Remote Control function

[Rob_K1]

Hi all,

So I'm new here and to Digital SLR too :D



I'm about to embark on an ambitious (for me anyway) studio project. Lord know's how I agreed to this! :confused:
Specifically I need to set up various cameras and need sychronized remote control operation. (Preferably PC/software driven)

I will be using upto 4 EOS 20Ds and an EOS1D MKII

What I need to know is, is this possible and is it just a matter of shutter operation or can lenses be adjusted too (Both aperture and zoom)

All cameras will be static during operation.
Not being too techie - I'm envisaging using a PC to control cameras and timing (lot of time lag involved!)

One other thing that just crossed my mind....
Can photos be downloaded direct to PC rather than via memory?

[alan sh]

The photos can be downloaded directly - the EOSViewer software does this if you use the remote control function.

However, I have no idea how to synchronise 4 of them. I suggest you may need to download the programmers toolkit and get hacking !

Humm - I wonder if you bought 4 wireless remote controllers and set them to the same radio frequency - would that work ? Have a look here: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3843443372&ssPageName=MERC_BidConfirmEmail


Alan

[PacAce]

Unfortunately, if you're going to be using the Canon software to hook up the cameras to the computer, you can only hook up one camera at a time, so a computer may not be an option unless you use 5 different laptops.

[Jon]

I think that if you want to use a computer to control 5 cameras at once, you're going to have to write some custom code. Maybe also build some dedicated hardware as well, to support remote firing of the 5 cameras precisely.

When you say "synchronized", are you trying to fire them all at once, or at precise intervals? You'd want different arrangements for these two situations. Using a single time standard for 5 laptops with Remote Capture installed might give you what you want, but the sync will be difficult. Perhaps if you could give us some more (general) details about what the objective is?

[pturton]

Rob,

Quickest solution that comes to me is the use of the parallel port on a computer connected to a interface circuit that can activate the cameras via their remote control terminal (N3). Control codes sent out the parallel port with a simple Visual Basic program could trigger one or all cameras as desired - time delay, synchronized or interval.

Either the control lines or data lines of the parallel port can be interfaced to control a switch.

Focus and exposure are controlled by the camera. Zoom must be manually controlled.

...But you said you are not 'too techie' :-(

Paul

[erlab100]

Although this (http://web.axelero.hu/rugo100/rc.htm) cannot handle more than one camera in the same time but I think it is worth to take a look on it.
(With it you can control all remote functions built in your PowerShot series camera)

George