Remote control vs. cable release

Hello.

Would someone explain the difference (advantages a/o disadvantages) between
a wireless remote control and a cable release?

If you are kind enough to respond, please keep in mind the following:

1. I acknowledge that there is an inherent advantage to a device that does
not require battery power to operate.

2. Whether or not this is a standard feature, I can disable the 3 second
delay (Pentax *ist) when using a remote control.

Thanks in advance!
Chris

 

Chris, a cable release is a mechanical way to trip the shutter and
normally requires that the picture taking button is threaded to accept it.
It is a physical connection between you and the camera. A long wire that you
press at the end to trip the shutter.

A wireless remote will allow you take the picture without any physical
contact between you and the camera. No cable. You point a infra-red device
toward the camera and push the button and the shutter is tripped. Your
camera needs to be able to accept such a device.

 

Each has advantages and each has disadvantages. I don't know about Pentax
prices but for Canon both are pretty cheap so we have both the wired and IR
releases for my wife's Elan - I wish there was a wireless version I could
afford for my EOS 3. If there was I would have it.

 

A wireless, naturally, lets you get farther away from the camera, or
set it up in some location where stringing a cable would be difficult. If
it's infra-red, you probably need to maintain a line-of-sight with the
sensor on the camera body, which is oftentimes on the front. This limits
the usefulness of such a remote (but not to any great extent, IMHO, and I
use one all the time).

Some cameras have to have the wireless option activated, and this may
time out after a while, meaning you can no longer use the remote after five
minutes or so.

While it's rare, radio-frequency remotes can be subject to
interference, and may balk or receive a false signal to trigger. They tend
to be much harder on batteries than IR remotes.

The *ist has an option to use mirror-lock-up with the remote, which
is very handy for high magnification and/or moderately long exposure shots,
where camera shake can produce too much of an effect on film. The remote
lets you trip the mirror a few seconds before the shutter, so the slap of
the mirror flipping out of the way has time to die down and won't be
vibrating the camera. When sharpness is crucial, this is a great option to
have. Coupled with a wireless remote, the camera has as little chance as
possible to be disturbed.

Here's something odd I discovered. With Canon's IR remote (can't
vouch for others), the red focus assist light on the front of the
camera will blink to signal the countdown for the shutter, and again when
the shutter closes. Lets you know that you successfully triggered the
shutter. But this can actually shine light onto your macro subject, as I
discovered when copying a glass-fronted portrait - very annoying.


- Al.

 

Remote control = same as self timer but u don't have to cock and run to
take self portrait or group photo.

Cable release = Useful for time exposure, bulb where u need to open the
shutter for few minutes example. The release can hold/lock the shutter,
remote only triggle the shutter and can't hold it.

 

Thanks to everyone for the useful information!
Chris

 

Many (most?) up to date SLR's have electrical circuits for this now,
usually a three contact connection. And this camera connection can be
connected in turn to a "wireless" (radio or IR) control or a cable with
switch. The switch usually has a helf-position to cue the AF and then
full depress for the shutter (emualtes the camera shutter button).

 

Doing some long exposures and flashes (2nd curtain sync waiting to fire)
were blinking the red assist light... ended up exposed. A little "gobo"
of black paper was the trick.... black tape should work too.

Cheers,
Alan