AUTOMATIC SHOOTING
The Canon Magazine 91
EOS S.O.S
H
ow can you take photos without
touching or moving the camera?
There are several ways to shoot
without using the shutter button. Some
cameras are capable of using one or
more methods, but what are they?
The first method is the self-timer,
which you set in the camera’s drive
settings, where you will find a choice
of 10-seconds or 2-seconds delay.
Cameras beep or flash an indicator,
which becomes more urgent when
the shutter is about to release.
The next option is some form of
remote release, these can either be
wired or wireless remotes. For wired
remotes, cameras use either the N3
or E3 types of connector. The N3
connector is usually found on the more
advanced cameras, and the E3 for most
of the rest. There are simple remote
switches for both N3 and E3
connections, and the TC-80N3 timer
controller, which can be programmed
for extended delays, taking time-lapses
and long exposures. There’s also an N3
to E3 adapter cable if you want to use
the TC-80N3 with an E3 equipped
camera. The wireless remotes use a
simple infrared beam to release the
shutter – the current model is the RC-6.
If your camera supports this release,
you may need to set the self-timer mode
to enable the infra-red release, and point
the release towards the receiver, usually
in the front of the handgrip, to make it
work. The more modern BR-E1
wireless remote uses Bluetooth for
greater flexibility, so it doesn’t need
line-of sight to trip the shutter.
A USB cable and a computer with EOS
Utility’s remote shooting function will
control the camera and remotely release
the shutter. Many Wi-Fi equippedcameras can also work with EOS Utility
too. If your camera has Wi-Fi built-in, then
Canon’s Camera Connect app on your
phone or tablet will also double as a
remote release. All you have to do is link
the camera and phone, start the app and
you’re good to start shooting.Remote flashing
Since the advent of the radio wireless
flashes, it is possible to release the
shutter from a remote flash. This can be
good for group shots where you need to
be in the frame as the radio works over
more distance than the infra-red
releases. The radio flash system and
some Wi-Fi transmitters also provide the
linked shot method, where one camera
will release the shutter of several others.
There’s slight delay between the first
and subsequent shots, but it’s good
for behind the scenes photos.Remote releases are used to take photos without moving the camera,
ideal for sharp shots when shooting close-up or for long exposures
Remote Speedlite flashes can be configured to release the camera
shutter over longer distancesShoot images without
touching your camera
You don’t always need to be behind your camera to take great photographs...
Ask Brian!
Confused with
your Canon DSLR?
Email EOSSOS@
futurenet.com