Shutter Release thingy ;)

[HeatherJay]

Does anyone know if you can buy a shutter release thingy (my technical term ) for digital cameras? I have a Canon A-75 and my hubby is trying to take pictures through the telescope. He's got a few pretty good shots, but lots of blurring ones due to the camera shaking when he presses the button. My camera doesn't have a port or anything for it, but is there something like an add-on piece I could maybe get? Or can you make your own somehow?

Help?

 

[eviltangerine]

I believe you're referring to a remote or a cable release...

I know some cameras have them, but an easier fix is to simply turn on the timed setting on your camera, the one where it waits ten seconds after hitting the shutter to actually take the photo?

The 10 seconds gives the camera enough time to "rebound" from the vibrations and then take a perfect photo

 

[Deamiter]

The A75 doesn't support a remote - sorry. With a maximum opening of 15 seconds, you're not going to get TOO far with that camera. However, as eviltangerine said, you SHOULD use the 10 second timer (it can be set to either 2 or 10 seconds) which will vastly improve your shots!

If you ever use a camera with a bulb setting (that means it'll stay open as long as you hold the remote control down) you can do a "hat trick" and put a piece of cardboard over the telescope to stop light until it stops shaking from the shutter release. However, again with only 15 seconds exposures, you're unlikely to want to give up much of your light!

If you have any REALLY old film cameras (that aren't electronic) you can take long shots much more easily. You can usually pick up everything you need on ebay for under 50 or so dollars, and it's really a lot of fun, but I won't go into that now. Post back (or better yet, start a new thread) if you're interested in going there!

 

[HeatherJay]

Well, I also have an SLR film camera...a Pentax ZX-10. It's pretty nifty, but it is electronic. I'm not sure if I could get very far using it for this purpose either. I'll mention the timer idea to hubby. He's waiting for the clouds to roll away right now.

Thanks guys. Anymore advice would be great.

 

[Ouch]

I think the timer is about the only option, because I was looking at the camera's specs online and it notes that there is no sort of wireless control available, and of course there is no screw-in bulb release. So the timer is probably your only option for the a-75. It can be set to 2 seconds, so you don't have to wait as long.

 

[HeatherJay]

Okay, thanks. I'm going to post some of the shots my hubby took in another thread if you guys are interested in what we've got so far.

 

[mrcrow]

Okay, thanks. I'm going to post some of the shots my hubby took in another thread if you guys are interested in what we've got so far.

depending on exposure length you can use B for bulb...and a matte black card...
open the shutter...wait a few seconds for vibes to die...move card...count
one elephant
two elephants..
move card back..
close shutter...
thats how they did it in the old days with slow films and small apertures..

i have a cable release on my slr and mirror lock...that is the thing which causes the most vibration
i expect on digitals there may be an I.R. device like a controller..?
check your digi cam manufacturers spec.

**ps when you use the timer on an slr it moves the mirror up well before the shutter is released...thats the best way...but if your moon is moving..you may still get blur....maybe...allow 2-3 secs for vibes to die away...
and make sure the tripod is really well secure..hang a brick from it to hold it down steady