my review of the Micnova wireless shutter remote

[Fangs404]

I wanted a remote control for my camera. It's really handy (necessary, even) for night/long exposure photography. The slightest shake in the camera will render a picture blurry. You can use the self-timer (which is what I was doing before I got the remote), but that's a pain because you have to sit there and wait.

Several people here recommended the Micnova remote from the POTN store (http://www.procameragear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/46_48). For my particular camera (the XSi), I got http://www.procameragear.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/46_48/products_id/424.

* Line of sight range up to 100m (320 ft.) without obstacles.
* 16 control output channels, dip switch selectable
* Shooting modes:Single/Continuous frame shooting/Bulb
* Low power provides long battery life
* Works through walls and other obstacles using radio frequencies instead of infrared (RF - 433MHz)
* Plug compatible with Canon RS-60E3 - Works on any camera that uses the Canon RS-60E3 remote
* Two stage release. Halfway to focus, fully depress to release shutter
* Battery life - Transmitter (1 year standby, 10,000 exposures)
* Battery life - Receiver (1000 hours)

Picture of it attached to the camera: http://i27.tinypic.com/29cbcsm.jpg

The main thing that attracted me to this guy instead of the Canon wireless remote (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Wireless-Remote-Control-Digital/dp/B00004WCIC) is the fact that it uses radio instead of infrared. This is useful for 3 reasons:

- Radio has a much longer range (320ft vs 16ft).
- Radio works regardless of where you're standing. With IR, you have to be standing so that the the remote is in the line of sight of the receiver. This means you typically can't use it unless you're standing in front of the camera.
- Radio works through materials. I put my camera in my living room next to my computer, went into my bedroom, shut the door, and I was still able to take pictures. I was a solid 30 feet away from the camera with a closed door in between us.

So after playing around with it for a little while, I really like it, and it is easily worth the money. Being able to use bulb mode without having to hold down the shutter button is a huge plus, and the pluses that radio has over IR are huge. If you want a wireless shutter remote, I couldn't recommend this guy more.

[Kendoway]

Thanks Fangs - nice review. I've been thinking about buying one of these, and was looking for opinions.

Very helpful, and appreciated.

[bryank930]

I have one of these and I have no idea how the bulb mode works. Do you click to open and click again to close the shutter?? LOL

[Kendoway]

I think it would be click and HOLD Bryan, then release to close - but not 100% sure.

BTW - my wireless remote is on it's way! :)

[bryank930]

So after playing around with it for a little while, I really like it, and it is easily worth the money. Being able to use bulb mode without having to hold down the shutter button is a huge plus...

That's what I want to know more about. I want to know how to use bulb mode without holding down the button.:cool:

[Kendoway]

Check page 96 of your 40D manual Bryan - always a good start ;)

[bryank930]

Check page 96 of your 40D manual Bryan - always a good start ;)

Good idea. I'll check that out when I get home.

Thanks!
Bryan

[bryank930]

Check page 96 of your 40D manual Bryan - always a good start ;)

Yeah, checked it out. Doesn't tell me anything that I don't already know.

Quick 2 second google search found it though!:rolleyes: LOL

[Kendoway]

Yeah, checked it out. Doesn't tell me anything that I don't already know.

Quick 2 second google search found it though!:rolleyes: LOL


I actually don't know the answer myself Bryan (I'm still learning, just like everyone else ;)).

So how do you use bulb mode without holding down the button?

[bryank930]

Mine is a little different. Turns out I have the Phottix Cleon C8 (http://www.dpnotes.com/phottix-cleon-canon/). Oh well, probably still useful information to someone.;) Who knows, it might even work for the one the OP posted...

BULB Exposures

Long exposures are a cinch with the Cleon. You can take BULB exposures in either wired or wireless mode.

First, put the camera into BULB mode. On the D300, this means setting the camera in M mode and choosing a shutter speed of BULB.

Then, if using the Cleon in wired mode, simply slide the switch to the B position. This opens the shutter and the exposure is initiated. To terminate the exposure, simply slide the switch away from the B position. I normally just slide it back all the way to Off. Remember that the receiver does not require battery power for this operation.

If you wish to go the wireless route, first slide the receiver switch to On (the battery is required). Then press and hold the transmitter button for 3 seconds or more – the shutter opens and the exposure is initiated. During the first 3 seconds, the LED on the transmitter glows red.

After 3 seconds the transmitter LED will turn off – this is a signal to you that you can let go of the button. The camera’s shutter continues to remain open, and there is no need to hold the button down for the entire duration of the exposure (I’m stating the obvious just to make things clear).

To terminate the exposure, simply half-press the transmitter button and let go – you’ll see the transmitter LED flash green briefly, and the shutter closes.

[Kendoway]

^^^ Great info Bryan, and thanks!

I'll have to play with that once mine arrives, which should be early next week. I'm mostly going to shooting birds out on the feeder to start with, as I'd like some close shots - but don't want to scare them off.

[cicopo]

Thanks all for the different information. I recently had a need for one of these & I will be ordering one in the near future from the POTN shop.

[Fangs404]

Oh wow, I didn't notice the responses to this thread. To answer your questions, activating BULB mode is really simple. Set the camera to manual, set the shutter speed to BULB, and just hold down the button on the remote for 3 seconds. Once 3 seconds is up, you can release the button, and BULB mode will stay activated. To close the shutter again, just press the button normally. It's really simple, and it's really nice for long exposures.

[Kendoway]

Oh wow, I didn't notice the responses to this thread. To answer your questions, activating BULB mode is really simple. Set the camera to manual, set the shutter speed to BULB, and just hold down the button on the remote for 3 seconds. Once 3 seconds is up, you can release the button, and BULB mode will stay activated. To close the shutter again, just press the button normally. It's really simple, and it's really nice for long exposures.


Thanks Fangs - and it is slightly confusing.

I got my wireless Saturday night and it works great - love it! The directions seem a bit scant though.

[Fangs404]

Thanks Fangs - and it is slightly confusing.

I got my wireless Saturday night and it works great - love it! The directions seem a bit scant though.
Yeah, the directions look like they were written by a 3rd grader learning English in China, but it's a simple enough device that I figured it out without the directions for the most part.

[jsinon]

Have you had any problems with the battery for the receiver? When I took mine out for the first time this past weekend the battery didn't like even moderately cold temps (around 30*f) at all. It came back for a bit after putting the receiver in my pocket for a while to warm up, but I bet I got less than a dozen shots before it wouldn't work any more. I don't mind carrying a few extra batteries since I already do that for the camera, but if I need to swap out the battery every 6-8 shots I think I'll just go back to a wired remote. I picked up new batteries for it and if that doesn't do the trick, it looks like this thing will be for warm weather only.

[Kendoway]

Have you had any problems with the battery for the receiver? When I took mine out for the first time this past weekend the battery didn't like even moderately cold temps (around 30*f) at all. It came back for a bit after putting the receiver in my pocket for a while to warm up, but I bet I got less than a dozen shots before it wouldn't work any more. I don't mind carrying a few extra batteries since I already do that for the camera, but if I need to swap out the battery every 6-8 shots I think I'll just go back to a wired remote. I picked up new batteries for it and if that doesn't do the trick, it looks like this thing will be for warm weather only.

When I first put the battery in, it didn't work (I had not seated the battery properly), but so far it's been fine. I've yet to shoot in any cold weather, but I'll keep you posted.

The battery that came with mine was a CR2 3V, but some completely odd brand I've never heard of before (made in China of course). You might consider dropping a CR2 3V Duracell in there and seeing if it's got more zing.

Cheers ;)

[jsinon]

I did pick up a pair of the Energizer E2 Lithium batteries. I've had good luck with them in other devices as far as lasting longer than your basic alkaline battery. Now I just hope they handle the cold a bit better than the cheapy one supplied with the remote.

[Paullynn25]

Bought one for my 7d but it's not working...anybody have any advice?

[Jon]

Make sure it's firmly plugged in. That's the "weakest link" on the N3 connectors.

[jsinon]

FWIW, I ended up just spending the money and getting the genuine Canon remote. After two Hong Kong knock offs that failed and now this thing that just eats batteries, I don't need the headaches. Wireless is a nice feature, but if I can't get even a dozen shot in what I consider cool temps (40-50*f) before the battery is done, it's useless to me. I'll give it one more chance once the weather warms up, maybe.

[anthony11]

I have one of these and I have no idea how the bulb mode works. Do you click to open and click again to close the shutter?? LOL

If it works like my Phottix, think of it like the on-camera shutter release. So, if you put the body into burst mode, bulb on the remote will let you shoot bursts.

[ben_r_]

Ive had this one for around two years and have loved it!

[tjaudet829]

the op mentioned he chose the micnova over the canon rc1.
I have a rc1 and just upgraded to a 50d from a XT.
correct me if i am wrong but i think i read somewhere the 50d does not have the ir capabilty...so you have to go with some other product like the micnova or the phottix.

I was confused with the images from the phottix product it mounts to the hot shoe and plugs into the camera? can you let it dangle if you are using an external flash?

Thanks,
jeff

[Kendoway]

I just picked up a couple of Pocket Wizards for remote flash use, and was pleased to find out that they support the same wireless trigger feature that my Micronova does. I simply need to order a separate cable and I'm all set.

[jcarp618]

just ordered this bad boy and im eager to test it out. how long does it usually take these to ship to you?

[tjaudet829]

just ordered this bad boy and im eager to test it out. how long does it usually take these to ship to you?

Keep us up to date!
Thanks,
Jeff

[jdang307]

This doesn't allow timelapse etc. correct?

[Kendoway]

This doesn't allow timelapse etc. correct?

Right Jdang - no time lapse.

You'd have to go with one of these:

http://www.adorama.com/CATC80N3.html

[jdang307]

Awesome. Another toy I get to buy.

[jcarp618]

Right Jdang - no time lapse.

You'd have to go with one of these:

http://www.adorama.com/CATC80N3.html


Dear Canon,
Stop smoking crack and listing your products for such ridiculous prices. The world is really starting to get fed up with your poor judgment and excessive greed.

Love (don't push it or that will be gone),
-The entire world of Canon users


btw. just got the email saying its been sent out today so lets hope it gets here by the end of the week. really looking forward to busting this out right when i get it for situations that obviously do not require it lmao

[jdang307]

Im buying a chinese knockoff. I mean, it's just a shutter release ...

[Fangs404]

So, just an update, I've now upgraded to a 50D from the XSi that I originally used in my first review. I had to buy a new remote unfortunately because the Rebel remote is different from the non-Rebel remotes. The remote is still working great. I've had it for more than half a year, and I use it multiple times a week. The initial batteries are still going strong, and I haven't had a single issue with it. My only complaint is that I wish the receiver had a hotshoe mount so that I didn't have to let it dangle, but that's really a minor issue in the grand scheme of things. I could go the velcro route, but I don't want to stick anything to my 50D.

So, after several months of using this with the XSi and then lots more time using the other model for my 50D, I still conclude that this is a really fantastic remote. I'd highly recommend it. It was well worth my $30.

[jcarp618]

mine came in earlier today and i've been playing with it non stop. Ive been leaving my camera in my room and going across the floor(the walkway is square around the building with the elevators in the middle) and using it and it worked great even through some walls. I then decided to go one floor down to my friends room(still on the opposite side of the building) and tried it and it worked once again! i didn't go any further at the risk of looking like a psycho but i am confident it would still work further down.

Long story short this thing is worth the minimal cost and I will keep you guys updated when I use it for appropriate reasons and more extensive dicking around haha.

Thanks for suggesting this item fangs404 and great review

[Naero]

Hey guys I just received this and am having a bit of a problem with BULB mode, which is the main reason I needed a shutter release.

I set my XSi in manual, set the shutter speed to BULB, hold the transmitter for ~3 seconds until BULB is initiated.... and then when I press the transmitter again NOTHING happens, it's driving me wild! I have to actually press the button on the receiver (to kill the power) to end the exposure.

Any ideas? Everything else works perfectly so I'm guessing it's user-error or some setting I have improperly set, but am at my wits end trying to trouble-shoot on my own.

[XoZe]

I am having a problem with this trigger as well. I am using a Canon XS, a 430EX II off camera. When I use the wireless shutter release, the exposure is hit & miss, as it appears to trigger slower than the synch speed.

For example, if I set the camera to manual at 1/125 and f5.6, the exposure is completely black, even though the flash is firing. I need to step the camera down to 1/60 to get a somewhat "good" exposure. However, this does not happen every time. I have managed to get good exposures at 1/125. It's hit and miss. This only happens with the remote shutter release. If I use the shutter button on the camera, everything is OK.

Any ideas?

Here are the samples, no PP, SOC only converted to jpg. Exif for all three is exactly the same. The first two were triggered with the remote, the last one by pressing the shutter button on the camera itself. As you can see, results are inconsistent with the wireless shutter release.

53.0mm, f/5.6, 1/200, ISO 100
430EX II on Manual at 1/16, zoom at 35mm, off camera.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_6oEFMw-dngM/S-xdCz9s5hI/AAAAAAAAAt0/GWDUauyeBMo/s800/IMG_0013.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_6oEFMw-dngM/S-xdDbgvDYI/AAAAAAAAAt4/uTuB-kHsFJQ/s800/IMG_0014.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_6oEFMw-dngM/S-xdD8zGGgI/AAAAAAAAAt8/sp7iii_0NHE/s800/IMG_0021.jpg

[prrs4me]

My problem with this remote is weird. I hope someone has an answer. I changed both batteries because it wasn't working. Now it will focus but it doesn't trigger the shutter. I've tried it on 2 different cameras that ii used to work with. Doesn't work on either. Not very happy with this remote.
Would appreciate any help before I throw it away.

[laureltn]

Based on the reviews here, I ordered this remote via Amazon. The package arrived today, and although the photograph was of the MQ-WC, I was shipped the MQ-NW1. It appears to be a lesser-quality unit? I've contacted the seller and asked about an exchange. The price was $43, so I assume I should return this and get the WC regardless?

thanks for any input from those of you who have actually used one of these things. It will be my first!

[lannes]

Based on the reviews here, I ordered this remote via Amazon. The package arrived today, and although the photograph was of the MQ-WC, I was shipped the MQ-NW1. It appears to be a lesser-quality unit? I've contacted the seller and asked about an exchange. The price was $43, so I assume I should return this and get the WC regardless?

thanks for any input from those of you who have actually used one of these things. It will be my first!

These are better value and double up as an off camera flash trigger as well as a corded or wireless shutter release.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=yongnuo+rf-602&x=13&y=21

Even cheaper on ebay. (make sure you get the right connecting plug to suit your camera, most times it's the C3 for the XXD range and C1 for the rebel series)

http://shop.ebay.com/delight-digi/m.html?_nkw=canon+rf-602&_sacat=0&_odkw=r3k+canon&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3911.c0.m270.l1313

[laureltn]

Thank you for the links. I have not had a reply yet. I may just eat the return shipping charges and send it back now.

I have a question that is really basic and probably stupid as heck, but I can't figure this out. I've looked at the components in this package, read the manual for my camera (60D), looked at You Tube videos, searched POTN threads.

This particular item has a remote with antenna (get how that works), then it has a device that goes on the hot shoe, and then a cable. The cable has an 8mm pin on one end and then a large head that looks sort of triangular on the other. The device that would mount on the hot shoe has a jack that would accept the 8mm pin and the camera itself has a similar jack marked with an icon indicating a wired remote.

So forgive the idiocy, but are you supposed to connect both ends? I can't find anyplace where that fat head fits on the camera and all the videos I see, they're plugging the device that's mounted on the hot shoe into the jack on the side. I have read about "dangling" the transmitter but it seems to refer to when you're not using the hot shoe? TIA and again, sorry if this falls into the realm of stupid and obvious.

[lannes]

Thank you for the links. I have not had a reply yet. I may just eat the return shipping charges and send it back now.

I have a question that is really basic and probably stupid as heck, but I can't figure this out. I've looked at the components in this package, read the manual for my camera (60D), looked at You Tube videos, searched POTN threads.

This particular item has a remote with antenna (get how that works), then it has a device that goes on the hot shoe, and then a cable. The cable has an 8mm pin on one end and then a large head that looks sort of triangular on the other. The device that would mount on the hot shoe has a jack that would accept the 8mm pin and the camera itself has a similar jack marked with an icon indicating a wired remote.

So forgive the idiocy, but are you supposed to connect both ends? I can't find anyplace where that fat head fits on the camera and all the videos I see, they're plugging the device that's mounted on the hot shoe into the jack on the side. I have read about "dangling" the transmitter but it seems to refer to when you're not using the hot shoe? TIA and again, sorry if this falls into the realm of stupid and obvious.

The big jack is when you want to use it as a wireless flash trigger for a studio light as opposed to a normal flash, the large jack converts the normal jack into something that will fit into a studio light, the receiver is then connected to the studio light via the cable.

The transmitter which is on the hotshoe fires the studio light wirelessly when the shutter button is depressed.

[laureltn]

Okay. I *think* I get that. It would be easier if I actually took it out of the package and played with it, but I am thinking since I'm not keeping it, I'll just click the return button on Amazon and get that process going. I may be doing more hollering for help and head scratching when the next one comes in. :) thanks!

[rick_reno]

Thanks Fangs - earlier this week I was asking friends for help in finding one these things.