p.1 #1 · 5D II question, re remote-control (advanced)
I have a question about using the video mode of the 5D II. Hoping some experienced users can help me out.
If I get the camera, I would need to take both video mode to still shots, but do it remotely and from around 50 - 60 feet away. The camera would be on a tripod or Bogen autopole system, and I'd be on the other side of the room. I have a radio-remote now for my 5D's shutter release. Works great. I can use the 5D II in Live-View mode, so no problem there, but I just can't find a way to remotely START the video.
In a past thread, I was told that you can do this with the Canon RC-1 remote. However, it turns out that the RC-1 is infrared, thus has a range of only ~ 15' and also needs line-of-sight.
Thus will not work for me. I need a radio-transmitter solution.
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I spoke with a Canon tech today who said there was nothing available. Video must be started with the big wheel on the back. There isn't even a way to assign video start-stop to the shutter-release (side port) which seems like a HUGE omission to me.
Any hope with some third-party device?
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The Canon tech suggested I try to rig up a radio-controlled solenoid. (actuator) That actually might work, esp since the video start-stop can be re-assigned to the center function-button, so a simple actuator could theoretically be rigged.
Unfortunnately I MUST know if this will work before I invest in the new camera, and that's basically impossible. Ughhh. I can't believe Canon dropped the ball on this.
p.1 #2 · 5D II question, re remote-control (advanced)
how about an IR repeater to extend the range of the RC-1? these are pretty common for extending your stereo's remote around corners, into closed cabinets etc. Radio Shack, or any decent electronics supply house.
Maybe RadioPoppers can pass the IR signal through? On the camera end, you'd just line up the optical port over the IR sensor. Send them an email, I bet they'd test it and report back.
p.1 #3 · 5D II question, re remote-control (advanced)
Interesting idea, but that won't work unless I could somehow mount it on the ceiling. AND I'd probably need two of them. AND I'd still sometimes have a line-of-sight problem.
I'm still praying there's some other solution, but it doesn't look good.
p.1 #4 · 5D II question, re remote-control (advanced)
Is it possible to do what you need to do tethered?
Run a cable across the room from the camera to your laptop?
Haven't tried it yet myself, so I can't say whether the video functions can be controlled that way...but the regular LiveView functions can. Might be worth a try.
p.1 #5 · 5D II question, re remote-control (advanced)
Cableaddict wrote:
I have a question about using the video mode of the 5D II. Hoping some experienced users can help me out.
If I get the camera, I would need to take both video mode to still shots, but do it remotely and from around 50 - 60 feet away. The camera would be on a tripod or Bogen autopole system, and I'd be on the other side of the room. I have a radio-remote now for my 5D's shutter release. Works great. I can use the 5D II in Live-View mode, so no problem there, but I just can't find a way to remotely START the video.
In a past thread, I was told that you can do this with the Canon RC-1 remote. However, it turns out that the RC-1 is infrared, thus has a range of only ~ 15' and also needs line-of-sight.
Thus will not work for me. I need a radio-transmitter solution.
--------------------------------------
I spoke with a Canon tech today who said there was nothing available. Video must be started with the big wheel on the back. There isn't even a way to assign video start-stop to the shutter-release (side port) which seems like a HUGE omission to me.
Any hope with some third-party device?
--------------------------------
The Canon tech suggested I try to rig up a radio-controlled solenoid. (actuator) That actually might work, esp since the video start-stop can be re-assigned to the center function-button, so a simple actuator could theoretically be rigged.
Unfortunnately I MUST know if this will work before I invest in the new camera, and that's basically impossible. Ughhh. I can't believe Canon dropped the ball on this.
...Show more →
If you need it for such a specialized purpose- why don't you just get a video camera, and a decent DSLR?
p.1 #6 · 5D II question, re remote-control (advanced)
The answer is complicated. No need to explain it here. Yes, a separate camcorder is another option, but not a good one for my special application.
This question will also be of interest to many videographers, as it's one of several reasons the 5D II cannot be considered a true camcorder replacement. The next-generation from Canon should really be something, but I need this now, if I can make it work.
