Remote Shutter Release

[mom2rtk]

I have a cheap wired remote shutter release for my camera. It gets the job done, but sticks sometimes (You get what you pay for...). I'm considering a wireless one but want to know what you all think is better. I use it mostly for Disney fireworks and night shots. I have a Canon Xsi. Here are my questions:

1) Do you have to be in front of the camera to use the wireless, so it aims at the camera?

2) Are there certain ones anyone recommends over the others?

Many thanks for your suggestions!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I have a cheap wired remote shutter release for my camera. It gets the job done, but sticks sometimes (You get what you pay for...). I'm considering a wireless one but want to know what you all think is better. I use it mostly for Disney fireworks and night shots. I have a Canon Xsi. Here are my questions:

1) Do you have to be in front of the camera to use the wireless, so it aims at the camera?

2) Are there certain ones anyone recommends over the others?

Many thanks for your suggestions!

I have Nikon remotes wired & wireless. Imo, the wired ones work the best. I've had issues with not having the correct angle for the sensor to see the transmission from the wireless remote. I don't think wired necessarily equates w/ cheap, unless you bought from a 3rd party/manufactured in China el cheapo type. With my camera & wireless, you have to be in front of the camera for it to read the signal.

 

[bob100]

I have a cheap wired remote shutter release for my camera. It gets the job done, but sticks sometimes (You get what you pay for...). I'm considering a wireless one but want to know what you all think is better. I use it mostly for Disney fireworks and night shots. I have a Canon Xsi. Here are my questions:

1) Do you have to be in front of the camera to use the wireless, so it aims at the camera?
2) Are there certain ones anyone recommends over the others?
Many thanks for your suggestions!

From what I understand all the remotes working off the IR signal in front of the camera need to be in front of the camera, the expensive ones that convert the IR to a another frequency can work from a distance in any direction. But I have a Canon XSi and just use an old video cord as a remote plugged in the side of the camera, - works flawlessly everytime.

 

[boBQuincy]

I use Canon's RC-1 with my Xsi. It only needs to be aimed at the sensor on the front of the camera, which is off to the side of the lens. It does not need to be in front of the lens itself so there is no problem with the remote getting in the photo.

I prefer the RC-1 to a cable since it is not attached to the camera, one less thing to worry about when moving the camera. Canon's remote is not very expensive, I can't see bothering with an aftermarket remote at that price. The RC-1 comes with a base that can attach to a camera strap and the remote snaps into the base, very convenient.

The batteries are a strange size and not always easy to find but they last a long time.

 

[WVDisGeek]

My Pentax remote works via a sensor on the front of the camera to the side of the lens (like BoBQuincy's). If memory serves, the remote was about $15 and is the size of a samll USB drive. Very handy when you are in the picture and need to snap it without the remote being seen. Easy to hide in your hand.

For other shots (macro, etc) where you want to fire remotely without introducing motion, you just kind of aim it at the front but out of the line of site. Very easy once you get used to it. Also, the remote can be set up to allow a half-press to change the autofocus before taking the shot. (think moving animals at the zoo with camera on a tripod)

 

[Golf4food]

I have the wirelss for my Pentax and face the same "remote has to be in front of the sensor" issue. Not so much a problem for fireworks since I'm usually standing right next to/behind the tripod anyway and can just stretch my arm out to the front side of the camera, but it does require you to hold your hand out there every time you want to trigger the shutter. I would prefer a wired remote for those situations. The wireless is cetainly more handy if you want to be in the shot doing a group shot, etc.

They both have their uses. I don't think it should be thought of as one is better than the other, just different.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks so much for letting me pick your brains!

I think based on what I've read that I want to stay with a wired cable. I might add a wireless later for family photos, but for fireworks, I want to stay behind the camera and not worry about whether I have the remote aimed properly.

But since my last remote was one of those $1.50 (??) jobbies from Hong Kong or some such place, maybe I should get a better one. (This one sticks occasionally). Anyone have a wired one they recommend? I mean, if I spend $10, I don't want to just get the $1.50 version with a higher profit margin....

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thanks so much for letting me pick your brains!

I think based on what I've read that I want to stay with a wired cable. I might add a wireless later for family photos, but for fireworks, I want to stay behind the camera and not worry about whether I have the remote aimed properly.

But since my last remote was one of those $1.50 (??) jobbies from Hong Kong or some such place, maybe I should get a better one. (This one sticks occasionally). Anyone have a wired one they recommend? I mean, if I spend $10, I don't want to just get the $1.50 version with a higher profit margin....

How about getting the one manufactured by the same company that made your camera? Brand specific ones made for you camera... I've never had a problem w/ my Nikon remote. Just look for the one made for your camera.

 

[YesDear]

I use a phottix radio control unit I got from ebay. It is made in china and I have never had it fail. It works amazingly well up to 100 ft. I know they make models for Canon. If they have one for your camera it will probably be less than $40 including shipping.

I cannot recommend highly enough. Being radio controlled, you do not have to be in front of the camera to operate. Receiver sits on hot shoe and transmitter sits in your hand.

It was recommended to me on the Nikonians board and I have seen a number of pros use it!

Can you tell I like it!

 

[jann1033]

not to dog Canon but the old wired remote i had( for my film and rebel xt dslr) stuck occasionally and it was canon. i might buy a quantary( sp) type brand, ie known third party rather than the $1.99 specials and probably you will get the same results as the canon. i was recently looking at them since i misplaced mine ( don't think it works with my new body either) but can't remember the brand i thought was best.

i would like some more info on the video cord as a remote though