080p Capture with 60 fps - Newegg.com It might be cheaper just to get an external monitor. Also, remember that the camera only streams what you see on the display, so it's not possible to zoom in beyond that (640x480px). There is no tethering / remote control software for the K-5 that I know of apart from PKTether, which as you noted is for Windows (and is fan-developed). The closest you could get is the FluCard that works with the K-3. Even the K-S2, with its native wi-fi, currently only supports smartphones and tablets. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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05-24-2015, 11:15 PM	#3
paceyy Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Sydney, NSW Photos: Gallery Posts: 45 Original Poster	Well that makes sense. I plan on getting an external monitor for another purpose in the future so it may just have to wait until then. Thanks for that Adam!