Feature Questions

[KAT4DISNEY]

I was wondering how much people use the Live View on their cameras that have it. Is it something that once you start using you feel you can't live without or not? The best use I can think of for it is shooting above a crowd - are there other situations that you also use it for?

Also, wirless shutter release. Any pros (other than distance away of course) or cons compared to a wired release?

 

[Master Mason]

I was wondering how much people use the Live View on their cameras that have it. Is it something that once you start using you feel you can't live without or not? The best use I can think of for it is shooting above a crowd - are there other situations that you also use it for?

Also, wirless shutter release. Any pros (other than distance away of course) or cons compared to a wired release?

i have live view and have never used it, not even sure how to turn it on to be honest. It wasn't something I cared about at all, but the 40D happens to have it.

As for sutter releases, most of the wireless ones require you to be in front of the camera for them to fire. I prefer the wired one where I can stand behind myself.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I haven't used it a lot yet either, but I've only had my dSLR since March and there are lots of features I haven't learned or used yet. I generally use the viewfinder, but Live View is a feature I like knowing is there. Eventually I'll probably use it in certain situations.

Besides shooting above crowds, macro and other difficult shots are supposed to be easier. Some dSLRs with Live View have non-swivel screens, so their usefulness is somewhat limited if you can't actually see the screen. Another advertised benefit is being able to compose and adjust the shot before you shoot, as opposed to shooting, then checking after the shot is done to see if it came out right. If you use Live View to shoot movement, there is a slight delay as opposed to a pns.

 

[The Grays]

Not useing the live view will save your batteries for sure. As for wireless triggering, I think that would be best if you are going to get into the pic yourself, but for fireworks and stuff like that i would go wired, less expensive and can hold the shutter open longer.

Dan

 

[Groucho]

I'd go with wired over wireless shutter release any day, unless you have a specific need for wireless (like taking family photos with you in them and want to trigger them via remote). As for whether or not it works from behind, I believe that's really up to the camera and if it has a remote sensor on the back as well as the front. I think most entry-levels don't and most mid-levels and up do.

For Live View, I do use the feature occasionally, mainly for photos that are difficult to compose through the viewfinder, like ones with the camera very low to the ground or overhead. The wide angle of view on current LCDs makes the lack of a swivel screen not necessarily such a big deal. It is also terrific for fine-tuning manual focus when the camera is on a tripod (less so when hand-holding, but can still be useful). I don't think any of the Live View implementations make a DSLR work just like a point-n-shoot does, although Sony's latest seems to get closest.

It's a nice feature to have, and I'd probably miss it now that I'm used to having it available, but I'm sure I could live without it without too much heartache. It is certainly not something that I use every day.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I don't have live view, but from what I've read, the biggest use is for precision focus while taking Maco shots. You switch it into 10x magnification mode, adjust your focus manually, and take your shot. It allows you to focus more accurately than looking through a viewfinder.

 

[Gdad]

I have used the live view once or twice- as Mark said I think it's biggest use is fine tuning manual focus.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks everyone for the feedback on live view and shutter releases. I have never done much macro photography, or crowd work so I don't think I will miss the live view too much. My best use would probably be low shots, but guess it will just be getting down on my hands and knees! Also learned a few things about remote shutter release - appreciate it!

 

[NostalgicDad]

I've used a wireless shutter release for some time now. Since it's infrared it does need a line of sight to the sensor which is on the front of my D80. However, all I have to do is basically hold it to the side of the camera, the sensor detects it, and it works just fine. It has never been a problem and I've never had to get in front of the camera for it to work. In bulb mode, one push of the button opens the shutter and another push of the button closes the shutter. The longest exposures I've done with it is 30 minutes. I also take a lot of fireworks shots at different times of the year and it has worked great using the wireless remote.

At a recent family reunion, I used it in sort of a candid manner where we were trying to get different family groups together for pictures and some that I was in the shot. I was able to snap away as everyone jostled and jockeyed for position while laughing and never had any idea I was taking their pictures while standing amongst them. Those were some of the best shots at the reunion.

Oh, and it cost a whopping $15. It's darn near the lowest priced Nikon product available!

 

[My2Girls66]

I have a wireless shutter release. It is handy when I want a family picture- rather than having to set the timer and run to get in the shot. I've only used it a few times. The only problem with it is you can see it in my fingers in the photos. I tried to hide it best I could.

 

[mabas9395]

The only problem with it is you can see it in my fingers in the photos. I tried to hide it best I could.

That happened to me the first year I had mine. Then I realized that the canon version has a 2 second delay option. That gives you just enough time to point, shoot and place your hands where you want them.