Not Shaken or Stirred

When capturing detailed macro shots or using a long exposure, amongst other circumstances, camera shake can be a formidable enemy. There are many ways to prevent camera movement but using a remote shutter release prevents unwanted shaking of the camera when pressing the shutter release on the camera body. Some times the smallest movement can cause blur in an image.

Remote shutter releases are nothing new to the world of photography, I just didn’t have one for my camera yet. Amongst the camera equipment wish list I have compiled a remote switch is a basic, useful, and cheap tool. The Canon RS-60E3 remote switch is the corded model that is made for my camera, the Canon Rebel XTI.

Canon offers two other models that work via infrared that are around the same price. The cordless versions are nice but the sensor is on the front of the camera and most of my work I will be behind the camera. This switch retails for $30 and gives you the basic operations of the shutter button on the camera without having to touch the camera, thus preventing shake. It has a two stage button with a lock position. When depressed half way the camera will auto focus then push it all the way down and it will trigger the shutter to release and take the picture. If you wish to utilize the bulb mode, which allows infinite exposure times, use the lock position on the remote. With the shutter release pressed all the way down slide the button upward and it will lock into position until it is manually moved back again.

Even though there is not much to it, the remote seems to have solid construction and will probably serve its purpose for many years. The only down side is the short two foot cable. For my purposes this is not a problem and for those that wish it were longer there are extensions available. In conjunction with a tripod and the mirror lock up function a remote shutter release will virtually eliminate any unwanted camera movement, as I did with the picture of the coin.