Get yourself into the picture

Being in IT, I have purchased a good number of digital cameras over the years, and one of the things that caught my eye about 8 years ago was the emergence of wireless remotes. Back then, it was somewhat of a side note, and it doesn't seem that things have changed much.

When I bought my Canon Rebel XT, I knew where would be some kind of remote switch available, but was there a wireless remote available? You'll always see ads pushing gadget bags, extra batteries, additional lenses, filters and more. But I had to look for this.

Construction and Quality
The remote feels very sturdy, to the point that you could probably drop it, toss it, and perhaps, (with some luck on your side), even step on it. There's not much to it, so that's not too surprising. The buttons themselves feel slightly clunky, if not cheap, but certainly sufficient for normal use.

Although it is small, while holding the remote in your hand with the IR emitter (call it the "front) pointing away, the body of the remote provides sufficient grip. Another benefit of the small size is that it can easily be hidden within your palm, such as when you choose to sneak into group shots. The shutter button is conveniently located near the front for good thumb access. The slider provides three settings with three positions.

Included with the remote is a clip that can slip onto a neck strap. It snaps onto this clip very securely and it's a good thing it never falls out, since I never pay attention to it. The remote detaches from the clip easily. On one end is a little red button. Press it, and the remote simply pulls off the clip. It can easily be done with one hand. To put it back, just hook one end of the remote and snap it back on. The shutter button, settings slider and battery door are on the "bottom" side that faces the storage clip, protecting them from being bumped.

Using the Remote
The camera needs to be in remote mode. On my Canon Rebel XT, that is timer/remote mode, selectable using the Drive Mode button. The caveat is, if you forget to take the camera out of this mode when finished, the camera will go into a 10 second delay the next time you go to take a shot. It's a good way to miss a shot, so don't forget!

Remote Settings
On the remote, there are three different settings, selectable with a slider.

- 2 for a 2 sec delay.
This is just long enough to click and hide the remote in your hand. It also locks the mirror up during that 2 seconds, reducing vibration that could otherwise be induced by mirror movement.

- *, actually a dot, that indicates instantaneous or normal operation.

- L for Lock mode, or Mirror Lock
This mode would offer more precise control in mirror lock mode, but the Lock mode on the RC-1 does not appear to work with the Canon Rebel XT (350D). I could be missing something, but the manual specifically references the remote switch (RS-60E3) and the RC-5 for mirror lock, and not the RC-1.

Bulb Mode
In manual exposure mode (M), you can also use the RC-1 for bulb mode. In manual exposure mode, spin the main dial to set the shutter to bulb. Then, press the shutter button on the remote to start the exposure. The camera will display a counter. Press again to close the shutter. Remember that, if you set the remote for 2 second delay, the camera will go into mirror lock, count for 2 seconds, then begin the exposure. This can give your camera and tripod time to "settle down".

Limitations
First, the sensor for the remote is on the front of the camera. Since it is an IR remote (Infrared, or light), you really need to aim at the front of the camera. This makes it difficult to use from behind the camera, requiring you to reach around to aim.

You also need to be less than about 15 feet away (16.4ft according to Canon). Not that you want to get too far from your gear anyway.

Fluorescent lights can wreak havoc on IR signals. The camera itself could interpret the light as commands, but, more likely, the light could weaken the signal, and thus limit the range or functionality of the remote. I haven't experienced any problems with the RC-1, but have seen the effects first hand with other devices.

Conclusion
The RC-1 can be easily found for just under $25, although you will likely have to visit your neighborhood camera shop or look online. It works well for what it is, but the limitations make it less than ideal for professionals. For those looking to get themselves into group photos and a simple and convenient remote trigger for tripod use, this may be the answer.

If you have hopes of getting yourself out from behind the camera at Christmas time, don't count on it. I thought I might be able to at least get a few shots in, but things happen too quickly and a tripod is simply too limiting in those situations. Unfortunately, the remote can't wield the camera around the room to give you the perspective you want. So, unless you're content with lots of pics of the backs of heads, plan on using the RC-1 for times more like posed shots.

Compatibility
The Canon website lists the RC-1 as being compatible with:
Digital Rebel XT
Digital Rebel XTi
ELPH 370Z
EOS Digital Rebel
EOS Digital Rebel XT (Black)
EOS Digital Rebel XT EF-S 17-85mm Lens Kit (Black)
EOS Digital Rebel XT EF-S 18-55mm (Black)
EOS Digital Rebel XT EF-S 18-55mm Kit (Silver)
EOS Digital Rebel XTi EF-S 18-55mm Kit (Black)
EOS Digital Rebel XTi EF-S 18-55mm Kit (Silver)
EOS ELAN 7/7E
EOS Elan 7N EF 28-105mm Kit
EOS ELAN 7NE
EOS Elan 7NE EF 28-105mm Kit
EOS Elan II/IIE
EOS Elan IIE
EOS IX Lite
EOS Rebel G
EOS Rebel K2
EOS Rebel T2
EOS Rebel T2 Date Body
EOS Rebel T2 EF 28-90mm III Kit
EOS Rebel Ti
EOS Rebel XS
EOS Rebel XSi
EOS Rebel XSi EF-S 18-55mm IS Kit (Black)
EOS Rebel XSi EF-S 18-55mm IS Kit (Silver)
EOS Rebel XSi Kit (Silver)
Limited Edition Digital Rebel
Limited Edition Digital Rebel kit 18-55mm Kit
Sure Shot Classic 120
Sure Shot Z135
Sure Shot Z90W

Information found on the USA Canon website
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=SupplyModelCompatAct&modelid=7581