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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> cable shutter release
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Showing posts 1 - 24 of 24, (reverse)
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04/01/2011 07:31:02 PM · #1
Hi forum,

I was looking to get a cable shutter release for my Panasonic DMC FZ18 and i have a question. If i get a shutter release that will work for it, will i be able to choose when the shutter closes as well. You see, i am trying to get those beautiful night shots with the star trails in the picture and my camera only goes up to 60 seconds. So my question is Will a shutter release let me control how long the shutter is open or will it only let me control the opening of the shutter?
04/01/2011 08:16:38 PM · #2
the shutter release cable is for a setting called 'bulb', which allows for the shutter to be open as long as the button is pressed down. since your only able to go to 60s with your camera, pretty much the only option is taking multiple shots and stitching them together. If you search for star trails, I'm sure you can find out about the software that will do that for you, and maybe get some hints as well from that thread.
04/01/2011 08:46:08 PM · #3
Originally posted by jamesgoss:

the shutter release cable is for a setting called 'bulb', which allows for the shutter to be open as long as the button is pressed down. since your only able to go to 60s with your camera, pretty much the only option is taking multiple shots and stitching them together. If you search for star trails, I'm sure you can find out about the software that will do that for you, and maybe get some hints as well from that thread.


I agree. This camera as the Starry Sky mode that can go to 60 sec, but as james said stacking frames is an option with software. Consider getting an entry level DSLR to gain access to Bulb mode with the use of a cable release...either wired or remote.

Dave
04/02/2011 04:18:33 AM · #4
Thank you so much for your help. It was great, from both of you. I am actually looking to invest in getting a dslr and i have no idea what i am talking about. Would you have any suggestions i should try?
04/02/2011 04:36:50 AM · #5
Best thing is to decide which brand you want to go.
Nikon or Canon are the big players.
Then either buy new or go for secondhand if a good opportunity presents itself.
04/02/2011 04:49:53 AM · #6
Would there be a standard one for each side (nikon and canon)? I'm trying to research this and im failing. I need a camera that has bulb mode, thats the main priority. I've tried checking ebay and craigslist but no prevail. Thank you so much for your time :]
04/02/2011 05:18:28 AM · #7
A good spot to review cameras would be the following:

dpreview

Click on review at the top and select camera brand.
Then work your way through the list.

I would think that most all DSLR cameras have Bulb mode.

Message edited by author 2011-04-02 05:19:07.
04/02/2011 05:29:34 AM · #8
Originally posted by cheeseboy:

Would there be a standard one for each side (nikon and canon)? I'm trying to research this and im failing. I need a camera that has bulb mode, thats the main priority. I've tried checking ebay and craigslist but no prevail. Thank you so much for your time :]


Well I'm a Canon guy, but naturally there are nice Nikon entry level DSLRs as well. For me, I just upgraded to the Canon 7D from a Canon XSi/450D which is a GREAT camera to start with and one of the best selling cameras of all time. It has the right balance between sensor size and pixel count compared to even some of the newer Canon entry levels such as the T1i and T2i. I haven't read much on the latest T3i to see how it handles noise compared to it's predecessors so keep that in mind.

I love my XSi, and still plan to use it as my back up and second camera for the foreseeable future, but I know you can get some really good deals used ones right now.

I tried some star trail exposures with my XSi and remote in bulb mode and had good success last summer so I know it will do what you're looking for. I do suggest giving an entry level a try before going full bore with something higher. With that said if you could get a killer deal on a used 40D or 50D for instance and have the money (including one or two lenses) I wouldn't hesitate to pick either one up. Being a medium level camera line they both will handle long exposure noise even better in most cases.

Good Luck!

Dave
04/02/2011 05:40:46 AM · #9
I'm on dpreview right now and i'm going through all of the cameras. I checked out the Canon XSi and it looks like exactly what i want and i just did a quick search on ebay and found plenty. Thank you guys for all of your help :]. I can't wait to do more research tomorrow. I will post back if i have any updates on which camera i choose.
thanks again

-brent
04/02/2011 08:20:19 AM · #10
If you go the Canon route, I would recommend the IR remote instead of a cable. It is cheap (under $30) and allows you to press to open, press again to close. It also works from about 15 feet or so if you want to get in a picture yourself. Thus it works for bulb mode, and as a replacement for the timer function.

The IR feature is not available on all Canons though, the XT, XTi, XSI, T1i and 7D have it. I have had a RC-1 for years, but they are no longer available. The newer versions are the RC-5 and RC-6. Too bad in my opinion, since you lose the convenience of the snap on/off on the neckstrap of the RC-1.

Canon RC5 IR remote
04/02/2011 11:38:50 AM · #11
I was very interested in the Canon XSi/450D and if they come with the IR remote then thats great (i didnt really want to hold a button down for an hour). So i am almost positive i am set on getting the XSi. thanks again and again for your help guys :]
04/02/2011 05:00:16 PM · #12
Originally posted by rcollier:

If you go the Canon route, I would recommend the IR remote instead of a cable. It is cheap (under $30) and allows you to press to open, press again to close. It also works from about 15 feet or so if you want to get in a picture yourself. Thus it works for bulb mode, and as a replacement for the timer function.

The IR feature is not available on all Canons though, the XT, XTi, XSI, T1i and 7D have it. I have had a RC-1 for years, but they are no longer available. The newer versions are the RC-5 and RC-6. Too bad in my opinion, since you lose the convenience of the snap on/off on the neckstrap of the RC-1.

Canon RC5 IR remote


I have the RC-1 as well, along with the RS-60E3 wired remote for my XSi. I use them both, but mainly the RC-1 which I love. I like it better than the RC-5, but as you mentioned...the RC-1 is no longer available unless you find one second hand.
04/02/2011 05:02:30 PM · #13
Originally posted by cheeseboy:

I was very interested in the Canon XSi/450D and if they come with the IR remote then thats great (i didnt really want to hold a button down for an hour). So i am almost positive i am set on getting the XSi. thanks again and again for your help guys :]


Just to be clear....the XSi doesn't come with the IR remote. It has the IR sensor built in to the body with the capabilities to use the remote...sold separately. They aren't that expensive though and the freedom of movement away from the camera is well worth it.

Dave
04/02/2011 05:22:01 PM · #14
Originally posted by cheeseboy:

I was very interested in the Canon XSi/450D and if they come with the IR remote then thats great (i didnt really want to hold a button down for an hour). So i am almost positive i am set on getting the XSi. thanks again and again for your help guys :]


The RS60 E3 has a shutter lock. you can press it and walk away.
04/02/2011 05:31:57 PM · #15
Originally posted by apercep:

Originally posted by cheeseboy:

I was very interested in the Canon XSi/450D and if they come with the IR remote then thats great (i didnt really want to hold a button down for an hour). So i am almost positive i am set on getting the XSi. thanks again and again for your help guys :]


The RS60 E3 has a shutter lock. you can press it and walk away.


Yes, and it will show a timer on the back of the camera letting you know how long the shutter has been open for...very helpful in determining exposure times.
04/02/2011 06:33:17 PM · #16
Originally posted by DCNUTTER:

Originally posted by apercep:

Originally posted by cheeseboy:

I was very interested in the Canon XSi/450D and if they come with the IR remote then thats great (i didnt really want to hold a button down for an hour). So i am almost positive i am set on getting the XSi. thanks again and again for your help guys :]


The RS60 E3 has a shutter lock. you can press it and walk away.


Yes, and it will show a timer on the back of the camera letting you know how long the shutter has been open for...very helpful in determining exposure times.


So the RS60 E3 is compatible with the XSi? I am a noob -__-
04/02/2011 07:07:05 PM · #17
Originally posted by cheeseboy:

Originally posted by DCNUTTER:

Originally posted by apercep:

Originally posted by cheeseboy:

I was very interested in the Canon XSi/450D and if they come with the IR remote then thats great (i didnt really want to hold a button down for an hour). So i am almost positive i am set on getting the XSi. thanks again and again for your help guys :]


The RS60 E3 has a shutter lock. you can press it and walk away.


Yes, and it will show a timer on the back of the camera letting you know how long the shutter has been open for...very helpful in determining exposure times.


So the RS60 E3 is compatible with the XSi? I am a noob -__-


Yes, fully. That's the wired version that plugs into the side of the camera. I have one in addition to my IR Remote. I like them both.
04/03/2011 12:54:14 PM · #18
Alright thank you so much for your help dcnutter. I am so excited to get a new camera
04/03/2011 01:11:43 PM · #19
Well I've been able to use both Nikon D40 & 50. Also the Canon 500D and 300D.

I LOVE my 500D! All the cameras are good cameras. The Nikons.... hmmmm. its been a couple years since i used them so its hard for me to remember. But over all i liked them. I liked the D50 better though. The controls i liked better.

Anyways.... Either way you go, you'll get a nice camera and hopefully you'll be satisfied with the results. :)

Hope that helps in some way or another.
04/03/2011 01:46:41 PM · #20
The XSi is a good camera and has been on the market long enough that you can get a good deal on one used, but still find one with low mileage.

I'm still quite pleased with my 50D after year and a half together. No desire to upgrade yet.
04/03/2011 04:44:21 PM · #21
Originally posted by cheeseboy:

Alright thank you so much for your help dcnutter. I am so excited to get a new camera


Brent, you're quite welcome. Let us know when you get something new, and I look forward to seeing some shots from you as well.

04/03/2011 05:06:16 PM · #22
Originally posted by DCNUTTER:

Originally posted by cheeseboy:

Alright thank you so much for your help dcnutter. I am so excited to get a new camera


Brent, you're quite welcome. Let us know when you get something new, and I look forward to seeing some shots from you as well.


This will be the first place i go if i get a new camera. I've been taking shots for each challenge but i was just disappointed with every result i got so you will be seeing some of my pictures soon, hopefully.
06/12/2011 12:04:55 AM · #23
I GOT A NEW CAMERA!!! I got the canon t3i and i love it. i haven't gotten too much use yet but im trying to learn the controls. I'm so ready to submit my photos now. thanks so much for all of your guys' help
06/12/2011 02:42:45 AM · #24
Originally posted by cheeseboy:

I GOT A NEW CAMERA!!! I got the canon t3i and i love it. i haven't gotten too much use yet but im trying to learn the controls. I'm so ready to submit my photos now. thanks so much for all of your guys' help


Enjoy your new camera and congrats.
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