With the introduction of smartphone apps like Triggertrap and ioShutter, which allow you to control your DSLR from your phone, you might wonder why anyone would still buy a dedicated remote unit ... until that is, you miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot because you needed the phone for something else at the crucial moment. Sometimes simple is better. The Satechi WTR-A is a budget wireless timer remote for Canon DSLRs.
While the official Canon LC-5 Wireless Controller costs around US$450, the Satechi WTR-A comes in at a considerably more modest $60, and although it doesn't quite have the same range as its Canon counterpart, it does share most of its features. The Satechi WTR-A can not only be used as a wireless remote shutter control, but can also be programmed to run a series of timed photography tasks.
Different options include delaying the start of a shot for self portraits, programming time intervals for time-lapse photography, and managing long-exposure timers. The infrared device can also activate the bulb mode on compatible cameras, to let users hold the button down to determine shutter speed. However, it only works up to 50 ft (15 m) away, compared to 328 ft (100 m) with the LC-5.
Typical uses for the remote could include time-lapse photography, or getting shots from positions photographers can't normally be, like the behind the goal at a football game, or up-close with wild animals. Because using the remote instantly reduces vibration - because your finger is not pressing the camera - it is also useful for anything requiring a long exposure.
An LCD display with backlight on the 6.10 x 1.57 x 0.71 inch (155 x 40 x 18 mm) remote makes setting interval and long-exposure timers easy, while a "time remind" speaker can beep to count down the seconds until the shutter goes off. The receiver, which measures 1.97 x 1.57 x 1.18 inches (50 x 40 x 30 mm), plugs into the Canon N3 connector found on most Canon DSLRs and attaches to the hot shoe.
The Satechi WTR-A, which is available now for $60, is compatible with the Canon EOS-1V/1VHS, EOS-3, EOS-D2000, D30, D60, 1D, 1Ds, EOS-1D Mark II,III,IV, EOS-1Ds Mark II,III, EOS-10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 5D, 5D Mark II,III and the 7D.
Source: Satechi via Popphoto.com
