Camera Remotes

A camera remote is a must-have item in the toolkit of a professional photographer. Using one has many obvious advantages. As they are available in a variety of price ranges, there’s something affordable for all.

Camera remotes are known under various names. People also call them wireless triggers, shutter releases, and remote triggers. All of these do the same thing; to help you capture the sharpest possible image. For normal photography, everybody uses the shutter button on the camera body. However, there are some situations in which you cannot use that button. When you are using long exposures, you want to eliminate even the smallest shake. A remote-control camera is something that you should use in this situation. But that’s not all. This article will tell you everything you need to know about them. Having a better understanding of remote shutter releases will help you make the right choices while shopping.

Four best camera remotes for every major camera brands

A remote-control system for the camera will have two parts: the receiver unit that sits on the camera and the transmitter or the actual remote that you can operate from a distance. The receiver attaches via a cable to the camera, while the transmitter is normally the size of a key fob that you keep in your hand. You only have to push a button on the transmitter when you are about to take a picture, and it fires a signal to the receiver, which in turn operates the shutter. This enables you to shoot hands-free, which is essential because even the slightest camera movements can ruin a picture sometimes. Of course, they will also let you take group selfies without anyone missing out from the picture.

Canon BR-E1

This is the newest wireless controller for canon cameras. BR-E1 utilises Bluetooth and does not need cables. Unlike previous versions that used infrared, Bluetooth connectivity has many advantages. BT-E1 is compatible with all the recent mid-range and high-end cameras from Canon that has built-in Bluetooth functionality. These include the mirrorless EOS RP and even the beginner Rebel SL3 DSLR. Before you start, you need to pair up the camera and remote. With Bluetooth 5.0, this is a relatively seamless operation. You can also control the focus and aperture using the remote.

Nikon ML-L3

This model works with every consumer-level DSLR Nikon with wireless connectivity that they have ever produced, except for the more recent ones that do not have an infrared sensor. Ml-L3 uses an infrared beam for signal transmission. So, you need an uninterrupted line of sight between the controller and the camera’s IR receiver. You will get a maximum range of 5m with it. However, the IR feature is not found in Nikon’s professional cameras. That means pro users won’t be able to take advantage of this inexpensive fast and simple tool. ML-L3 is also surprisingly small as well. The functionality is limited. It has a one-stage trigger button that does not allow separate autofocus function.

Sony RM-VPR1

By providing two separate cables with this remote, Sony has done a huge favour to its customers. With these two cables, you can connect this remote to pretty much all the cameras sony has ever released. This includes their modern mirrorless Alpha series, older SLT versions, compact cameras, and even camcorders. The cables are each 80cm long. You also get a good set of controls for such a low price. There is a lockable release socket, with a secondary video recording stop/start button and zoom controls for compatible motorised zoom cameras.

Phottix XS

Unlike the previous three remotes in this list, this is a versatile third-party model. The Phottix XS is lightweight, simple and incredibly affordable. Still, it has the impressive built quality and comes with a set of different connectors to suit the link sockets of different camera manufacturers. The textured finger grip on the rear surface of the control unit gives you a firm grip on the remote. The buttons on the remote have good action for light-press autofocus, light metering, and shutter release. For bulb exposures, there is a dedicated sliding button-lock system. That means you don’t have to keep pressing the button for long exposures.