Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
p.1 #1Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
I was shooting our local bike club's annual group shot today, and my cheap Amazon bluetooth remote failed (stopped releasing the shutter on my A1ii) in the middle of the shoot. Although there are many things about the Creator's app I like, using it as a remote is not one of them due to the lack of tactile feedback.
Does anyone have a suggestion for a reliable Bluetooth remote for our cameras? I am shooting an A1ii and an A9iii, often together, so it would be extra nice if the remote had some sort of physical switch that would allow me to swap shutter release from one body to another. As opposed to re-pairing it, which is what I currently do.
It is frustrating to own this great gear only to be stymied by this weak link. I suspect that part of the problem may have been the large number of Garmin Varia radars that were nearby, which are connected to bike computer head units via Bluetooth. Often on group rides, my radar connects and disconnects, and I wonder whether maybe that led to the disconnection of my cheap remote from triggering my camera.
Does anyone have a suggestion for a reliable Bluetooth remote for our cameras? I am shooting an A1ii and an A9iii, often together, so it would be extra nice if the remote had some sort of physical switch that would allow me to swap shutter release from one body to another. As opposed to re-pairing it, which is what I currently do.
It is frustrating to own this great gear only to be stymied by this weak link. I suspect that part of the problem may have been the large number of Garmin Varia radars that were nearby, which are connected to bike computer head units via Bluetooth. Often on group rides, my radar connects and disconnects, and I wonder whether maybe that led to the disconnection of my cheap remote from triggering my camera.
Aug 27, 2026 at 10:23 AM
p.1 #2Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
Another Sony FM member recommended the Smallrig:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F66Y4LHM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F66Y4LHM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
Aug 27, 2026 at 10:28 AM
p.1 #3Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
Another vote for the Smallrig
The only slight annoyance is the size of the shutter button; it feels like it should be central and bigger, but in terms of reliability, it is rock solid
The only slight annoyance is the size of the shutter button; it feels like it should be central and bigger, but in terms of reliability, it is rock solid
Aug 27, 2026 at 11:42 AM
p.1 #4Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
I have the Onnoa bluetooth trigger. It works pretty well and it is compatible with your cameras. I use a Hahnel manual trigger as a backup.
Aug 27, 2026 at 12:11 PM
p.1 #5Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
I've used this one extensively for the last year, it has not missed a beat (can't say the same for the Sony branded one)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FB82P7PJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_8&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FB82P7PJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_8&th=1
Aug 29, 2026 at 02:13 PM
p.1 #6Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
I have used the Sony RMT-VP2 Wireless Remote Commander for the last several years.
Has never skipped a beat.
You would have to re-pair to switch between bodies---- or have 2 of them- (which is what I have done.)
gary
Has never skipped a beat.
You would have to re-pair to switch between bodies---- or have 2 of them- (which is what I have done.)
gary
Aug 30, 2026 at 01:33 AM
p.1 #7Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
71sbeetle wrote:
I've used this one extensively for the last year, it has not missed a beat (can't say the same for the Sony branded one)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FB82P7PJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_8&th=1
I've used the Sony remotes, JJC, and now the Smallrig one. I like the Smallrig one best so far but as was pointed out above, I wish the shutter button was larger and more prominent. But overall I do like it and it's been 100% reliable not disconnecting once, which used to happen all the time with the others I've used. This one you recommended here looks interesting and I'm ordering one to try out. Thanks for the recommendation!
I've used this one extensively for the last year, it has not missed a beat (can't say the same for the Sony branded one)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FB82P7PJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_8&th=1
I've used the Sony remotes, JJC, and now the Smallrig one. I like the Smallrig one best so far but as was pointed out above, I wish the shutter button was larger and more prominent. But overall I do like it and it's been 100% reliable not disconnecting once, which used to happen all the time with the others I've used. This one you recommended here looks interesting and I'm ordering one to try out. Thanks for the recommendation!
Sep 01, 2026 at 01:07 PM
p.1 #8Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
adventure_photo wrote:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FB82P7PJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_8&th=1I've used the Sony remotes, JJC, and now the Smallrig one. I like the Smallrig one best so far but as was pointed out above, I wish the shutter button was larger and more prominent. But overall I do like it and it's been 100% reliable not disconnecting once, which used to happen all the time with the others I've used. This one you recommended here looks interesting and I'm ordering one to try out. Thanks for the recommendation!
I asked AI for ideas on increasing the surface area of a remote button and it suggested cabinet bumpers. I went on Amazon and found this for example:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRM6BLKL
71sbeetle wrote
I've used this one extensively for the last year, it has not missed a beat (can't say the same for the Sony branded one)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FB82P7PJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_8&th=1
I asked AI for ideas on increasing the surface area of a remote button and it suggested cabinet bumpers. I went on Amazon and found this for example:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRM6BLKL
Sep 01, 2026 at 01:44 PM
p.1 #9Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
I have the Sony one and the range is pathetic. Over 10ft and it usually does not trigger. Really terrible.
Sep 01, 2026 at 02:21 PM
p.1 #10Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
gchappel wrote:
I have used the Sony RMT-VP2 Wireless Remote Commander for the last several years.
Has never skipped a beat.
You would have to re-pair to switch between bodies---- or have 2 of them- (which is what I have done.)
gary
I also have one. I'm not seeing the issues with it other than the usual stupidity of BT in general.
EBH
I have used the Sony RMT-VP2 Wireless Remote Commander for the last several years.
Has never skipped a beat.
You would have to re-pair to switch between bodies---- or have 2 of them- (which is what I have done.)
gary
I also have one. I'm not seeing the issues with it other than the usual stupidity of BT in general.
EBH
Sep 01, 2026 at 02:23 PM
|
p.1 #11Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
Newenglandrocks wrote:
I was shooting our local bike club's annual group shot today, and my cheap Amazon bluetooth remote failed (stopped releasing the shutter on my A1ii) in the middle of the shoot. Although there are many things about the Creator's app I like, using it as a remote is not one of them due to the lack of tactile feedback.
Does anyone have a suggestion for a reliable Bluetooth remote for our cameras? I am shooting an A1ii and an A9iii, often together, so it would be extra nice if the remote had some sort of physical switch that would allow me...Show more →
Why not use the Sony Monitor & Control app from your phone - it uses WiFi and might have more range and be more reliable.
Alternately check the Sony Facebook groups - someone was looking for testers for an iPhone app that provides BLE shutter release.
I was shooting our local bike club's annual group shot today, and my cheap Amazon bluetooth remote failed (stopped releasing the shutter on my A1ii) in the middle of the shoot. Although there are many things about the Creator's app I like, using it as a remote is not one of them due to the lack of tactile feedback.
Does anyone have a suggestion for a reliable Bluetooth remote for our cameras? I am shooting an A1ii and an A9iii, often together, so it would be extra nice if the remote had some sort of physical switch that would allow me...Show more →
Why not use the Sony Monitor & Control app from your phone - it uses WiFi and might have more range and be more reliable.
Alternately check the Sony Facebook groups - someone was looking for testers for an iPhone app that provides BLE shutter release.
Sep 01, 2026 at 02:32 PM
p.1 #12Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
adventure_photo wrote:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FB82P7PJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_8&th=1I've used the Sony remotes, JJC, and now the Smallrig one. I like the Smallrig one best so far but as was pointed out above, I wish the shutter button was larger and more prominent. But overall I do like it and it's been 100% reliable not disconnecting once, which used to happen all the time with the others I've used. This one you recommended here looks interesting and I'm ordering one to try out. Thanks for the recommendation!
Let me know what you think after you try it out, I really like it, someone on the forum here had recommended it, decided to give it a try and haven't stopped using it since. It has a rechargeable battery and even with as much as we use it, we only need to charge once every 4-6 months (we've had it for just about a year now and other than the initial charge we've only charged it once since, and I just asked my wife she said it's probably due soon but still works fine)
71sbeetle wrote
I've used this one extensively for the last year, it has not missed a beat (can't say the same for the Sony branded one)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FB82P7PJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_8&th=1
Let me know what you think after you try it out, I really like it, someone on the forum here had recommended it, decided to give it a try and haven't stopped using it since. It has a rechargeable battery and even with as much as we use it, we only need to charge once every 4-6 months (we've had it for just about a year now and other than the initial charge we've only charged it once since, and I just asked my wife she said it's probably due soon but still works fine)
Sep 01, 2026 at 08:35 PM
p.1 #13Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
The third party ones may stop working after a firmware update.
JJC had this issue before. If you buy from jjc directly in china they replaced it, but if you buy from a third party retailer you might be out of luck
JJC had this issue before. If you buy from jjc directly in china they replaced it, but if you buy from a third party retailer you might be out of luck
Sep 01, 2026 at 09:05 PM
p.1 #14Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
duncangr wrote:
Does anyone have a suggestion for a reliable Bluetooth remote for our cameras? I am shooting an A1ii and an A9iii, often together, so it would be extra nice if the remote had some sort of physical switch that would allow me to swap shutter release from one body to another. As opposed to re-pairing it, which is what I currently do.
It is frustrating to own this great gear only to be stymied by this weak link. I suspect that part of the problem may have been the large number of Garmin Varia radars that were nearby, which are connected to bike computer head units via Bluetooth. Often on group rides, my radar connects and disconnects, and I wonder whether maybe that led to the disconnection of my cheap remote from triggering my camera.Why not use the Sony Monitor & Control app from your phone - it uses WiFi and might have more range and be more reliable.
Alternately check the Sony Facebook groups - someone was looking for testers for an iPhone app that provides BLE shutter release.
I do like the app, but when you are shooting astro, the bright screen sucks. Also, when shooting group photos, there is no haptic feedback on the screen, so it is hard to get yourself in that group photo. Any BT remote works better for that when working.
I purchased the Small Rig remote per the recommendation in the thread and I'm liking it so far.
Newenglandrocks wrote
I was shooting our local bike club's annual group shot today, and my cheap Amazon bluetooth remote failed (stopped releasing the shutter on my A1ii) in the middle of the shoot. Although there are many things about the Creator's app I like, using it as a remote is not one of them due to the lack of tactile feedback.Does anyone have a suggestion for a reliable Bluetooth remote for our cameras? I am shooting an A1ii and an A9iii, often together, so it would be extra nice if the remote had some sort of physical switch that would allow me to swap shutter release from one body to another. As opposed to re-pairing it, which is what I currently do.
It is frustrating to own this great gear only to be stymied by this weak link. I suspect that part of the problem may have been the large number of Garmin Varia radars that were nearby, which are connected to bike computer head units via Bluetooth. Often on group rides, my radar connects and disconnects, and I wonder whether maybe that led to the disconnection of my cheap remote from triggering my camera.
Alternately check the Sony Facebook groups - someone was looking for testers for an iPhone app that provides BLE shutter release.
I do like the app, but when you are shooting astro, the bright screen sucks. Also, when shooting group photos, there is no haptic feedback on the screen, so it is hard to get yourself in that group photo. Any BT remote works better for that when working.
I purchased the Small Rig remote per the recommendation in the thread and I'm liking it so far.
Sep 02, 2026 at 07:31 AM
p.1 #15Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
duncangr wrote:
Why not use the Sony Monitor & Control app from your phone - it uses WiFi and might have more range and be more reliable..
You know what would be great? If Sony or someone else would create an Apple Watch app that works in conjunction with an iPhone app to give us a simple shutter release button on the watch. Simple, but extremely useful. You already are wearing the watch, so little chance that you’ll forget where you put the remote or lose it.
I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do is replicate the control of a remote release… and trigger the exposure.
Honestly, it is weird that no one has done this already, as least as far as I know.
(Heck, I don’t mind if they create versions for non-Apple products, too!)
Why not use the Sony Monitor & Control app from your phone - it uses WiFi and might have more range and be more reliable..
You know what would be great? If Sony or someone else would create an Apple Watch app that works in conjunction with an iPhone app to give us a simple shutter release button on the watch. Simple, but extremely useful. You already are wearing the watch, so little chance that you’ll forget where you put the remote or lose it.
I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do is replicate the control of a remote release… and trigger the exposure.
Honestly, it is weird that no one has done this already, as least as far as I know.
(Heck, I don’t mind if they create versions for non-Apple products, too!)
Sep 02, 2026 at 07:35 AM
p.1 #16Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
gdanmitchell wrote:
You know what would be great? If Sony or someone else would create an Apple Watch app that works in conjunction with an iPhone app to give us a simple shutter release button on the watch. Simple, but extremely useful. You already are wearing the watch, so little chance that you’ll forget where you put the remote or lose it.
I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do...Show more →
That's a great idea Dan. I just checked and such an app exists apparently:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alpha-remote-controller/id6448733047
Screenshot of Alpha Controller App page
duncangr wrote
Why not use the Sony Monitor & Control app from your phone - it uses WiFi and might have more range and be more reliable..I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do...Show more →
That's a great idea Dan. I just checked and such an app exists apparently:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alpha-remote-controller/id6448733047
Screenshot of Alpha Controller App page
Sep 02, 2026 at 08:07 AM
p.1 #17Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
Has anyone here used it? Thoughts?
snapsy wrote:
You know what would be great? If Sony or someone else would create an Apple Watch app that works in conjunction with an iPhone app to give us a simple shutter release button on the watch. Simple, but extremely useful. You already are wearing the watch, so little chance that you’ll forget where you put the remote or lose it.
I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do is replicate the control of a remote release… and trigger the exposure.
Honestly, it is weird that no one has done this already, as least as far as I know.
(Heck, I don’t mind if they create versions for non-Apple products, too!)That's a great idea Dan. I just checked and such an app exists apparently:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alpha-remote-controller/id6448733047
snapsy wrote:
gdanmitchell wrote
duncangr wrote
Why not use the Sony Monitor & Control app from your phone - it uses WiFi and might have more range and be more reliable..I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do is replicate the control of a remote release… and trigger the exposure.
Honestly, it is weird that no one has done this already, as least as far as I know.
(Heck, I don’t mind if they create versions for non-Apple products, too!)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alpha-remote-controller/id6448733047
Sep 02, 2026 at 08:25 AM
p.1 #18Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
snapsy wrote:
You know what would be great? If Sony or someone else would create an Apple Watch app that works in conjunction with an iPhone app to give us a simple shutter release button on the watch. Simple, but extremely useful. You already are wearing the watch, so little chance that you’ll forget where you put the remote or lose it.
I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do is replicate the control of a remote release… and trigger the exposure.
Honestly, it is weird that no one has done this already, as least as far as I know.
(Heck, I don’t mind if they create versions for non-Apple products, too!)That's a great idea Dan. I just checked and such an app exists apparently:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alpha-remote-controller/id6448733047
That one is pretty cool, understands night photography and offers a dark mode. The watch app is sweet, and $6, hard to pass up.
gdanmitchell wrote
duncangr wrote
Why not use the Sony Monitor & Control app from your phone - it uses WiFi and might have more range and be more reliable..I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do is replicate the control of a remote release… and trigger the exposure.
Honestly, it is weird that no one has done this already, as least as far as I know.
(Heck, I don’t mind if they create versions for non-Apple products, too!)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alpha-remote-controller/id6448733047
That one is pretty cool, understands night photography and offers a dark mode. The watch app is sweet, and $6, hard to pass up.
Sep 02, 2026 at 08:39 AM
p.1 #19Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
Jack Flesher wrote:
You know what would be great? If Sony or someone else would create an Apple Watch app that works in conjunction with an iPhone app to give us a simple shutter release button on the watch. Simple, but extremely useful. You already are wearing the watch, so little chance that you’ll forget where you put the remote or lose it.
I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do is replicate the control of a remote release… and trigger the exposure.
Honestly, it is weird that no one has done this already, as least as far as I know.
(Heck, I don’t mind if they create versions for non-Apple products, too!)That's a great idea Dan. I just checked and such an app exists apparently:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alpha-remote-controller/id6448733047That one is pretty cool, understands night photography and offers a dark mode. The watch app is sweet, and $6, hard to pass up.
And… less expensive than a reliable stand alone bluetooth remote.
snapsy wrote
gdanmitchell wrote
duncangr wrote
Why not use the Sony Monitor & Control app from your phone - it uses WiFi and might have more range and be more reliable..I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do is replicate the control of a remote release… and trigger the exposure.
Honestly, it is weird that no one has done this already, as least as far as I know.
(Heck, I don’t mind if they create versions for non-Apple products, too!)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alpha-remote-controller/id6448733047
And… less expensive than a reliable stand alone bluetooth remote.
Sep 02, 2026 at 08:41 AM
p.1 #20Ideas for a reliable Bluetooth remote shutter release?
gdanmitchell wrote:
Has anyone here used it? Thoughts?
You know what would be great? If Sony or someone else would create an Apple Watch app that works in conjunction with an iPhone app to give us a simple shutter release button on the watch. Simple, but extremely useful. You already are wearing the watch, so little chance that you’ll forget where you put the remote or lose it.
I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do is replicate the control of a remote release… and trigger the exposure.
Honestly, it is weird that no one has done this already, as least as far as I know.
(Heck, I don’t mind if they create versions for non-Apple products, too!)That's a great idea Dan. I just checked and such an app exists apparently:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alpha-remote-controller/id6448733047
For $6 bucks, I will split it with you. You buy it and try it and if it’s a tosser, I’ll send you $3.
🤣🤣🤣
Has anyone here used it? Thoughts?
snapsy wrote
gdanmitchell wrote
duncangr wrote
Why not use the Sony Monitor & Control app from your phone - it uses WiFi and might have more range and be more reliable..I know. The phone apps provide more features and a larger area for more sophisticated controls. And there are times when that stuff is still going to be useful. But there are plenty of times when all we want to do is replicate the control of a remote release… and trigger the exposure.
Honestly, it is weird that no one has done this already, as least as far as I know.
(Heck, I don’t mind if they create versions for non-Apple products, too!)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alpha-remote-controller/id6448733047
For $6 bucks, I will split it with you. You buy it and try it and if it’s a tosser, I’ll send you $3.
🤣🤣🤣
Sep 02, 2026 at 08:42 AM