Functional Camera Costume

Ever wanted a costume that's both eye-catching and functional? This project is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking for something customizable and interactive. It’s sure to turn heads wherever you go!

Materials:

1. Camera with a USB-C connection 
2. Tablet with USB-C connection
3. Flash transmitter and receiver. 
4. Speedlite
5. USB-C cable.  
6. Cardboard box (approx 72 x 40 x 50 cm)
7. Shoe Box
8. Large cardstock 
9. Aluminum Foil 
10. Duct tape 
11. Black paint 
12. Whiteout  
13. Hot glue + gun

Tools: 

1. Box cutter 
2. Paint Brush

We will only need to make three holes in the main body: one for your head, arm, and the body's lens (30cm diameter). The head and arm holes should be placed so that the body can comfortably rest on your shoulders while wearing it. You should also be able to hold your camera comfortably through the holes.

After, cut a piece of cardboard around 10cm wide and long enough to fit the circumference of the lens hole. Use duct tape to attach.

Once done with the holes for yourself, cut a rectangle on the back that fits the screen of your chosen screen device (we used an iPad).

The camera handle can be made of either cardstock or any thinner, more flexible cardboard. Cut a piece of your chosen material so that it sticks out approx. 18 cm from the main body. Then cut a part off the top of the handle to angle the top to about 15°-20° down. Then cut out two pieces of cardboard: one to fully cover the angled top of the handle, and a smaller circle to make the button. Attach the cardstock with tape and use hot glue for the top two pieces.

The last part of the body is the flash. Get a shoe box and attach it to the main body behind the head hole. Cut out approx. 1 third of the top of the lid and cover with white tissue paper (optional). We also suggest lining the inside of the box with aluminum foil to amplify the flash. Finally connect the flash to your camera with its respective transmitter and receiver.

Once done setting up the flash, paint the box to your liking. We just did black for ours, but feel free to get creative.

First, turn on your tablet (we will be using an iPad in this build) and install the app cascable. After downloading Cascable, connect your camera to the Ipad via a UCB type C cable. Open the Cascable app and press on Connect New button. Then you need to select your camera model and choose connect through USB.

When you start shooting you will notice that there is a histogram blocking the full image and the preview only last for a few seconds. We will address this issue now. First press the setting button on the top right of the screen. Once you are in the setting menu turn off show histogram, and change auto dismiss preview to manual.

Finally, attach your screen of choice the its hole using tape (we suggest a stronger attachment than the photo). Then run the usb-c cable from the screen to your camera through the box.

Now take some test photos to make sure everything is working!