Remote shooting with a Canon 400D/EOS Utility

[lukebl]

Hi,

I’ve searched past threads, but can’t find an answer to this query. I have been using my Canon 400D for long-exposure DSO images, using the ‘bulb’ setting with a simple manual remote control unit plugged into the camera.

I would like to automate the exercise, but it doesn’t seem possible with the EOS Utility software which comes with the camera. Although it allows you to take general photos remotely, you can’t use it remotely in ‘bulb’ mode, so I’d be stuck with a maximum exposure of 30 seconds. Does anyone know if there's any other software which will do the job?

Many thanks,

Luke

[Merlin66]

I use AstroArt 4 to do exactly that! You can also get a script which allows you to nominate the object, the exposure and then GOTO to next object....

[lukebl]

I use AstroArt 4 to do exactly that

Yes, that looks really good but, at 129 Euros, it's a bit over my budget for a simple camera remote control.

Or does the free/trial version work ok?

Thanks,

L

[Aza]

I use Nebulosity to capture with my DSLR.

[Sam]

Luke,

For the 400D you need another lead to the computer that goes from the remote little plug - next to where the USB jack goes - to the computer serial port. Or you can get the remotes that are programmed on the remote. I got one of these when I was using my 400D:

Astronomiser - Automated Astronomy and AstroImaging Solutions

Sam

[Beyond_Vision]

Here's an alternative method using a standalone remote timer

Aputure Timer Remote C1 for Canon 400D 450D RS-60E3 R8A on eBay (end time 19-Sep-09 17:48:36 BST)

Or including a battery grip with built in remote timer to extend your battery life to last a whole night.

LCD Battery Grip for Canon 350D 400D BG-E3 2 NB-2LH B2J on eBay (end time 04-Oct-09 04:07:58 BST)

Regards

Kevin

[Merlin66]

AA4 just doesn't control the camera, it can do 99% of your image processing as well, similar to maxim etc.

[lukebl]

Thanks all for the input.

Now invested in a remote control gizmo off Ebay. Just hope that it actually makes it all the way here from China, and that my credit card doesn't explode.

Regards,

Luke

[beamer3.6m]

Hi Lukebl

I have just purchased one of these from Ebay too have considered BeyondVisions post.

Have you received the item and did it work ok.

Cheers

[Catanonia]

oh thought the 400 could do it. Must only be the 450 and 1000D.

I used a remote shutter lead via serial that plugs into the jack by the usb on the camera and a utility called dslrshutter from Sharklabs to control it when i had a 350D. Might help it is called DSLRShutter

[adamsp123]

I use the EOS for remote shooting on my 1000D, start the EOS select- Manual on the camera and Bulb, select ISO in EOS, select the timer function in EOS, there are 2 settings one for total length of the "shot" and another for length of aperture "open" so for 5min sub with 1min cool down put 6 min in first and 5 min in second, also you can set number of subs.

As I say that is on the 1000D and it works fine.

[RobertCL]

The EOS software allows the same as above with the 450D.

[jgs001]

I got one of those timer remotes form ebay Luke. It arrived in about a week. Superb bit of kit.

[simon hicks]

Luke, once you have the remote cable then it opens up loads of possibilities. I have used DSLR Shutter (freeware) from Stark labs, but I've found this to be better... Delphinus homepage ...also freeware. Just use the Camera Control part of it. Its much more flexible than DSLR Shutter.

Good luck.