Troubleshoot: Live view too dark on connected camera

If your DSLR’s live view looks like it’s been plunged into a photography cave when using flash - don’t worry. You haven’t broken anything, and your camera isn’t mad at you. What’s happening is that your camera is trying to preview the final photo with flash… but since your strobe isn’t firing all the time, the preview ends up way too dark.

On Canon cameras, this is caused by a setting called Exposure Simulation (or “Exp. Sim.” for short).

For Canon Cameras with an Exposure Simulation Setting

If you’re using models like the Canon 80D, 90D, 5D series, 6D series, M5, M50, R100, etc., you’re in luck - this is a quick fix.

Find the “Exp. Sim.” or “Exposure Simulation” option in your camera menu.
Switch it to Disable.

Now your live view will show a separate exposure from the actual photo—meaning your camera will automatically adjust the preview to look bright and properly lit, even though your flash is only firing during the photo itself.

For Canon Cameras Without an Exposure Simulation Setting

If you’re rocking an older or more budget-friendly model like the Canon M3, EOS Rebel SL1, SL2, T6i, or T7i, you won’t find this setting in your menus. But don’t worry you’ve got options:

Use constant lighting instead of flash. This will keep live view bright and make framing easy.
Try a Canon TTL-compatible flash. Some models will auto-adjust live view brightness when paired with an official Canon TTL flash.
Use the “Brighten Live View” setting in our app. If all else fails, we’ve got you covered. In the app’s Camera Settings, turn on Brighten Live View and your preview will instantly get the boost it needs.

📸 Pro Tip: Even if your preview looks dark, your actual flash photo might be perfectly exposed, so always check a test shot before changing too much.