24Jun Using a IR remote to focus and start/stop recording on your Canon DSLR
I spent the day filming with Dave Dugdale from learningdslrvideo.com and one of the things he found interesting was my use of the Canon RC-1 IR remote to start/stop recording and refocus shots. Although I posted this video over a year ago, it’s still a very useful trick for DSLR film makers. One button will take a photo which basically sets the focus, and the other button (or switch position in the case of the RC-1) will start and stop recording. The trick also works with the generic IR remotes as well.
If you are using the Canon 7d or 5d mark III, you’ll need to set the camera to “self timer 2 second remote control mode” by press the “AF” button and using the jog wheel. If you are using a rebel camera like the Canon t2i, you’ll just need to find the “Remote Control” option in the first video menu and set it to enabled. As far as I know the feature still isn’t enabled on the 5d mark II, but the rest of Canon’s dslr line works just fine.
The trick is very handy if you’re trying to film by yourself or if you need to trigger multiple cameras. It’s also handy if you want to shoot some goofy self portraits. The Canon RC-1 remote is well worth the $20 price tag. The generic remote used in the video failed after about 2 months of use, however the Canon RC-1 has been in service for almost two years and I still use it to this day.
June 25th, 2012 at 7:25 am
I love these things. I zip tied one to the grip on the bottom of my shoulder rig and it works great as a remote trigger. You don’t have to reach up to start recording anymore.
November 27th, 2013 at 4:11 pm
To make the IR controller work on the 5D II you just have to go to self timer mode and go to the 10 second mark.
October 7th, 2017 at 2:44 pm
Hi Alex:
Mine is a EOS 5D. I has the self timer mode (10 sec). But the IR controller doesn’t work.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
November 12th, 2017 at 1:38 pm
Did you get your ir remote to work? I have the canon 5d markii and can’t get the RC-1 to work. Tried with 2sec and 10sec. My remote works I tested the ir.
March 14th, 2014 at 7:47 am
Did you hear about the “Aputure V Remote”? I just received one today (From Ebay, around $15).
Start/Stop Video recording and you can attach it to your Shoulder- Rig almost anywhere you want, thanks to it’s flexible “endoscope-like” IR Blaster. I have to say: I love this thing.
If you want to see a picture of it on my Rig:
http://goo.gl/pGSc9S
May 24th, 2014 at 7:24 pm
Its a nice trick to know. Can be used with Android DSLR Remote or canon remote app for phones with builtin IR, so you have the remote in your pocket always. Don’t know about the range though.