How do I set my camera for continuous drive mode?

[jrm27]

Hi all:

I'm trying to do star trail photography with 30 second exposures. However, I cannot figure out how to make my camera do continuous automatic exposures... any help? I can select continuous drive so that it takes pictures as long as I hold the shutter down, but I obviously don't want to do that right? I'd rather go inside and hang with my wife while the camera is exposing! Keeping my finger on the button for an hour or so doesn't sound like the correct way to do this....

Can anyone point me in the right direction for getting my XSI to automatically take pictures in this situation? Thanks!

-jon

[brippeon]

I think that if you buy a wired shutter release (http://cgi.ebay.com/Pixio-Remote-Switch-Shutter-Release-for-Canon-RS-60E3_W0QQitemZ360092493612QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamer a_Camcorder_Remotes?hash=item53d72f672c&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116) that allows you to lock the button down, it should work. I use the pixio remote release for my 50D

[VIGER]

Intervalometer is was you need.

Canon Canon TC-80N3. Works and it's solid!

[Michael_B]

Make one out of a hands free phone kit...there a link on here somehow. I made one. For 3 bucks..it doesn't lock though. But it does if ya clamp the button with a clothespin!

[hollis_f]

For anything up to 30s you can use a simple wired remote. For exposures longer than 30s you need a timer remote (intervalometer). Canon sell each type, but you can pick up Chinese ones off Ebay at 1/4 the price and with exactly the same functionality.

[TMCCaptured]

clothes Pin ha ha ha, that is better than my tool of choice.

I used an M&M taped on...that way I could eat the rest of the packet

[Adrena1in]

If people are talking of using pegs or tape to hold down the remote shutter, why not just use a peg or tape to hold down the camera shutter button? Sure, the first exposure will be ruined from camera-shake, but the rest will be fine!

I simply bought a wired remote for £15 or something, and I use it all the time. For longer exposures I hook up the laptop and control the camera from there.

[Michael_B]

It would be hard to get a clothespin to open wide enough to fit over my XS body to hold down the shutter button.!! The release button on the remote is much slimmer!