Yet Another Remote Shooting gizmo

NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
edited July 17, 2009 in Accessories
Not for me (I don't own anything named in iXyz pattern) but for someone who does:
http://www.ppmag.com/web-exclusives/2009/06/pro-review-onone-dslr-camera-r.html
"May the f/stop be with you!"

Comments

  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2009
    I'm thinking about getting it since its only $2... but I might not... Don't know if and when I would ever need to use it...

    A. I need a tripod adapter so my MacBook can sit there steadily for tethered shooting ($80 for a gitzo one... no money for that right now)

    and

    B. I don't use remotes much anyways so... why?
    Jer
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2009
    Jeremy Winterberg wrote:
    B. I don't use remotes much anyways so... why?
    Try shooting tethered. You may love it. Unfortunately you'd also need a camera stand for that, cable, etc. It's gonna cost way more just $1.99 ne_nau.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2009
    Nikolai wrote:
    Try shooting tethered. You may love it. Unfortunately you'd also need a camera stand for that, cable, etc. It's gonna cost way more just $1.99 ne_nau.gif

    Yeah, I've always wanted to get the setup to shoot tethered, and I've done it a few times. But the included 6' cable or however long it is, just doesn't cut it! It would be great if the clients could see their pictures as I take them on my 32" HDTV (computer monitor). Cause then they would feel as though they're included in the process maybe?

    but yeah, alot more than $1.99 - I don't even have $1.99 right now :cry
    Jer
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2009
    Jeremy Winterberg wrote:
    Yeah, I've always wanted to get the setup to shoot tethered, and I've done it a few times. But the included 6' cable or however long it is, just doesn't cut it! It would be great if the clients could see their pictures as I take them on my 32" HDTV (computer monitor). Cause then they would feel as though they're included in the process maybe?

    but yeah, alot more than $1.99 - I don't even have $1.99 right now :cry

    FWIW I'm using 15ft USB cable on a regular basis.
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • gryphonslair99gryphonslair99 Registered Users Posts: 182 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2009
    Great idea, if they could make it work without the computer in the middle. If I'm shooting tethered it's to my 17"MBP. All the same functions and a much larger clearer preview. It's just as easy to hit a key on the MBP as on a cell phone in my hand. Besides, I use a BBerry, so it's now a $400+ toy.

    I also don't have 20K+ in bodies and lenses to do self portraits. I have a face made for radio and a voice made for the newspaper. I stay behind the camera not in front. rolleyes1.gif
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2009
    gryphonslair99 wrote:
    Great idea, if they could make it work without the computer in the middle. If I'm shooting tethered it's to my 17"MBP. All the same functions and a much larger clearer preview. It's just as easy to hit a key on the MBP as on a cell phone in my hand. Besides, I use a BBerry, so it's now a $400+ toy.

    I also don't have 20K+ in bodies and lenses to do self portraits. I have a face made for radio and a voice made for the newspaper. I stay behind the camera not in front. rolleyes1.gif

    lol... the purpose of this is so that you can be anywhere in your studio and take the picture.. and not be confined to your camera or next to your laptop... You could be holding a snooted 580exII up on a 8 foot ladder, and not be able to press the shutter... oh wait! iPod shutter release is in your pocket!
    Jer
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2009
    Nikolai wrote:
    FWIW I'm using 15ft USB cable on a regular basis.

    I need to pick up one of those... hmm I wonder if best buy sells them?

    edit: yea... $30 for a 10' extension cable... worth it?
    Jer
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2009
    Jeremy Winterberg wrote:
    I need to pick up one of those... hmm I wonder if best buy sells them?

    edit: yea... $30 for a 10' extension cable... worth it?
    NOOOOOOOOO!
    2 m4ch m0n3y? R u cr8zy? eek7.gif

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812270124 $3.99 for 15ft

    In fact mine was $2.99, but I can't find it now. However, that's the ballpark...
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2009
    oh well.. I already purchased it.

    I had $5 in reward zone money... and a $25 gift card... so in reality I only paid $1.36 :D WAAAY Cheaper than $3 + Shipping! mwink.gif

    If I like tethered shooting I may purchase the 15' cable some day... but this will work fine for now!
    Jer
  • PupatorPupator Registered Users Posts: 2,322 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    Just as an FYI: Monoprice.com is the best/cheapest place to buy cables of all and any kind.

    Carry on. :D
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    Pupator wrote:
    Just as an FYI: Monoprice.com is the best/cheapest place to buy cables of all and any kind.

    Carry on. :D
    Thanks, Paul, nice link! thumb.gif
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    Pupator wrote:
    Just as an FYI: Monoprice.com is the best/cheapest place to buy cables of all and any kind.

    Carry on. :D
    :jawdrop I just fell in love! Just when I thought you couldn't get any cheaper than Newegg... along came monoprice. Thanks!
    Jer
  • divamumdivamum Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    WHOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! Great link - thanks!

    Now, which type of USB do Canon cameras take for tethering (it's the mini at one end, and both male, right?)
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  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    divamum wrote:
    Now, which type of USB do Canon cameras take for tethering (it's the mini at one end, and both male, right?)
    Yes.
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • divamumdivamum Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    Nikolai wrote:
    Yes.


    Thanks! I've been dying to shoot tethered, but was waiting until I could find affordable enough cables. Two for $7 including shipping to the east coast is defiintely "affordable" in my book! thumb.gif

    Now I'll just have to find my way around the canon utility....
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  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    divamum wrote:
    Thanks! I've been dying to shoot tethered, but was waiting until I could find affordable enough cables. Two for $7 including shipping to the east coast is defiintely "affordable" in my book! thumb.gif

    Now I'll just have to find my way around the canon utility....

    EOS Utility is relatively easy to use, albeit its initial configuartion maybe not on par with your needs. Make sure to have your camera connected to your PC, since many of the settings are only available when the connection is live.

    Here is a scoop of what EOS Utility preferences you may want to change right off the bat:

    BASIC SETTINGS
    Startup Action: Show Camera Settings/Remote Shooting screen (choice #3)
    Check: Start EOS Utility automatically when the camera is connected

    DESTINATION FOLDER
    Specify the root folder
    Check all three check boxes
    Choose the target name pattern, "end" folder will always be like YYYY_MM_DD (e.g. 2009_07_15)

    REMOTE SHOOTING
    Check: Save also on the camera's memory card (I mean, unless you're felling overly lucky/adventurous:-)

    LINKED SOFTWARE
    Set to none: unless you like zoom browser or some other canon bundled s/w

    HTH
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    I'm wanting to shoot tethered so that it auto imports to lightroom 2... but its not working... Would you say auto importing to lightroom is even worth trying to get to work?

    I have a sneaky project I'm working on today... It involves creating something that everyone wants in their studio, it normally costs lots of money, and I'm going to make it for less than $20! Hopefully I will be finished today and will post pics in a thread.... I guess this is my teaser (since you're all about teasers Nikolai!)
    Jer
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    Jeremy Winterberg wrote:
    I'm wanting to shoot tethered so that it auto imports to lightroom 2... but its not working... Would you say auto importing to lightroom is even worth trying to get to work?

    I have a sneaky project I'm working on today... It involves creating something that everyone wants in their studio, it normally costs lots of money, and I'm going to make it for less than $20! Hopefully I will be finished today and will post pics in a thread.... I guess this is my teaser (since you're all about teasers Nikolai!)

    I believe (but don't know exactly, since I don't use LR) LR can have a "watch" folder from which it can do auto-import. Whether it's worth it or not - I don't know.

    I myself use tethered shooting for the following reasons:
    1) redundancy (files are saved in two places as opposed to just a card)
    2) ability to immediately show result to my subject/model
    3) (occasionally) remote LiveView shooting, so I not need to be next to the camera, but can be some other place (and this is where that iphone app would shine)

    Laughing.gif - now I'm really interested in that $20 gizmo you're working on!
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    Nikolai wrote:
    I believe (but don't know exactly, since I don't use LR) LR can have a "watch" folder from which it can do auto-import. Whether it's worth it or not - I don't know.

    I myself use tethered shooting for the following reasons:
    1) redundancy (files are saved in two places as opposed to just a card)
    2) ability to immediately show result to my subject/model
    3) (occasionally) remote LiveView shooting, so I not need to be next to the camera, but can be some other place (and this is where that iphone app would shine)

    Laughing.gif - now I'm really interested in that $20 gizmo you're working on!

    Oh, its no gizmo! Heres a hint... Just finished putting on the first coat of paint!
    Jer
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    Ok, heres the thread... Now I just need the amazing lighting to go with it!

    Seamless Studio High Key Wall DIY
    Jer
  • gryphonslair99gryphonslair99 Registered Users Posts: 182 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2009
    Jeremy Winterberg wrote:
    lol... the purpose of this is so that you can be anywhere in your studio and take the picture.. and not be confined to your camera or next to your laptop... You could be holding a snooted 580exII up on a 8 foot ladder, and not be able to press the shutter... oh wait! iPod shutter release is in your pocket!

    If I'm shooting in the studio then I will not be holding a 580 up on an 8' ladder. If I was using a 580, a 13" light stand can be had for less then $40.00 easily. I am too busy refining the shot to be holding something like a small strobe. Personally I find it hard to compose and refine a shot from an angle that is not the one the camera sees, and for reviewing purposes I much prefer a 17" screen over the little thing on an Iphone, bberry or even the LCD on the back of the body.

    It's a cool idea, but for me at least the practicality just isn't there, especially if you have to have a computer hooked up. With out the computer then it's a different story, since there are times I will use a wireless remote.
  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 16, 2009
    The 580EXII was just an example... The main thing is.. If you already have an iPod.. its alot cheaper than having to purchase a wireless shutter release if you don't have one. In my case, I don't have a wireless shutter release for my 50D yet (haven't had a need for one), and I do have an iPod Touch... so the $2 application appeals to me.

    does it show live view? I thought it just looked like the EOS tool. Meaning, gives the shutter speed, ISO, apperature, white balance, etc... and then has a shutter release button... But if it does support the live view, that would deffinately be worth the $2
    Jer
  • divamumdivamum Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
    edited July 16, 2009
    Nikolai wrote:
    EOS Utility is relatively easy to use, albeit its initial configuartion maybe not on par with your needs. Make sure to have your camera connected to your PC, since many of the settings are only available when the connection is live.

    Here is a scoop of what EOS Utility preferences you may want to change right off the bat:

    BASIC SETTINGS
    Startup Action: Show Camera Settings/Remote Shooting screen (choice #3)
    Check: Start EOS Utility automatically when the camera is connected

    DESTINATION FOLDER
    Specify the root folder
    Check all three check boxes
    Choose the target name pattern, "end" folder will always be like YYYY_MM_DD (e.g. 2009_07_15)

    REMOTE SHOOTING
    Check: Save also on the camera's memory card (I mean, unless you're felling overly lucky/adventurous:-)

    LINKED SOFTWARE
    Set to none: unless you like zoom browser or some other canon bundled s/w

    HTH

    THANKS Nik! Presumably I can still use my remote trigger with this, yes? (do I continue to set the camera to timer/remote to do that?).

    Thanks again!
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  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited July 16, 2009
    divamum wrote:
    THANKS Nik! Presumably I can still use my remote trigger with this, yes? (do I continue to set the camera to timer/remote to do that?).

    Thanks again!
    It doesn't matter how you trigger your camera. You can press a button, use RC/cable or use the said EOS Utility to trigger in a Live View remote Shooting.
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • divamumdivamum Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
    edited July 16, 2009
    Nikolai wrote:
    It doesn't matter how you trigger your camera. You can press a button, use RC/cable or use the said EOS Utility to trigger in a Live View remote Shooting.

    Coolio - that's what i needed to know! I can't try this until the cables arrive, but I figured I might as well get my ducks in a row (if only mentally) while I'm waiting thumb.gif
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  • Jeremy WinterbergJeremy Winterberg Registered Users Posts: 1,233 Major grins
    edited July 16, 2009
    ooohh... ok... so the Pro Version ($19.99) Gives you the Live View shooting capabilities... But, I almost never use that feature, so its virtually worthless for me to get the pro version.
    Jer
  • gryphonslair99gryphonslair99 Registered Users Posts: 182 Major grins
    edited July 17, 2009
    Jeremy Winterberg wrote:
    The 580EXII was just an example... The main thing is.. If you already have an iPod.. its alot cheaper than having to purchase a wireless shutter release if you don't have one. In my case, I don't have a wireless shutter release for my 50D yet (haven't had a need for one), and I do have an iPod Touch... so the $2 application appeals to me.

    does it show live view? I thought it just looked like the EOS tool. Meaning, gives the shutter speed, ISO, apperature, white balance, etc... and then has a shutter release button... But if it does support the live view, that would deffinately be worth the $2

    I think the concept it a cool on and the price is good, but the practicality of it at this point to me isn't there yet. Kind of like when Kodak came out with a DSLR in 1990 by putting their sensor into a Nikon body. Cool idea back then, but the $25,000.00 price tag for a 1MP camera wasn't practical. Look what has happened since that camera though.

    The one thing I wonder is if you happen to be a Canon shooter, if you could get away from the computer if you had the WFT-E2A. I doubt it at this point, but if the two could talk to each other with out the computer that would be awesome.
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