---
title: Connecting Triggers and Cameras to DT Stellar
slug: stellarmkii-stellarxl/connecting-triggers-and-cameras-to-dt-stellar
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-05-22T00:21:29.350Z
---

DT Stellar lights can accept a trigger directly through their sync connection. What happens when that connection is triggered depends on how you are using the lights.

This functionality is available on all Stellar Mk II, Stellar RGBW, and Stellar XL lights, as well as later hardware revisions of the original Stellar Fusion.

# Using a foot switch with DT Nexus

When using DT Stellar with DT Nexus, you can connect a passive trigger such as a foot switch directly to the Stellar.

Pressing the foot switch tells DT Nexus that you want to capture. DT Nexus then performs whatever capture action is currently configured, such as a White Capture or a Sequencer workflow.

For a passive foot switch, set **Trigger Power to Internal**.

# Connecting a camera for stand-alone flash triggering

DT Stellar can also be used without DT Nexus. In this configuration, connect the camera's flash sync port directly to a Stellar using a flash sync cable.

When the camera triggers, the Stellar enters Flash mode. Other Stellar lights connected over Ethernet will trigger at the same time.

## Cameras with unpowered sync ports

Most cameras do not supply power over their sync ports. When using these cameras, set **Trigger Power to Internal**.

Cameras with powered sync ports 
(including Phase One iXG and iXH)
---------------------------------

Some cameras, such as the Phase One iXG and iXH, supply power through their flash sync connection. When connecting an iXG or iXH directly to a Stellar, set **Trigger Power to External**.

:::hint{type="danger"}
Using **Internal** with a powered flash sync connection can potentially damage the camera or light.
:::

# Changing the Power Source Setting in DT Nexus

To change the setting in DT Nexus:

**Light Control → \[…] → Trigger Power → External**

The setting is stored on the Stellar and remains in effect until it is changed. However, it may be reset after a firmware update or service, so check the setting again afterward.

If you need to change this setting from Windows, contact DT Support. We can configure it using a command-line utility and walk you through the process by screen sharing.

# Which setting should I use?

| **What's connected  to the Stellar?**                              | **Setting**  |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------ |
| Passive foot switch                                                | **Internal** |
| Cameras that do **not** supply power through the sync port         | **Internal** |
| Phase One iXG or iXH                                               | **External** |
| Another device or camera that supplies power through the sync port | **External** |