Is a remote switch needed for sharp pics?

[krisgel]

If you have a good tripod system, will a remote switch further increase image clarity on long exposure times?

[Vetteography]

Yes! Or maybe I just have the shakes... but it helps me out.

[etaf]

an alternative is to use the timer if the subject is landscale/not moving etc -
set the timer for 2 secs -
that avoids any vibration caused by you pushing the shutter button

[krisgel]

an alternative is to use the timer if the subject is landscale/not moving etc -
set the timer for 2 secs -
that avoids any vibration caused by you pushing the shutter button

Good point! That will work just fine for the product shots I will be taking. Thanks for saving me some money.

[Belmondo]

As a general rule, the answer is 'yes.'

The best way to get a predictably sharp photo is to use a rock-solid tripod, lock up the mirror on your camera, use a cable release, and shoot at a focal length that produces the best results with your particular lens.

This is not to say you can't get good results without doing all that, but it will increase your odds of getting a keeper.

[krisgel]

As a general rule, the answer is 'yes.'

The best way to get a predictably sharp photo is to use a rock-solid tripod, lock up the mirror on your camera, use a cable release, and shoot at a focal length that produces the best results with your particular lens.

This is not to say you can't get good results without doing all that, but it will increase your odds of getting a keeper.

Hi. I am new at this. What do you mean by "lock up the mirror"?

[etaf]

part of the process of taking a photo is to move the mirror on an SLR/DSLR out of the way so the light reaches the film/sensor rather than go through the viewfinder.
on some cameras there is a facility to actually move the mirror before you take the photo. "mirror lock up"

As the mirror is fliped up it also creates a small amount of vibration so mirror lock up prevents this vibrations as well.

whats the make/model of camera

[Belmondo]

Forgive me....I should have established which camera you're using before giving you that answer. If you're not using an SLR, there is no mirror to lock up. If you have a 300D/Rebel, you'll need the firmware hack to be able to lock up the mirror.

[krisgel]

Forgive me....I should have established which camera you're using before giving you that answer. If you're not using an SLR, there is no mirror to lock up. If you have a 300D/Rebel, you'll need the firmware hack to be able to lock up the mirror.

Hi,

I am using the 20D, but I don't understand how or why one would lock up the mirror. I'm new to this.

[etaf]

perhaps this explanation with diagrams will help
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/mirror-lock.shtml

[gasrocks]

An old test of how good your tripod set up is: Have everything ready, look through the viewfinder with touching the camera (with your glasses, forehead.) Slap the lens sideways with your free hand. Count how many seconds it is until the image stablizes. 2 sec or 10 sec self-timer may be enough. Rule of thumb is if it takes longer than 10 sec to settle down - you have a bad set-up! Remote can help, but it is nice to know how stable you are.

[ScottE]

If you are going to be doing a lot of product shots you might as well spend the money on a remote release.

I would use a solid tripod, remote release and mirror lock up.

On a 20D mirror lock up is Custom Function 12. Just switch it to enable.

When you take shot, first set it up on the tripod and use the depth of field preview to ensure the aperture is OK. Then press the shutter release button on the remote release to flip up the mirror. Wait a couple of seconds and then press the shutter release button on the remote release a second time. Assuming you are using a good lens, you should be able to see better resolution than it you just pressed the shutter release button on the camera.

Remember to switch off the mirror lock up before the next time you use the camera. There is nothing worse than trying to get a sports action shot only to have the view finder go black when the mirror flips up. Usually it would have been the best shot of the day.

Scott

[LadyHawk]

...The best way to get a predictably sharp photo is to use a rock-solid tripod, lock up the mirror on your camera, use a cable release, and shoot at a focal length that produces the best results with your particular lens.

...I would use a solid tripod, remote release and mirror lock up.
On a 20D mirror lock up is Custom Function 12. Just switch it to enable.
Scott

Thanks for sharing, Belmondo and Scott. The older I get, the more I realize how little I know.

[robertwgross]

I am using the 20D, but I don't understand how or why one would lock up the mirror.

Page 88 in your manual.

Mirror lockup give you an advantage in suppressing mirror slap, but only during a certain range of shutter speeds. For most cameras like this, the range is from about 1/30th of a second to about 1/8th of a second. There is no disadvantage, though, unless you forget that you have it enabled. Then it gets to be a real hassle.

---Bob Gross---