Using Self-Timer When Handheld.

Discussion in 'Tutorials & Tips' started by Tonytee, Dec 27, 2020.

  1. Tonytee

    Tonytee Well-Known Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
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    Equipment:
    Canon EOS Rebel T5 with Canon EF-S 18~55mm kit lens and Canon EF-S 55-250 mm 1:4~5.6 IS II
    Telephoto Lens.
    For some time now I have been using the Self-Timer Feature on both my Canon EOS 80D and Canon EOS 7D ii bodies and the images appear to be coming out sharper than usual. I place the Self-Timer on 2 second
    function and with the wonderful Image Stabilization Feature that Canon offers, there is no evidence of hand/camera shake. I am certain that many on this site are already aware of this little trick/tip, however I felt it may be beneficial for everyone to see it in writing. Hope this helps and a very Happy New Year to all.

    God Bless,

    Tonytee :)
     

  2. GDN

    GDN Well-Known Member

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    A little Canon stuff
    Hey Tony,

    Do you mean when you hit the shutter button, the mirror flips up and then the shutter fires after two seconds?

    If I am reading this right, I have tried this. By accident, and more than once as well. I would plonk my K3 on a tripod, 2 second timer, and off I would go. Then I would pack up, and not take the camera out of the 2 second mode. So the next time I would the camera hand held, I was greeted by the viewfinder being blacked out for a couple of seconds. I am happy when the camera is on a tripod, but not so much hand held.

    If it works for you and others, fantastic.

    Gary
     
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  3. Caladina

    Caladina Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Canon M50
    Canon 18-45mm m, Canon 18-150mm m, Canon 55-200mm m, Canon 22mm m, Canon 28mm m macro,
    Sigma 100-400c ef, Sigma 18-35mm art ef,
    7artisans 7.5mm m, Laowa 100mm macro ef, laowa 9mm zeroD m, Vintage M42 Lenses:
    Ashi Super - Takumar 1.8 / 55mm,
    i had noticed on the M50 which is mirrorless i can get a small degree of improvement of steadiness when its at the limit of hand holding using the delay timer.
    the action of pressing the button uses muscles that will give some shake to a camera at that level so pressing the button then having your hands do nothing else but hold steady gives a little bit extra help.
    i mentioned this to someone who had weaker hands with age and they found it helpful to use the 2 sec time for shooting normally.
     
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  4. Tonytee

    Tonytee Well-Known Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2017
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    Equipment:
    Canon EOS Rebel T5 with Canon EF-S 18~55mm kit lens and Canon EF-S 55-250 mm 1:4~5.6 IS II
    Telephoto Lens.
    Actually, when I am set up and have the image configured the way I want it and am ready to fire away, I simply press down gently on the shutter release button until the illuminated icons at the bottom of the viewfinder go dark and 2 seconds later, the self-timer takes over and
    completes the cycle. I also tried this method with my Pentax K-7 and the success rate is equal. What helps me is at my age and after five
    back operations, anything I can do to lessen the load is a real shot in the arm for me. Thanks for your input Gary, very helpful and Happy New Year. :) Tony
     
  5. GDN

    GDN Well-Known Member

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    South Island, NZ
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    A little Canon stuff
    Just as an after thought Tony. Have you ever considered trying a mirrorless camera? I am not trying to spend your money, but it could be worth having a look at. Noticeably lighter bodies.

    Gary
     
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  6. Tonytee

    Tonytee Well-Known Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2017
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    Equipment:
    Canon EOS Rebel T5 with Canon EF-S 18~55mm kit lens and Canon EF-S 55-250 mm 1:4~5.6 IS II
    Telephoto Lens.
    Yes, I have owned an Olympus which of course generated some really remarkable Image Quality, however I discovered that the body became quite cumbersome to handle properly. It seemed that it was so small, my hands had a difficult time manipulating it. I didn't notice any real reduction in weight. I ended up selling it. Thnx for your input, very much appreciated. The Canon 80D is for me, an almost perfectly ergonomic body and lighter in weight than others I have. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 7d ii, while a remarkable performer and excellent quality build, is we call here, "A brick." (Heavy), and also not a Mirrorless unit. Again, many thanks Gary. :) Tony
     

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