This Tiny Gadget Could Make A Huge Difference In Your Photography

Landscape photographer Christian Hoiberg is comparing a remote shutter release to the built in delayed timer in the camera.

Personally, I use the built in timer a lot. Whenever I have my camera mounted on a tripod (usually because I need a slow shutter speed), I use the 2 second timer to make sure pressing the shutter button won’t shake the camera.

Lately, however, I’ve started to think about getting a remote shutter release so that I could be a part of the image, instead of having to stand behind the camera every time.

Pros of the Delayed Shutter:

• It’s a standard function in most digital cameras and smartphones.
• It’s free.
• It reduces vibration and leads to a sharper image.
• You can choose between a short delay or a longer delay.
• You have the time to position yourself in the image after pressing the shutter.

Cons of the Delayed Shutter:

• It’s not flexible.
• If you’re photographing something with motion it’s hard to time the shutter release perfectly and you might miss the shot.
• In some cameras, the function is found deep in the menu.

Pros of remote shutter releases

• Wireless remotes allow you to stand far away from the camera and take pictures.
• Advanced models have many options such as interval timers.
• You can use “Bulb Mode” without having to hold the camera’s release button and cause vibration.
• Many models have LCD screens with a timer.
• Take a picture at the exact moment you need.

Cons of remote shutter releases

• More advanced models can be very pricey.
• It takes extra space in your bag.
• It might be hard to choose the right model.
• Cables break quickly on low-end cable releases.
• Small, wireless remote shutters are easy to loose.

What is best?

To be honest with you, they both have their advantages.

As a landscape photographer, I am dependent on my remote shutter. A lot of the time I can’t wait the extra two or three seconds before the image is taken, as the moment is gone by then. When I’m photographing rushing waves I need to capture the image at the exact moment I want, ergo I need a remote shutter. If I’m in the woods and not photographing anything that might move, I don’t need the remote shutter.

If you only photograph still landscapes and you don’t need a shutter speed of more than 30 seconds, I don’t see a reason to purchase a remote shutter. If you photograph anything with motion or need a shutter speed of more than 30 seconds I recommend you to purchase one.

Read the full article with more tips over at Digital Photography School.

Source: Digital Photography School