12Feb Remote control focusing and recording on your Canon DSLR.
One very handy thing and a function that isn’t covered very well in the manual is the ability to start and stop recording using a simple IR remote control. You can also use this same remote to pull focus before you begin recording.
With either the Canon RC-1 or a generic IR remote you can set your canon 7d, 60d, or t2i up to focus and record video (sorry no 5d mark II support). By taking a photo with the remote the camera will auto focus on the target in the focusing square. Once the camera is focused on the object the 2 second button will start and stop video recording on your camera.
This handy feature allows you to focus remotely when recording yourself in a video blog like the one above. If you’re interested in the generic remote you can pick one up for around $5. They don’t have the reach of the more expensive Canon RC-1 and they aren’t as durable, but they’re completely usable and cheap to replace.
February 13th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Awesome tip, I had NO idea 😀
July 22nd, 2011 at 3:26 am
Hello and thank’s for one inspired video! I’m searching for an ir remote control for recording with my 5D mark II and I was interested in the generic remote you showed! Does it work with the 5D?
I have searched for it but I just CANT find it on ebay!
Can you please give me a link?
July 22nd, 2011 at 7:56 am
The remote I use works with the 5D. However you do have to drill through the menus to find the selection that enables the feature. Just open your camera manual up to page 102 and then take a look at 134 in the notes section under movie recording. Here is a link to the generic remote on amazon: RC-1 IR Remote Control. If you search for canon RC-1 on ebay, you’ll find the generic remotes for about the same price as amazon. But you’ll probably have to wait for it to ship from hong kong.