5D remote release puzzle

[TheGaffer]

I want to do photography by radio control with my 5D, so I bought a Dunecam ( http://www.dunehaven.com/dunecam.htm )

This has four different ways to release the shutter, so I wasn't expecting difficulty.

First choice would be CHDK I've got a suitable USB connector and the Dunecam can raise a +5v signal down it for this purpose. But CHDK is not available for the 5D: http://grandag.nm.ru/hdk/autobuild/download.htm

Or did I overlook something?

Second choice would be IR (I've got a suitable IR LED). But it seems that the 5D doesn't have IR release, without spending $$$ in an LC5

Or did I overlook something here?

Third choice is a switch (the Dunecam has a relay and can close a circuit), but I would have to construct a custom cable for that...

The fourth choice is to rig a servo to press the shutter button. I would rather avoid that if I can...

Any help would be appreciated.

Andrew

[fxk]

The Dune Cam looks like a control for servos to control the motion of a tripod head. IR is not native to the 5d like it is on the Rebel Series.

The third choice would work - the custom cable is a bit of a problem, as Canon has a patent on the "N3" connector, and is not licensing it (as far as I know) The Canon remotes work by closing a circuit for autofocus only, and a separate circuit for shutter. Power is from camera. The "N3" is 3 conductors - 1 ground and two switching leads.

The idea of a servo to manually trip the shutter is probably not the way you want to go.

Search on e-bay for "wireless remote control canon" and you will find various units that should do the job - make sure they have the "N3" connector - that will work with any non-rebel series Canon DSLRs. I did not see the one I have, but some of them work reasonably well. Also search B&H - I think they carry a generic. Canon is absurdly expensive.

Also check this discussion - same same.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=530784
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=532379

[TheGaffer]

The Dune Cam looks like a control for servos to control the motion of a tripod head.
Yep. I am building a rig to suspend the camera from a kite line.


The third choice would work - the custom cable is a bit of a problem, as Canon has a patent on the "N3" connector, and is not licensing it

Yes, but I have found a way round it. Buy a cheap, wired remote from Hong Kong for the princely sum of £2.99 on the 'bay, then cut off the switch, leaving you with an N3 connector, ready wired, to connect into the DuneCam.

All I have to do is wait for the postman to deliver it.

Andrew

[fxk]

WooHoo! "Up, up and away in my beautiful, my beautiful baloon!"

[TheGaffer]

WooHoo! "Up, up and away in my beautiful, my beautiful baloon!"

You are thinking of BAP. Balloon Aerial Photography.

I want to do KAP. Kite Aerial Photography.

There is also PAP, where you stick the camera on top of a pole, such as this 15 METER tripod:

http://www.kapshop.com/product_info.php?cPath=36&products_id=114

Andrew