ShootX User Manual

CamDo ShootX User Manual Index

  1. Introduction
  2. Hardware Overview
  3. Overview of Status LED Colors
  4. Starting A Time Lapse
  5. Connecting to the ShootX Web Interface
  6. Time Lapse Schedule and Image Settings
  7. WiFi Features
  8. Framing the Camera's View
  9. Mounting the Camera
  10. Downloading ShootX Footage
  11. Manually Adjusting Camera Settings
  12. ShootX Firmware Update
  13. ShootX Image Settings
  14. Troubleshooting

1. Introduction

This guide is for ShootX running the latest firmware (v1.2.1) and may differ from the older firmware operation. If running older firmware, please update your ShootX camera using the steps outlined HERE. Read our Quick Start Guide to get started and this more detailed User Manual for further details.

2. Hardware Overview

  1. 120° wide angle lens.
  2. USB Micro-B Connector - only use the supplied USB cable which has an extra long connector tip for a solid connection with the camera.
  3. Battery Charging Indicator (LED).
  4. Camera Status Indicator (LED).
  5. Power/Mode Button.
  6. Tripod Mount (1/4"-20).
  7. Mounting Slot.

3. Overview of Status LED Colors

ShootX has two LEDs to indicate the camera's status.

Battery Charging Indicator

The Battery Charging Indicator LED will light up when ShootX is connected to a USB power source.

Shoot+USB
  • Green indicates the ShootX battery is fully charged.
  • Red indicates the ShootX battery is charging.

Camera Status Indicator

When you release the push button, the ShootX cycles through the different modes.

Shoot_Button
  • Green flashes 5times to indicate a time lapse session has started and will begin capturing images at the programmed interval.
  • Green flash once indicates ShootX has taken an image.
  • Red flashes 5times to indicate a time lapse session has ended.
  • Red when pressing the button indicates ShootX will turn off when the button is released.
  • Yellow flash indicates ShootX is checking for a USB data connection and will mount if connected to a computer.
  • Yellow remains lit to indicate ShootX is in standby mode and ready to be connected to a computer for file management. If WiFi is enabled, ShootX will also broadcast the WiFi Access Point used for programming. ShootX will not capture footage while the yellow LED remains lit.
  • White remains lit to indicate ShootX is connected to a computer in "USB mode" for file management. If the LED changes RED when connected, the data lines of the USB are not connected. ShootX should be used with the supplied USB cable which has an extra long connector tip for a solid connection with the camera.
  • Blue flashes to indicate ShootX is connecting to the WiFi network.
  • Cyan flashes to indicate the start of the firmware update process. The LED will continue to flash various colors until the firmware update is complere before going dark.
  • Purple indicates an update file has been found in the camera's root folder. Pressing the button while the purple LED is displayed will accept the update.

4. Starting A Time Lapse

ShootX has a default interval between images of 10minutes with an image size of 2592 x 1944px. To adjust the ShootX capture settings, see the section on connecting to the ShootX programming interface using a WiFi enabled device (smartphone/computer).

    1. Before deploying, fully charge ShootX via the supplied USB cable. When fully charged, the Battery LED (#3) changes from red to green. For the initial charge, this could take up to 24 hours.
      USB power can remain connected to ShootX while capturing time lapse images.
    2. Push the button (#5) until the status indicator LED (#4) changes green, then let go. The status indicator LED (#4) will flash green five times to indicate the camera is now on in time lapse mode. The LED (#4) will also flash green every time an image is taken.
      If you wish to change the interval (default of one shot every 10 mins), refer the next section below.
    3. Once your time lapse has been completed, push button (#5) for two seconds until status indicator LED (#4) turns green and release the button. The LED will flash red five times before turning yellow to indicate the time lapse has ended and ShootX is now "standby mode" for file management.
    4. To turn off your camera, press the button (#5) for another two seconds until the LED (#4) changes red. When the button is released, the LED will go dark, indicating the camera is now off.

5. Connecting to the ShootX Web Interface

Starting from ShootX firmware v1.1.4, ShootX can broadcast a WiFi access point for adjusting the ShootX settings using a WiFi enabled device (smartphone/tablet). Connecting to the ShootX WiFi AP will provide access to the ShootX Programming URL and does not require an internet signal.

    1. Set ShootX into "standby mode" by holding the button (#5) for about 6seconds until the status indicator LED (#4) changes from green to yellow. The status LED should remain yellow after releasing the button indicating the camera is now in "standby mode" and broadcasting a WiFi Access Point.
    2. With a smartphone, laptop, or other wireless device, connect to the ShootX wireless network Timelapse_AP. The default password to connect is: timelapse.
      ShootX's WiFi SSID and password can be changed from the User Interface.

      • NOTE: Some phones and computers have a WiFi setting that will automatically connect to a known WiFi network with the strongest internet signal rather than staying connected to ShootX. Since connecting to ShootX's WiFi Access Point does not provide external internet access, some devices will not stay connected. You might need to temporarily deactivate this automatic WiFi setting or remove other known networks in the area for the period required to set up ShootX.
    3. Open any web browser, such as Chrome or Safari, and navigate to 192.168.4.1 in the search bar. You will be presented with the following interface.
    4. Continue to the next sections for information on the interface sections for Image Settings, WiFi Features, and Framing. After adjusting any of the ShootX settings, ensure to hit the Save button for each edited section. The ShootX will use these new settings when the camera has been restarted.
    5. To turn off ShootX, hold the button (#5) until the status indicator LED (#4) changes from yellow to red before releasing the button to turn the camera off. The status LED (#4) should go dark when the camera is powered off.

6. Time Lapse Schedule and Image Settings

The Settings section of the interface is for adjusting the ShootX capture settings.

  • Interval: is the amount of time between capturing each image. Our Time Lapse Calculator is a great resource to determine your ideal shooting interval based on the length of the project and final video clip length you are trying to achieve. A minimum of 10min (600sec) interval is recommended when uploading to CloudX, while 6sec is the absolute lowest value.
  • Image Size: decreasing the image size will reduce the filesize of each image. Using the largest image size provides the most flexibility for editing in post production.
  • ISO: adjusts the light sensitivity of the image sensor. A higher ISO typically allows you to shoot at faster shutter speeds in darker conditions, but translates to a more "noisy" or “grainy” image if set too high. A lower ISO when used with good lighting will typically produce better color and dynamic range. Therefore, it is generally recommended to keep ISO as low as possible in order to get the highest quality output from your camera
  • Shutter Speed: is the length of time your camera shutter is open. A long shutter speed will allow more light to the sensor, but may result in motion blur of faster moving objects. While motion blur can be less appealing for still images, slight motion blur can be beneficial when images are compiled into a time lapse video clip.
  • JPEG Output Quality: The degree of image compression can be adjusted (100% = No Compression). Increasing JPEG compression will result in a more manageable file size. Decrease the compression where the sharp contrasts between adjacent pixels can cause noticeable artifacts.
  • WiFi Module: must remain active to use the ShootX WiFi Access Point for programming through the web interface. However, the ShootX WiFi can be optionally be permanently disabled. To regain access to ShootX programming after WiFi is disabled, you must connect ShootX to a computer via USB cable.
  • Schedule: provides the option to have the camera to only capture footage between set times of the day.

7. WiFi Features

The WiFi Module must remain active to access any WiFi features, including the ShootX WiFi Access Point for programming, and automatically uploading each image to your CloudX account.

WiFi Access Point

The WiFi Access Point section allows for you to adjust the name and password of the WiFi Access Point that is broadcast by ShootX when set to "standby mode", indicated by the yellow status LED. An internet connection is not required to connect to the ShootX WiFi Access Point.

Cloud Setup - Uploading images to CloudX

The Cloud Setup section of the interface requires that ShootX is deployed withing range of a WiFi signal with internet access. As well as uploading each image, ShootX will also upload a camera status file to the CloudX server and synchronize the ShootX clock with your selected timezone. From your CloudX account you can view the status of your camera (Memory Free, Battery Level, etc.) and schedule a status update to be emailed. The images uploaded to CloudX server can be remotely viewed, downloaded, and generated into a timelapse video from the CloudX webpage.

  • Upload: Set to Instantly to enable the CloudX upload functionality. If set to Off, ShootX will not connect to the internet after capturing an image.
  • Username: Enter the email address associated with your CloudX account. The email address to be notified should be the same email that was used to purchase any CloudX subscriptions. If you are contacting a different email address than what was used to make the purchase for a subscription, your ShootX will create a new account and will not locate the purchased subscription for this different email address.
  • Timezone: The ShootX camera time will synchronize to this timezone when connected to the internet. This prevents issues due to daylight savings or clock drift.
  • WiFi Name: Enter the name (SSID) of the WiFi network broadcast by your router.
  • Password: Enter the password to connect to your router's WiFi network.

Each ShootX includes a 2week free trial of the CloudX upload service before a CloudX subscription is required.
See our CloudX User Manual for details on CloudX use and subscriptions.

8. Framing the Camera's View

Mount the camera (see next section for ShootX mounting options) and connect to the WiFi Access Point to view an image of the camera's view.

  1. Set ShootX into "standby mode" by holding the button for about 6seconds until the status indicator LED changes from green to yellow. The status LED should remain yellow after releasing the button indicating the camera is now in "standby mode" and broadcasting a WiFi Access Point.
  2. With a smartphone, laptop, or other wireless device, connect to the ShootX wireless network. The default WiFi name is Timelapse_AP with the password: timelapse.
    ShootX's WiFi SSID and password can be changed from the User Interface.
  3. Open any web browser, such as Chrome or Safari, and navigate to 192.168.4.1 in the search bar to access the ShootX Programming Interface.
  4. At the Viewfinder section of the interface, hit the "Reload Viewfinder" button to see the camera's field of view. If needed, adjust the position of the camera and repeat until the camera position is perfectly framed.
  5. Once the camera view is is perfectly framed, either use the Restart in Capture Mode button at the bottom of the UI to begin the timelapse, or turn the camera off by pressing the camera's button until the LED is red before releasing. The LED will turn off when the camera's button is released to indicate the camera is off.

9. Mounting the Camera

There are a few options for mounting including:

  • Tripod mount (1/4"-20) - There are various compatible mounting brackets and magic arm brackets for the standard tripod screw.
  • Strap slot - Using a steel strap like a pipe clamp is a very robust way of mounting the camera to a variety of pole shapes

Regardless of mounting method, it is highly recommended to use a secondary cable or rope to secure the camera additionally in case the primary mounting method fails. You might also want to use a strap and padlock or another locking mechanism to avoid theft.

10. Downloading ShootX Footage

Images will be stored locally on the ShootX camera. To access the camera footage, you will need to connect ShootX to a computer via USB.

  1. Set ShootX into "mounting/standby mode" by holding the push button (#5) until the status indicator LED (#4) changes from green to yellow. The status LED should remain yellow after releasing the button.
  2. Plug ShootX into a computer using the supplied USB cable and the light will change from yellow to white when the connection is established indicating the camera is now connected in USB mode for file management.
  3. Open up your File Explorer, such as "My Computer" (PC) or "Finder" (MAC), and open the device named TIMELAPSE.
  4. Images will be stored in the Timelapse folder, where each separate sub-folder's name is a timestamp that indicates the start of each time lapse session. Cut and paste the Timelapse folder or individual sub-folder(s) to your storage device.
  5. Ensure to use the operating system "Eject" function to unmount the device before unplugging ShootX to prevent corruption of the camera's files.
  6. Push the button (#5) until the status indicator LED (#4) changes red, then let go. The status indicator LED (#4) will go dark when the button is released to indicate the camera has turned off. If LED does not change red within 5 seconds, release the button and repeat step until LED changes red.

11. Manually Adjusting Camera Settings (Without WiFi Access Point)

If you have turned off the ShootX WiFi chip (WiFi Enable=OFF), you will need to plug ShootX into your Mac or PC to update the setting or enable the WiFi Access Point.

  1. Set ShootX into "mounting/standby mode" by holding the push button (#5) until the status indicator LED (#4) changes from green to yellow. The status LED should remain yellow after releasing the button.
  2. Plug ShootX into a computer using the supplied USB cable and the light will change from yellow to white when the connection is established indicating the camera is now connected in USB mode for file management.
  3. Open up your File Explorer, such as "My Computer" (PC) or "Finder" (MAC), and open the device named TIMELAPSE.
  4. Use a standard text editor, such as NotePad (PC) or TextEdit (MAC), to open the settings.ini file.
  5. If you wish to change the interval (default is one shot every 10 mins indicated by: Interval=600), edit the line Interval = 600 for your desired interval between images. Our Time Lapse Calculator can be a helpful tool in determining the ideal interval for your project. Note that the interval time is in seconds.
  6. To turn on the ShootX WiFi Access Point to allow for programming via the web User Interface, set Wifi_Enable=ON. This will activate the WiFi Access Point that can be used to program the camera through a web interface. When WiFi is enabled and the status LED is yellow, indicating the camera is in "standby mode", ShootX will broadcast a WiFi Access Point with the name an password set from:
    AP_SSID=Timelapse_AP
    AP_PASSWORD=timelapse
  7. To enable uploading to CloudX, enter your WiFi network details and your email address. Adjust the bold text indicated below for your personal settings:
    • Enable the WiFi module: Wifi_Enable=ON
    • Turn on WiFi uploading feature: "Cloud_Upload=OFF" to "Cloud_Upload=INSTANT"
    • Set the maximum amount of time ShootX will search for your WiFi network: Wifi_Timeout=60
    • Enter your WiFi network name: SSID=Networkname
    • Enter your WiFi password: PASSWORD=password
    • Enter your email address used to purchase CloudX*: Email=example@email.com
    • Adjust the timezone to to match your location**: TimeZone=America/New_York

*The email address can be subsequently changed through the online CloudX platform after the first successful upload.
**Will synchronize the camera's clock when connected to the internet. See the timezone.txt file on the camera for reference of available inputs.

  1. Save the settings.ini file before ejecting the camera. Always use the operating system "Eject" function to unmount the device before unplugging ShootX to prevent corruption of the camera's files.
  2. Push the button (#5) until the status indicator LED (#4) changes red, then let go. The status indicator LED (#4) will go dark when the button is released to indicate the camera has turned off. If LED does not change red within 5 seconds, release the button and repeat step until LED changes red.

12. ShootX Firmware Update

New features are always being implemented, so regularly check if you are on the latest firmware. If your ShootX is deployed out in the field, we have a list of the changes between firmware versions that can be used to determine if a newest firmware update requires retrieving the camera.

  1. Download the most recent settings.ini and firmware.zd update files for ShootX that can be downloaded HERE.
  2. Set ShootX into "mounting/standby mode" by holding the button until the status indicator LED changes from green to yellow. The status LED should remain yellow after releasing the button.
  3. Plug ShootX into a computer using the supplied USB cable and the status LED will change from yellow to white when the connection is established, indicating the camera is now connected in USB mode for file management.
  4. Open up your File Explorer, such as "My Computer" (PC) or "Finder" (MAC), and open the device named TIMELAPSE.
  5. Delete the current settings.ini and log.txt files (and Snapshot folder if present).
  6. Transfer the new settings.ini file and firmware.zd update file to the camera's root folder.
  7. Before unplugging the USB of ShootX, ensure to use the operating system's "Eject" function to unmount the device to prevent corruption of the camera's files. The status LED will change from white to yellow when the device has been safely unmounted from the computer.
  8. Turn ShootX off by pressing the button until the status indicator LED turns red before releasing.
  9. Turn ShootX on by pressing the button for about 2seconds until the status indicator LED is green and release the button.
  10. To initiate the firmware update process, press the button again for about 2seconds until the status indicator LED changes color and release
  11. Wait until the firmware update has completed. When the button is released, the LED will start as blue and will change colors a few times for up to 1minute until the firmware update is complete before going dark.
  12. Turn ShootX off by pressing the button until the status indicator LED turns red before releasing. The status LED should go dark when the camera is powered off.

13. ShootX Image Settings

ShootX provides a number of settings to give you finer control over your shoot. A number of these can be set to AUTO or can be set manually to a specific setting.

Resolution

The available resolution settings are as follows:

 Resolution
Aspect Ratio
640 x 480 px 4:3
800 x 600 px 4:3
1024 x 768 px 4:3
1280 x 720 px 16:9
1600 x 1200 px 4:3
1920 x 1080 px
(1080)		 16:9
2048 x 1536 px 4:3
2592 x 1944 px
(2.6K)		 4:3

ISO

The available ISO settings are as follows. If you are unsure, leave it on AUTO (default). 

  • AUTO (default)
  • ISO 50
  • ISO 100
  • ISO 200
  • ISO 400
  • ISO 800
  • ISO 1600
  • ISO 3200

Shutter Speed

The available shutter speeds are as follows. If you are unsure, leave it on AUTO (default)

  • AUTO
  • 1 second
  • 1/2 second
  • 1/4 second
  • 1/8 second
  • 1/15 second
  • 1/30 second
  • 1/60 second
  • 1/125 second
  • 1/250 second
  • 1/500 second
  • 1/1000 second

14. Troubleshooting

Hardware Reset: If the camera becomes unresponsive, hold the button for 1 minute to initiate a hardware reset.

What if I don't have a CloudX Pro subscription?

The photos will be stored locally on the camera, which you can download locally to a computer. You won't have access to the online cloud platform including features such as automatic upload, remote status monitoring, email notifications, remote firmware updating, etc.

Where are the photos stored?

Scheduled time lapse images are stored on the camera's Timelapse folder, where each session is a separate folder. The folder's name is a timestamp of when each time lapse session was started. If the folders and images are all timestamped from 2016, the ShootX clock needs to be reset. Refer instructions below.

Why is the date wrong?

When you initially receive ShootX, the date could be wrong. When ShootX connects to our CloudX server, the clock time and date will automatically update based on the timezone set in the web interface or directly in the settings.ini file. To correct the clock when not using CloudX, scroll to the bottom of the web interface and click the SET DATE/TIME button to sync the camera's clock with the local time of your viewing device.

Alternatively, without using the ShootX WiFi AP to access the web interface, download the file (setdatetime.ini) and use a text editor to update the file to the appropriate time and date. Place the updated setdatetime.ini file in your camera's root folder before restarting your camera by turning off, then on again. If the file is detected, the Camera Status Indicator will display a purple LED and you will need to push the button to accept the new time settings. The LED should briefly flash white to indicate the date has been modified and the update file removed.

If the Camera Status Indicator LED only shortly flickers white and green after, the battery needs charging.

What happens if ShootX's settings.ini file is gone, empty, or has invalid entries?

ShootX will capture at the default settings. If the settings.ini file is deleted, ShootX will generate a new file with the default settings. A new settings.ini can be downloaded from the following LINK.

When connected to ShootX's WiFi, why does my device indicate that there is "No Internet Connection"?

ShootX broadcasts a WiFi Access Point signal for programming that does not provide an external internet connection. This notification is indicating the WiFi network you are connected to does not have external internet access and you will not be able to access websites or use other internet features when connected to ShootX's WiFi signal. Your webbrowser can only access the ShootX's Web User Interface page when connected to ShootX's WiFi signal. When connected to ShootX's WiFi signal, you can use any webbrowser, such as chrome or safari, to access the ShootX's Programming User Interface by navigating to the page http://http://192.168.4.1

Why does my device not stay connected to ShootX's WiFi signal?

Some phones and computers have a WiFi setting that will automatically connect to a known WiFi network with the strongest internet signal rather than staying connected to ShootX. Since connecting to ShootX's WiFi network does not provide external internet access, some devices will not stay connected. You might need to temporarily deactivate this automatic WiFi setting or remove other known networks in the area for the period required to set up ShootX.

When I have previously connected to ShootX's WiFi on my device, why is it now indicating "Can't connect to this network"?

If you have previously connected to ShootX's WiFi but you device no longer connects to the network, you should to remove ShootX from your known WiFi networks before reconnecting to ShootX's WiFi signal.

Forget ShootX's WiFi Network

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