Do you wonder what a remote shutter release is? Do you want to know if you need one? It’s a pretty useful piece of equipment to have in your camera bag, and many photographers swear by them and never leave home without one.
We know photography equipment can be quite expensive, but this piece of camera accessory is not. Remote shutter triggers are affordable and accessible for any level photographer. You can learn to use a remote shutter release even if you are an absolute beginner.
Read on if you’ve never owned a remote shutter release and want to know what they do and how they can be valuable in your photography projects.
What is a Remote Shutter Release?
A remote shutter release will let you take photos without pressing down on your camera’s shutter button. Yes, you can take photos without even touching your camera! These are small devices that tell your camera to take a photo from a distance. The shutter release “talks” to your camera, and when you press the button on the device, your camera shoots your photograph.
Shooting without pressing the shutter button, when you stabilize your camera on a tripod or other equipment, will keep it from moving and this will prevent shake and blur in your images.
There are a few different models of remote shutter releases, but they all have the same basic function.
Main Types of Remote Shutter Releases
1. Mechanical Cable Release
The mechanical cable release, also called threaded cable release, is a pioneer in remote shutter releases. It doesn’t work with all camera types but will work with a camera that has a standard threaded release.
Many photographers prefer this type of shutter release because they don’t want to deal with new technology or batteries. Old school cool!
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Reliable
- Easy to use
- No batteries necessary
Cons
- Limited range
- Not available for all cameras
2. Tethered Shutter Releases
The tethered shutter releases are connected directly to your camera with a wire and triggered with a battery-operated device that you hold in your hand. These are quite popular with photographers of all types. Obviously you can only go as far as the wire is long.
Neewer Shutter Release Timer Remote Control
Pros
- Reliable
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Fits with most cameras
Cons
- Limited range
- Requires batteries
3. Wireless Infra-Red Shutter Release
The wireless infra-red remote shutter releases are by far the least expensive shutter triggers on the market today. Make sure your camera has an infra-red receiver before you purchase this type of shutter release.
The shutter release needs to be in range and pointing at the receiver on the camera to work properly.
Wireless IR Remote Control For Sony Cameras
When I was shooting with Sony, the IR shutter released was the cheapest and most used gadget in my camera bag.
Pros
- Super inexpensive
- Reliable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited range
- Requires batteries
4. Wireless Radio Shutter Release
The wireless radio shutter releases are more reliable than the infra-red and have a broader range. Some can release the shutter from astounding distances and even through walls.
Wireless Timer Shutter Remote Control
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Requires batteries in both, receiver and controller
5. Smartphone App Releases
Almost every camera manufacturer develops camera apps now with which you can play with a variety of features on your camera, including releasing your shutter remotely. Download the app for your camera brand on your smartphone or tablet and you can start to shoot remotely.
Make sure your camera is a newish model that supports wifi or Bluetooth.
Pros
- Has many advanced features
- Free
Cons
- The connection can be unreliable
- Need wifi or Bluetooth on your camera
6. Fully-Featured Camera Remotes
These are the most professional of the shutter release remotes. They can be tethered or wireless, depending on your photographic needs. The fully-featured remotes have more features than the regular shutter triggers.
Wireless Timer Shutter Remote Control
One of the most popular features is an intervalometer for time-lapse photography. Other optional features you may find on these remotes are motion detection and lightning triggers.
Pros
- Professional features
- Reliable
- Versatile
Cons
- Can be big
- Expensive
- Requires batteries
When Do You Need Remote Shutter Releases
There are a few reasons and situations where a remote shutter trigger comes in very handy
When Using Longer Exposures
The first thing to know is that a remote shutter release comes hand-in-hand with a tripod. When doing long exposure photography, it’s essential that your camera is secured to a solid surface and triggered remotely to avoid camera shake.
When You Need to Control Camera from the Distance
Many landscape photographers, wildlife photographers, astrophotographers use remotes practically every time they shoot. They often photograph with telephoto lenses and a tripod. They can set their camera and stand away as far as the remote will allow.
When Shooting in Bulb Mode
Shooting long exposure, or in Bulb mode, will require that your camera stays as stable as possible and a remote shutter release is essential. The slower the shutter speed, the more steady the camera has to be.
When Shooting Time-Lapses
Have you ever thought of doing time-lapse photography? These projects can be pretty cool. You will definitely need a remote shutter release if you want to do this type of photography.
When Shooting Selfies
Do you like taking selfies? Do you like to take group portraits with you in the photos? A shutter release will come in very handy for this as well.
Useful Trick – The Poor Man’s Shutter Release
Here’s a trick if you don’t have a remote shutter release. Set the 2-second delay camera functionality to trigger the shutter and minimize camera shake. The camera will shoot the photo 2 seconds after you have pressed the shutter.
Conclusion
Remote shutter releases are very inexpensive and you should invest in one and keep it in your camera bag at all times. They are small and not heavy to carry, so there is no excuse not to have one.
Of course, remote shutter releases are not suitable for all photography projects. But we’re pretty sure that once you start using one, you will enjoy it and use it more and more.
We all want to achieve the best possible professional-looking photographs that we can. Small camera accessories like remote shutter releases can help you to accomplish this. Nothing says amateur like a blurry photo that shows camera shake.
