Remote trigger from Computer

I just bought and received a Cybersync transmitter and receiver to radio control my 580 ex II from the 40D. They work great. I was shooting the only model I had available, me. I found myself focusing on the chair then guessing at shutter speed/aperture/iso settings then adjusting the power on the 580ex II. All the while, I'm setting the camera timer and walking over and posing in front of the flashing camera. Of course after every exposure I got up walked around to check out the exposure, the composition and the apparent focus in the LCD. It wasn't until later I realized that many of the photos I thought were in focus were actually not.

The whole process got me thinking there is certainly a better way. Which leads me to my question. What is the best way to be able to monitor what the camera is "seeing" and be able to control it without being at or near it?

I would appreciate any ideas.

David

IR Remote... or use Canon's software!

NicolasRubio wrote in post #7314205
IR Remote... or use Canon's software!

I assume you mean I could remotely trigger the shutter with some sort of IR controller. I am curious what controller is available to just trigger the shutter. I would like to be able to see on a monitor what the composition is and then be able to trigger the shutter. Is there a way to remotely control the camera from my lap top?

If you shoot tethered to your laptop the software that comes with your Canon camera allows control. You can make adjustments with the computer and even fire off shots. As far as seeing before shooting i think someone mentioned that if you shoot tethered with a camera that has 'live view' capabilities, like the 5D MarkII, then you can get the view up on the laptop.

You can also use Pocket Wizards to remotely trigger the camera if you have the right cables.