Dragon Snack Posted July 25, 2004 Share Posted July 25, 2004 I figured I would start a new thread specific to my question... One thing I really love about this camera is that you can connect it to the computer, then use the computer to control the camera. This is great for takeing pics of minis. I use the computer monitor as a viewfinder, eliminating all those shots that looked fine on the camera screen but turned out just a bit out of focus when you get them loaded into the computer. It also eliminates camera shake from pushing the shutter release button, eliminating another source of out of focus pics. (OK, I know that digital cameras don't have shutters-but what else do you call that button?) Wow, it's been a while since I went shopping for a digital camera, I've never heard of this feature. Other than the Canon Powershot A75, what other cameras out there have this? How are the controls set up? Do you have to buy anything extra to use your camera this way (cords, a special controller)? If the cords are included, how long are they? Geek interest piqued... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spartan6 Posted July 25, 2004 Share Posted July 25, 2004 I'm interested too. My little digital isn't getting it done and I can't afford to process the print rolls I have piled up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flit Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 I do this with a regular USB cable and the software that came with the camera. The cable that came with the camera is about 4 feet long. I did buy a USB extension cable to make set up easier, but it is not strictly necessary. You do still have to keep the photo shoot close to the computer. My work table is on the other side of the room from the computer, so this is no problem for me. I connect the camera to the computer with the USB cable, just like I do when I transfer the pictures from the camera to the computer (don't have a card reader). There is an option in the software that came with the camera called "Remote Shooting". I just select this and a screen comes up with the camera controls on it . Just select what you want from the keyboard instead of the camera controls. There is a section of the monitor that works like the camera's viewfinder. It is much larger than the one on the camera, and so you can tell if you have the focus just right, which is often tricky with macro photography. This is one of the reasons I use this feature, the other being that there is not remote release avaliable for my digital camera the way they are for most (if not all film SLR cameras). The remote release is important when taking macro pictures or long exposures to prevent the motion of pressing the shutter release button from causing the camera to move and blur the picture. This motion is not large enough to show up in snapshots due to the much faster shutter speeds involved and the greater distance from the camera to the subject. Another advantage to the computer controlled set up is that you can see your pic on screen full size right after you shoot it . If it is not good enough you just delet it and try again. Also, when shooting like this the pics are stored on your hard drive and not the flash card in the camera, so file size is not an issue. I always shoot in the higest resolution possible and then make the photos "web friendly" with PhotoShop Elements later. Did I forget to mention that you really have to ues a tripod to do this? You could probably get around using a tripod by placing the camera on a table, but it would probably be difficult. Mini photography is not something that you can do while hand holding the camera. At least not easily. As far as other cameras that have the Rmote Shooting feature--I don't know. It is not used as a selling point. In fact I didn't know about it untill after I bought my camera and read the manual. I am sure that Cannon has the feature on most, if not all of their digital cameras. As for other manufacturers- I have no idea. I wouldn't be suprised if they did have the feature. It seams to me to be mostly a software feature that could be easily added. It is already programed into the camera. It would just be a matter of putting it where the user could access it from the computer rather than the camera. I hope this answers your questions and doesn't ramble too much. I am up past my bed time. I will try to answer any other questions any one has, but there a better photographers on the boards. My general reccomendations are: Read your manual and Practice with the camera to get familiar with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Shine Posted July 27, 2004 Share Posted July 27, 2004 I have the The Canon Powershot A-70, it also has the same "remote shooting" feature. The software that comes with the camera is called Zoom Browser EX. The A-70 is the step down from the A-75 the only big difference between the two cameras is the size of the view screen and the price (about 100.00$ to 150.00$ difference now ) I bought mine about two months ago now and I just love it. check out my site link to see the pics. As for a tripod I bought a tabletop one for 25.00$. There's a model with bendy type wire legs for 5.00$ don't bother unless you like your camera falling over in the middle of a shoot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Snack Posted July 28, 2004 Author Share Posted July 28, 2004 Great answers Flit, this is yet another reason for me to get a new camera... I have a bunch of tripods from my Grandfathers camera (an SLR that I think my Uncle got) and they fit the camera I have now. Although I do use the little bendy one I got along with a bunch of other camera accessories more often than the others. Anyone else have anything besides a Canon with this option? Being in the shadow of the Big Yellow Box we seem to get good deals on Kodaks around here. Haven't found a place that still has the A70, I wouldn't mind the cheaper price... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Shine Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Haven't found a place that still has the A70, I wouldn't mind the cheaper price... I bought mine from a camera store and I have a friend who bought his on ebay, his was new as well, not used. I'm not sure where you are looking, but places like Business Depot or Blacks tend to carry more mainstream or newer products. Going to places that deal in photography specifically should greatly improve your chances in finding an older but just as suitable model. Mine had a special offer when I bought it, it came with a battery charger (with batteries ), a 256mb card and a leather cannon case for 150.00$ more . good deal considering the card and charger retailed at 80.00$ each and the case was about 40.00$. All just to say if you look in the right places and stay informed (as it seems you're doing) you should find something to fit your needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 Wow..my cheap little AGDF cl-18 had that feature.. and yet my fancy-schmancy Olympus doesn't...or if it does I've not found it yet. It's amazing how you THINK you have a good shot when you preview it in the camera monitor, but on the computer you see how blurry things are or that some foreign object (like a hair) crept into the shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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