Shutter button technique

I am trying not to shake the camera when pressing the shutter but with the
forward placement of the shutter on the Canon Rebel XT (350D), there is a
tendency to slightly tilt the camera forward or cause a small vibration.
This is a problem when the camera is on the tripod.

Using the self-timer with a tripod works, but 10 seconds is a long time to
wait. I have ordered a remote control that would also help for tripod
shots. Using the computer to trigger the camera via the USB port completely
eliminates any shake, but requires a computer within 15 feet.

I would like to be able to manually press the shutter without moving the
camera significantly when it is on the tripod. Is there a technique to
doing this effectively? I can do ok with hand holding the camera, but on
the tripod, I often wiggle the camera inadvertently.

default wrote:
I am trying not to shake the camera when pressing the shutter but
with the forward placement of the shutter on the Canon Rebel XT
(350D), there is a tendency to slightly tilt the camera forward or
cause a small vibration. This is a problem when the camera is on the
tripod.
Using the self-timer with a tripod works, but 10 seconds is a long
time to wait. I have ordered a remote control that would also help
for tripod shots. Using the computer to trigger the camera via the
USB port completely eliminates any shake, but requires a computer
within 15 feet.
I would like to be able to manually press the shutter without moving
the camera significantly when it is on the tripod. Is there a
technique to doing this effectively? I can do ok with hand holding
the camera, but on the tripod, I often wiggle the camera
inadvertently.

Buy a sturdier tripod that more securely holds the camera. -It shouldn't be
that easy to disturb on a sturdy tripod.
....or...
Instead of only pushing down on the shutter release...hold onto the camera
grip, and then press as you would were it in your hand. -If you're only
pressing on the button, you are going to create more movement than if you
would grab the grip.

"default" wrote in message
news:kqOlf.64788$ki.45540@pd7tw2no...
I am trying not to shake the camera when pressing the shutter but with the
forward placement of the shutter on the Canon Rebel XT (350D), there is a
tendency to slightly tilt the camera forward or cause a small vibration.
This is a problem when the camera is on the tripod.

Using the self-timer with a tripod works, but 10 seconds is a long time to
wait. I have ordered a remote control that would also help for tripod
shots. Using the computer to trigger the camera via the USB port
completely eliminates any shake, but requires a computer within 15 feet.

I would like to be able to manually press the shutter without moving the
camera significantly when it is on the tripod. Is there a technique to
doing this effectively? I can do ok with hand holding the camera, but on
the tripod, I often wiggle the camera inadvertently.

Some people have a tendency to jerk the camera when they press the button.
Gently squeeze the button in a smooth movement when you take a photo. I
guess it's like when they tell you to slowly "squeeze" the trigger when you
shoot a gun.

"default" wrote in message
news:kqOlf.64788$ki.45540@pd7tw2no...
I am trying not to shake the camera when pressing the shutter but with the
forward placement of the shutter on the Canon Rebel XT (350D), there is a
tendency to slightly tilt the camera forward or cause a small vibration.
This is a problem when the camera is on the tripod.

Using the self-timer with a tripod works, but 10 seconds is a long time to
wait. I have ordered a remote control that would also help for tripod
shots. Using the computer to trigger the camera via the USB port
completely
eliminates any shake, but requires a computer within 15 feet.

I would like to be able to manually press the shutter without moving the
camera significantly when it is on the tripod. Is there a technique to
doing this effectively? I can do ok with hand holding the camera, but on
the tripod, I often wiggle the camera inadvertently.



Wouldn't a remote shutter trigger be the ticket for this? Canon has one for
that camera.
http://www.canoncompanystore.com/epa...ail=2469A002AA

They are on eBay for $16 with shipping included.

Chris

"default" wrote in message
news:kqOlf.64788$ki.45540@pd7tw2no...
I am trying not to shake the camera when pressing the shutter but with the
forward placement of the shutter on the Canon Rebel XT (350D), there is a
tendency to slightly tilt the camera forward or cause a small vibration.
This is a problem when the camera is on the tripod.

Using the self-timer with a tripod works, but 10 seconds is a long time to
wait. I have ordered a remote control that would also help for tripod
shots. Using the computer to trigger the camera via the USB port
completely eliminates any shake, but requires a computer within 15 feet.

I would like to be able to manually press the shutter without moving the
camera significantly when it is on the tripod. Is there a technique to
doing this effectively? I can do ok with hand holding the camera, but on
the tripod, I often wiggle the camera inadvertently.
The RS-60E3 ($24.99) remote release will work well. Mind you can make a
remote release with a couple bucks of Radio Shack parts

You should cradle the camera in your left hand; that hand providing most of
the support. Do not use the right hand for as much support. Use the grip
to gently hold the camera steady and push the shutter. The left hand still
holding steady from above. Most amateurs hardly use the left hand at all.
If you are using the right hand for most of the support and at the same time
pressing the shutter, you are in effect working against yourself.

Also, be aware that this is a common problem; hence the constant talk of
faster lenses. Faster speed is less shake. When possible, specifically
when using longer lenses, try to brace your whole body and arms against a
brace; tree, building, etc. A good photographer has no loss of ego when
using something to brace himself and the camera.

"default" wrote in message
news:kqOlf.64788$ki.45540@pd7tw2no...
I am trying not to shake the camera when pressing the shutter but with the
forward placement of the shutter on the Canon Rebel XT (350D), there is a
tendency to slightly tilt the camera forward or cause a small vibration.
This is a problem when the camera is on the tripod.

Using the self-timer with a tripod works, but 10 seconds is a long time to
wait. I have ordered a remote control that would also help for tripod
shots. Using the computer to trigger the camera via the USB port
completely eliminates any shake, but requires a computer within 15 feet.

I would like to be able to manually press the shutter without moving the
camera significantly when it is on the tripod. Is there a technique to
doing this effectively? I can do ok with hand holding the camera, but on
the tripod, I often wiggle the camera inadvertently.

default wrote:

I am trying not to shake the camera when pressing the shutter but with the
forward placement of the shutter on the Canon Rebel XT (350D), there is a
tendency to slightly tilt the camera forward or cause a small vibration.
This is a problem when the camera is on the tripod.

Using the self-timer with a tripod works, but 10 seconds is a long time to
wait. I have ordered a remote control that would also help for tripod
shots. Using the computer to trigger the camera via the USB port completely
eliminates any shake, but requires a computer within 15 feet.

I would like to be able to manually press the shutter without moving the
camera significantly when it is on the tripod. Is there a technique to
doing this effectively? I can do ok with hand holding the camera, but on
the tripod, I often wiggle the camera inadvertently.

Two things come to mind:

1) Squeeze, don't press. Drape your finger across the button and just
squeeze it, rather than trying to press with the end of your finger.

2) Follow through. The shutter might be open longer than you'd think it
would be, so don't quit squeezing until you're sure the shutter is
closed. The tendency is to squeeze and then imagine the exposure is
done, so you let up off the button, but sometimes the shutter is still
open. The act of letting up can move the camera.

What everyone else said about bracing and fast shutter speed applies,
too. You might consider a monopod, as well.

Some SLRs used to have a mirror lock-up function, where you could lock
the mirror in place so the momentum of having it slap around inside the
camera wouldn't jiggle the camera. Most new cameras don't have this, but
some have a mirror delay. The idea being that the camera can flap the
mirror up, wait a few seconds, and then take the exposure. See if your
camera has this feature... I doubt it does, but I don't really know.

The wired remotes are fairly pricy here, but I ordered the RC-1 wireless
remote. It should be here by the end of the week hopefully. Does the
RS-60E3 allow the half press?


"c" wrote in message
...

Wouldn't a remote shutter trigger be the ticket for this? Canon has one
for
that camera.
http://www.canoncompanystore.com/epa...ail=2469A002AA

They are on eBay for $16 with shipping included.

Chris

"Sheldon" wrote in message
...
Some people have a tendency to jerk the camera when they press the button.
Gently squeeze the button in a smooth movement when you take a photo. I
guess it's like when they tell you to slowly "squeeze" the trigger when
you shoot a gun.


Clearly I will need to practice not disturbing the camera more. If it is a
long exposure, I will have to trigger it remotely I think because if I hold
the camera while it is on the tripd, then letting go moves it again.

"Mark²" mjmorgan(lowest even number wrote in message
news:8wOlf.29$z21.20@fed1read04...
Buy a sturdier tripod that more securely holds the camera. -It shouldn't
be that easy to disturb on a sturdy tripod.
...or...
Instead of only pushing down on the shutter release...hold onto the camera
grip, and then press as you would were it in your hand. -If you're only
pressing on the button, you are going to create more movement than if you
would grab the grip.

Thanks.

My tripod is a bit cheap. That could be part of the problem. If I am
holding the grip, then my body movements affect the camera some and if I let
go, I induce a vibration also. I think I will have to practice squeezing
the shutter release but not putting a net force on the camera body.