New technique for me.

[Warren]

I tried something a little different yesterday. I use my laptop computer to control my Canon G2. The camera comes with a remote cord that I previously had used only for downloading images to my computer. It also comes with software to remotely control the camera with the same cord.

This approach has two advantages, it lessens camera shake and provides a larger view screen than what is available on the camera so focus and composition is easier to accomplish.

I could control focus, zoom, color correction, exposure compensation and shutter release all with clicks of the mouse. It isn't a perfect system as the camera was sometimes slow to respond to commands and the on screen camera window had a slight annoying flicker. But overall I enjoyed and learned from the experience.

I was wondering if anyone else here has experimented with remote control techniques and has anything to share?

Here's one of the shots from that session:

[CHIP]

I know I haven't tried that, but Martyn said just the other day that he just recently used his computer as a "control center" for his camera.

[Sam]

I was just flipping through the instruction manual for my Panasonic FZ30 and wasn't able to find if it is able to do that.

I did just buy a remote shutter release off of The Bay for $19 bucks. I'm getting sick of the ten second self timer method.

[mailman]

Nice pic Warren

[MartynJC (UK)]

Hi Warren - yep, doing the same with my Nikon D70. Fun isn't it!!

Here is an image 'out-the-box':



I find I can take exposures down to 2 or 3 seconds with no problem this way..

[Warren]

Yes it works well Martyn. I just may make it a habit. It's a bit more effort to setup but it makes things overall a little easier and I can work faster, seem to be wasting fewer shots too. I don't know why I waited so long to try it.