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Connect a camera and charge the iPad together

Understand the data path and power path before buying a hub.

Step-by-step guideUpdated 13 October 2026iPhone & iPad
Find it: Camera setup → connection choice → connect and test
What you’ll need

For USB-C iPads: a compatible USB-C hub with PD input, a charger or PD power bank, and camera data accessories.

Check every port’s job

Look for an upstream connection to the iPad, a USB-C PD power-input port, and a downstream USB data port. A port labelled PD may accept power only. Do not plug the camera into a charge-only input.

Example USB-C hub with PD power input, USB data ports and an attached iPad connection
Look for three different jobs: power in, camera data and the connection to your iPad. This is an illustrative hub; check the labels and specifications of your actual model.

Connect the power path

Connect your charger or power bank to the hub’s PD input. Connect the hub’s upstream cable to the iPad. Check the iPad recognises power. Hub overhead and attached accessories reduce the power available to the iPad.

Power and data paths for a USB-C iPad camera boothCharger or power bank connects to the hub PD input. Hub upstream cable connects to the iPad. Camera data goes to a separate hub data port. Camera power is checked separately.Charger / power bankUSB-C Power DeliveryCompatible hubPD input + data portsCheck actual port labelsCameraUSB data, or HDMIvia a capture cardUSB-C iPadCreateBoothCamera power: separateUse your model’s approved methodPower inDataUpstreamA charging iPad does not mean a charging camera.
USB-C example only. Compatibility and available power depend on the exact iPad, hub, camera and cables.

Connect the camera data path

For USB control, connect the camera’s data cable to a downstream data port on the hub. For HDMI, connect camera → HDMI capture card → hub data port. The capture card, not a plain HDMI adapter, converts the video input.

Power the camera separately if needed

The hub charging the iPad does not establish that it can power or charge your camera during use. Use the camera’s approved power method, such as a compatible coupler or a separate supported USB power connection. Never use an improvised battery adapter.

Run a sustained test

In CreateBooth choose the correct camera connection, take captures and check both batteries. Pause before changing power: a hub can briefly disconnect the camera when power negotiation changes. Have charged spare camera batteries as a fallback.

Select your camera model
Select your camera model1Search your camera model2Choose the manufacturer3Select your exact model

Real app screens with numbered highlights. Tap Enlarge to inspect a screen. Example content; labels can vary by app version.

Helpful to know.

USB port already occupied on the camera?

If the camera’s only USB port is carrying data, do not assume you can add a second charging cable. A manufacturer-approved DC coupler or a different supported connection may be needed.

Lightning devices need a different adapter

Use an Apple-compatible powered camera adapter for that device and confirm the connection is supported by CreateBooth. The diagram here is specifically for USB-C iPads.

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