Using Shutter Release Cables in Digital Photography
There are a variety of techniques you can use to reduce camera shake and increase the sharpness of the images that you take. Some, like using a tripod, have a fairly major impact (they’re no brainers really) while others do have an impact - but they’re generally fairly small.
One of those smaller techniques that a number of readers of DPS have been writing to me about recently is the use of shutter release cables (or remote shutter release devices).
The majority of digital photographers who are taking everyday shots of family and friends won’t go here - but serious photographers who spend a lot of time lining up shots and wanting to eliminate even the smallest camera shake will want to invest in a shutter release cable - particularly those shooting with longer shutter speeds where even the smallest camera movement (like the depressing of a shutter with even the lightest touch) can have an impact.
Shutter release cables are available for all major DSLRs and some point and shoots and come in a variety of flavors including the traditional cables and the more recent wireless models that often use infrared technology.
Of course if you’re using a shutter release cable you’ll want your camera to be mounted on a tripod or on some other completely still object.
But what happens if you don’t have a shutter release and you’re wanting to use a long exposure time and are worried about camera shake? Fortunately your digital camera has another feature built into it that can help - your self timer.
While digital camera self timers are not designed with this purpose in mind they are one way of ensuring no camera shake at all when taking an image. Of course you’ll need to anticipate the moment to take the image 10 or so seconds before taking it (not the best for any subject matter that’s moving or changing) however it’s a useful thing to keep in mind when doing landscape or still life photography.
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November 20th, 2006 at 10:33 pm
Newer DSLRs and P&Ses have custom timers which can be set for at least a second I think. At least others have 2 second timers. I use that often when shooting at night especially night scapes.
November 24th, 2006 at 12:43 pm
Nice tip, i always use the timer for important shots. I use a P/S sony f828 so it doesnt have a mirror, i was thinking up upgrading to a dslr soon and was wondering if the shutter mechanism with the moving mirror will add any shake to the camera if set on timer or cable release. and if so is it neglible or a case of just using IS lenses to overcome this. and yes i do realise IS lenses may add blur if on a tripod.
November 27th, 2006 at 6:51 pm
some SLR also offer mirror lockup to further remove vibrations
November 28th, 2006 at 12:23 pm
I frequently use a shutter release cable when I’m hand holding at slow shutter speeds. By leaning against a wall, tucking elbows in and taking a deep breath I have successfully hand held at .5 seconds. Even at around 1/60th I prefer to use a cable - so much more spontaneous than using the timer.
February 23rd, 2007 at 7:08 am
Good info but there is another less used purpose for a cable release.
I do wildlife photography and very often it is advantageous to place the camera outside of a blind or my cover screen.
I primarily use a Pansonic DMC FZ20 but have only been able to find a 3′ electroninc cable. Which, while helpful, is not nearly long enough in many cases.
Does anyone know of a longer electronic cable release?
April 3rd, 2007 at 3:57 pm
To Bob Fuhrman:
Check if you can find extension cable for your cable release.
It should not be hard or big thing to make that one yourself either.
September 12th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
I’m kinda curious.. i understand the importance of shutter release cable.. but in a way.. could this be substitude by the remote control available with DSLR these days?
thanks.