Sony and Konica Minolta Cameras Forum

Sony Digital Cameras Forum This forum is for discussing Sony digital cameras and the Sony Alpha DSLR and Konica Minolta Maxxum / Dynax SLR systems.
Sony Digital SLR Reviews >>
Sony Above 10-Megapixel Digital Camera Reviews >>
Sony 8 to 10-Megapixel Digital Camera Reviews >>
Sony 6 to 7-Megapixel Digital Camera Reviews >>
All Sony Photography Product Reviews >>
Sony Digital Cameras & History Page >>
Results 1 to 4 of 4
  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Turner, Maine
    Posts
    10

    Smile Remote Commander/Alpha 500

    I have an Alpha 500 that am using with a Tamron 28-300 lens for a combination of kayaking and tripod based bird photography,
    I want to get a Remote Commander for use with the tripod but don't know where to begin.
    What are my options? Model numbers, features, etc.
    I don't need anything fancy; just the ability to reliably click that shutter with minimal
    disturbance to the camera.
    Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Rob

  2. #2
    Senior Member Anbesol's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    3,430

    Re: Remote Commander/Alpha 500

    Its simple, really. How much distance do you need? Do you need a timer? Do you need wireless?

    If you can work within a cabled range, you can do that anywhere from 3 to 12 feet or so, then get a simple remote tether, I got a few on Ebay from a chinese manufacturer, cheap crap, works great.

    example: http://cgi.ebay.com/Remote-Switch-S6...item3f0939e154

    If you need timer functions, for use with timed bulb exposures and precise round the clock timer controls, than you need an intervaluometer remote, which are very similar, with different timer options, usually ~$50, cheap ebay stuff.

    Ex: http://cgi.ebay.com/Timer-Remote-TR-...item3cb72c9c39

    Normally I'm not a cheap stuff kind of guy, but this stuff is so simple, no need to pay the middle man mark-up for the same end product..

    IF on the other hand you need a wireless option, then its similar to the above two, but a wireless receiver in the middle

    Example: http://cgi.ebay.com/Cleon-II-Wireles...item3cb72c9c11

    Not endorsing those exact ones, just linking to the first quick one, make sure the cable is long enough for your needs and make sure to pick the right one for your intended use. The camera already has a built in 2 second and 10 second self-timer in it, which will work with the simple straight cable remote, you don't need the intervaluometer for 10 second timer. The simple one will also have a switch on it which will allow it to do bulb exposures.

    Granted the intervaluometer is a lot of fancy bells and whistles, but i figured at ~ $50 its worth mentioning.

  3. #3
    Member PWhite214's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Houston, Texas, USA
    Posts
    482

    Re: Remote Commander/Alpha 500

    I use the cheap cable remotes more than wireless. I have a 3 foot and a 15 foot. Never had a problem with either one, and they were less than $5 each.

    For wireless I have an older model Apurture brand purchased on Ebay. I have had no problems with it. I bought one of the newer models for my Wife's canon camera, and have had a few problems, but may be from interference. Changing channels usually stops the random shutter actuation.

    Look through the listings on Ebay.

    A quick note on the Remote Commander Infared remote, you have to be IN FRONT of the camera, making it pretty usless to me.

    Good luck,

    Phil

  4. #4
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Turner, Maine
    Posts
    10

    Re: Remote Commander/Alpha 500

    Thanks, both. Appreciate the help. Simple cable should do it for me.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •