The Canon 70D is a fantastic camera, known for its excellent image quality and versatile features. One of its often-overlooked capabilities is its remote control functionality. Using a remote allows you to capture stunning photographs without physically touching the camera, opening up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, wildlife, or even astrophotography, understanding how to use your Canon 70D remote will significantly improve your photography.
Understanding The Benefits Of Using A Remote With Your 70D
Using a remote with your Canon 70D offers a plethora of advantages that go beyond simply triggering the shutter button. It’s about expanding your creative control and ensuring sharper, more stable images.
Minimizing Camera Shake
One of the primary benefits of using a remote is the reduction of camera shake. Even the slightest movement when pressing the shutter button can result in blurry images, especially at slower shutter speeds or with telephoto lenses. A remote eliminates this physical interaction, allowing the camera to remain perfectly still during the exposure. This is particularly crucial for landscape photography where sharpness is paramount.
Creative Control In Tricky Situations
Remotes empower you to capture images from challenging angles and perspectives. Imagine photographing wildlife from a hidden location or capturing a dramatic self-portrait without being tethered to the camera. With a remote, you can position the camera in unconventional spots and trigger the shutter wirelessly, opening up new creative avenues.
Enhanced Stability For Long Exposures
Long exposure photography, essential for capturing light trails, smooth water, or dramatic night skies, demands absolute stability. Using a remote in conjunction with a tripod is essential to achieving sharp, noise-free long exposure shots. The remote prevents any accidental movement that could ruin the image during the lengthy exposure time.
Group Photos And Self-Portraits Made Easy
Want to be part of a group photo or create a stunning self-portrait? A remote makes it incredibly simple. No more running back and forth to set the timer – simply frame the shot, position yourself, and trigger the shutter with the remote. This ensures you get the perfect expression and composition every time.
Types Of Remotes Compatible With Your Canon 70D
The Canon 70D offers compatibility with a variety of remotes, each with its own unique features and advantages. Understanding the different types will help you choose the best option for your specific needs.
Wired Remotes: Reliable And Affordable
Wired remotes connect directly to your camera via a cable. They are typically the most affordable option and offer a reliable connection without the risk of interference. Wired remotes are simple to use and require no batteries. They are an excellent choice for situations where you need a dependable connection and don’t require a long range.
Wireless Infrared (IR) Remotes: Simple And Convenient
Infrared remotes communicate with the camera using infrared light. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to use. However, they require a direct line of sight to the camera’s IR receiver and have a limited range. IR remotes are ideal for self-portraits and group photos where you are positioned in front of the camera.
Wireless Radio Frequency (RF) Remotes: Long Range And Versatility
Radio frequency remotes use radio waves to communicate with the camera. They offer a significantly longer range than IR remotes and do not require a direct line of sight. RF remotes are more versatile and suitable for a wider range of applications, including wildlife photography, landscape photography, and situations where you need to control the camera from a distance.
Smartphone Apps: Utilizing Canon’s EOS Utility
Canon’s EOS Utility software, often paired with a Wi-Fi connection (if supported by a separate Wi-Fi adapter on the 70D), can turn your smartphone into a remote control. This option allows you to control various camera settings, including aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance, directly from your phone. This provides unparalleled flexibility and control. Be aware that connecting can sometimes be finicky and requires setup through the EOS Utility on your computer first.
Setting Up Your Canon 70D For Remote Use
Before you can start using your remote, you need to configure your Canon 70D to receive signals from the remote. The setup process varies slightly depending on the type of remote you are using.
Configuring For Wired Remotes: Plug And Play
Wired remotes are the simplest to set up. Locate the remote terminal on your Canon 70D, usually on the side of the camera body. Simply plug the remote’s cable into the terminal. No further configuration is typically required. The camera will automatically detect the remote when it is connected.
Configuring For Infrared (IR) Remotes: Selecting The Drive Mode
For IR remotes, you need to set the camera’s drive mode to either the “2-second self-timer” or the “remote control” mode. Access the drive mode settings through the camera’s menu or by pressing the drive mode button on the top of the camera. Select the appropriate remote control mode (usually indicated by a remote control icon). Point the remote towards the camera’s IR receiver (typically located on the front of the camera) and press the shutter button on the remote.
Configuring For Radio Frequency (RF) Remotes: Pairing The Transmitter And Receiver
RF remotes usually involve a transmitter and a receiver. The receiver connects to the camera’s remote terminal, and the transmitter is what you hold and use to trigger the shutter. You will likely need to pair the transmitter and receiver before you can use the remote. The pairing process usually involves pressing a button on both the transmitter and receiver simultaneously. Refer to the remote’s user manual for specific pairing instructions.
Connecting Via EOS Utility (Smartphone): Using A Wireless Connection
Using a smartphone app to control your Canon 70D requires establishing a Wi-Fi connection. This process typically involves installing the EOS Utility software on your computer, connecting your camera to the computer via USB, and configuring the Wi-Fi settings within the software. Once the camera is connected to the Wi-Fi network, you can then connect to it through the Canon Camera Connect app on your smartphone.
Advanced Techniques For Remote Photography With Your 70D
Once you’ve mastered the basics of using a remote, you can explore more advanced techniques to elevate your photography.
Bulb Mode Photography: Mastering Long Exposures
Bulb mode allows you to keep the shutter open for as long as you hold down the shutter button on the remote. This is essential for long exposure photography in low-light conditions. When using bulb mode, a stable tripod and a reliable remote are crucial to prevent camera shake.
Intervalometer Functionality: Capturing Time-Lapses
Many remotes offer an intervalometer function, which allows you to program the camera to take a series of photos at set intervals. This is perfect for capturing time-lapses of sunsets, clouds moving across the sky, or plants growing. Experiment with different intervals to achieve the desired effect.
Combining Remote And Mirror Lock-Up: Maximizing Sharpness
For the absolute sharpest images, especially when using slow shutter speeds, combine remote triggering with mirror lock-up. Mirror lock-up lifts the camera’s mirror before the exposure, minimizing vibrations caused by the mirror movement. Enable mirror lock-up in the camera’s custom functions menu, then use the remote to trigger the shutter.
Focusing Techniques With Remote Control
Many remote controls offer the ability to half-press the shutter button to activate autofocus. This is particularly useful when photographing subjects that are moving or when you need to pre-focus on a specific point. Ensure that your camera is set to autofocus mode and use the remote to lock focus before fully pressing the shutter button. Remember that the 70D has excellent autofocus capabilities so using this function will enhance your images.
Troubleshooting Common Remote Control Issues
While using a remote is generally straightforward, you may encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them.
Remote Not Triggering The Shutter
- Check the batteries: Ensure that the batteries in both the remote and the camera are fully charged. Weak batteries can cause intermittent or unreliable performance.
- Verify the drive mode: Make sure the camera’s drive mode is set to the appropriate remote control mode.
- Check the line of sight (IR remotes): Ensure there is a clear line of sight between the remote and the camera’s IR receiver.
- Pairing issues (RF remotes): If you are using an RF remote, verify that the transmitter and receiver are properly paired. Refer to the remote’s user manual for pairing instructions.
- Check the connection (wired remotes): Ensure that the remote cable is securely plugged into the camera’s remote terminal.
Camera Not Responding To Remote Commands
- Firmware update: Ensure that your Canon 70D has the latest firmware installed. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve compatibility issues with remotes.
- Remote compatibility: Verify that the remote is compatible with the Canon 70D. Not all remotes are universally compatible.
- Interference (RF remotes): Radio frequency remotes can be susceptible to interference from other electronic devices. Try moving away from potential sources of interference.
Shutter Lag Or Delay
- Pre-focus: If you are experiencing a delay between pressing the shutter button on the remote and the camera taking a picture, try pre-focusing on the subject before triggering the shutter.
- Release priority: Check your camera’s custom functions menu for a setting related to shutter release priority. Setting this to “release” will prioritize the shutter release over focus accuracy.
Choosing The Right Remote For Your Needs
Selecting the ideal remote for your Canon 70D depends heavily on your specific photography needs and budget.
Consider these factors:
- Range: How far away do you need to be from the camera? IR remotes are limited to a short range, while RF remotes offer significantly longer range.
- Reliability: Do you need a guaranteed connection? Wired remotes offer the most reliable connection, while wireless remotes can be subject to interference.
- Features: Do you need advanced features like an intervalometer or bulb mode control?
- Budget: Remotes range in price from affordable wired remotes to more expensive RF remotes with advanced features.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a remote that perfectly complements your Canon 70D and enhances your photography experience.
By mastering remote photography techniques, you’ll unlock new creative possibilities and capture stunning images with your Canon 70D. Whether you’re minimizing camera shake, capturing unique perspectives, or creating mesmerizing time-lapses, a remote is an invaluable tool for any photographer. So, explore the options, experiment with different techniques, and unleash the full potential of your Canon 70D.
What Remote Shutter Release Options Are Compatible With The Canon 70D?
There are several ways to trigger your Canon 70D’s shutter remotely. Wired remote shutter releases, like the Canon RS-60E3, connect directly to the camera via a 2.5mm submini jack, offering a reliable and inexpensive solution. These are great for basic shutter triggering and bulb mode control.
For more advanced control and greater range, consider wireless remote shutter releases. These typically use infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) technology. IR remotes, such as the Canon RC-6, are line-of-sight, while RF remotes offer a longer range and don’t require direct visibility. Some third-party options even include intervalometer functions for time-lapse photography.
How Do I Set Up Wi-Fi On My Canon 70D For Remote Control Via Smartphone?
To use your smartphone as a remote shutter, begin by accessing the Canon 70D’s menu. Navigate to the Wi-Fi Function settings and enable Wi-Fi. You’ll be prompted to select a connection method, typically either connecting directly to your smartphone’s Wi-Fi network or setting up the camera as an access point.
Once connected, download and install the Canon Camera Connect app on your smartphone (available for both iOS and Android). Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your phone with the 70D. The app allows you to control various camera settings, including aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focusing points, as well as trigger the shutter remotely and view live feed.
Can I Use The Canon 70D’s Built-in Intervalometer For Time-lapse Photography Remotely?
The Canon 70D doesn’t have a built-in intervalometer, which means you can’t natively set it to automatically take pictures at specific intervals without an external accessory. Therefore, for true time-lapse photography with precise timing, you’ll need to explore external options.
To achieve automated time-lapse sequences remotely, you can use a dedicated external intervalometer that connects via the camera’s remote shutter release port, or utilize the remote shooting capabilities via the Canon Camera Connect app and potentially third-party apps that offer intervalometer functionality in conjunction with the Canon 70D’s Wi-Fi.
What Is The Best Approach For Focusing Remotely With The Canon 70D?
When focusing remotely, consider using Live View mode on your Canon 70D. This allows you to see the scene on your smartphone or computer screen, providing a clear view for accurate focusing. Utilize the zoom feature in Live View to magnify the image and ensure critical sharpness on your subject.
Many remote control options, including the Canon Camera Connect app, offer the ability to select the focus point and trigger autofocus remotely. Touch autofocus, if available in the app, can be particularly useful for quickly selecting different focusing areas within the frame. If precision is paramount, manual focus adjustment via the remote screen can offer the greatest control.
How Can I Troubleshoot Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues Between My Canon 70D And My Smartphone?
Begin by ensuring both your Canon 70D and smartphone have sufficient battery life. Low battery levels can sometimes disrupt the Wi-Fi connection. Next, double-check that Wi-Fi is enabled on both devices and that they are connected to the same network (if applicable) or that the 70D is set as the access point and the smartphone is connected directly to the 70D.
If the connection still fails, try restarting both the camera and your smartphone. Clear the connection settings on both devices and re-establish the pairing process. Ensure the Canon Camera Connect app is up to date. If the problem persists, consult the Canon 70D’s instruction manual or the Canon Camera Connect app’s help section for specific troubleshooting steps.
How Does Using A Remote Shutter Release Impact Battery Life On The Canon 70D?
Using a wired remote shutter release generally has a minimal impact on battery life. Since it’s directly connected and doesn’t rely on wireless communication, the power consumption is negligible. This makes wired remotes a great option for long-duration shoots where battery life is a concern.
Wireless remote options, particularly those using Wi-Fi for remote control via a smartphone, can consume significantly more battery power. Continuously transmitting images and controlling camera settings wirelessly drains the battery faster than normal shooting. Consider carrying extra batteries or using an external power source for extended remote shooting sessions.
Are There Limitations To Remote Control Features When Using Older Lenses On The Canon 70D?
The remote control features available via Wi-Fi or other remote shutter release methods are primarily dependent on the camera body (Canon 70D) and its software capabilities, rather than the lens itself. Basic functions like shutter release, aperture control, ISO settings, and focusing points are generally accessible regardless of the lens model.
However, older lenses without electronic contacts may not allow for aperture control through the camera body or the remote control app. In such cases, you’ll need to manually set the aperture on the lens itself before starting remote shooting. The autofocus performance will also depend on the lens’s autofocus motor; older lenses may have slower or less accurate autofocus compared to newer lenses.