Canon XTI remote controls

[desgun]

I have an area in my backyard that attracts humming birds(as long as nobody is around). I want to get some pictures using a remote control without standing in range of IR eye. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[mdwsta4]

a wired remote with an extension cable?

[PnwGuy]

I was going to suggest the same thing. I haven't tried this myself, but I read a few reviews on Amazon and they are stating that you can get an audio extension cable to increase the length. You can use a 3/32" stereo extension cord, or a 1/8" cord with adapters to 3/32.

I don't know if there is a limit on distance.

[THobson]

Wired would be the way to go...most cameras like the XTI only have the IR receiver on the front of the camera.

[trelaflip]

I picked up a wired remote on ebay for $12. Since it uses just basic cabling I cut and spliced on 10 feet of extra cabling. Works good.

I tried the infared but yes you have to be right in front of the camera pretty much.

[Nicole]

Found these instructions in a post elsewhere for how to make your own cable release for a Canon camera. DIY Shutter Release for your Canon DSLR (http://clinecompany.wordpress.com/2007/01/15/27/). Seems pretty simple if you aren't scared of a little bit of soldering. The site said it cost about $8 to make. Doesn't seem like too bad a deal if you're looking to fully customize how long you want to make the cable on it :)

[inkista]

Take this with a grain of salt, but I remember reading somewhere that you could use a cheap cellphone ear-bud as a wired remote control. The plug is the same, and the wiring for the on/off button is likely to be the same as for the shutter release. Folks were saying you could get one for $1 at the Dollar Store or something, and use that instead of the $30 Canon remote. :) I never tried it, though (I got the RC1).

Ah, found a reference (http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=008eYm).

[thedailykimchi]

I ordered one of the wireless remotes off eBay and it should be arriving soon. I'll post pics and a mini review when it gets here. The price is cheap compared to the RC1...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270112943937&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RCRX_Pr4_PcY_BID_IT&refitem=270110572200&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget

[xinpheld]

I was thinking - assuming you're using a tripod, perhaps you could attach a small mirror that could direct an IR signal from behind (or elsewhere) onto the IR reciever. Might be worth a try before spending money on something else.

[HockeyFan]

Sometimes mirrors scare away the creatures that you're trying to attract. It might be worth a try, but in the long run, a serious photographer is probably going to want the wired remote.

[chrismar]

You can get a remote from dealextreme.com for under $5 and includes free shipping. Don't expect to order it today and get it tomorrow... the stuff from that site ships from Hong Kong and can take a little bit of time, but if you're willing to wait then it's one of the cheaper ways to go.