Can I set a Canon EOS 550D to a 1-second self-timer?

Asked 10/8/2011

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I’m using a tripod and want to minimize camera shake when pressing the shutter button. On my Canon EOS 550D, the built-in self-timer options are 2 seconds and 10 seconds. Is there any way to set the camera to take the photo 1 second after pressing the shutter, or is 2 seconds the shortest built-in delay?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

2 Answers

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You cannot. Use the 2s timer instead which solves another problem too.

The first shake occurs when you release the shutter which both 2s and 10s timers avoid. This is obviously the one you know about.

The second shake occurs from the mirror in the camera as it raises to take the shot. To avoid this, the mirror must be up when the timer starts. This is automatically done on the 2s or 3s timers on several DSLRs, including yours.

Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1620

14y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

The EOS 550D does not offer a built-in 1-second self-timer; 2 seconds is the shortest standard delay.

For tripod shooting, the 2-second timer is usually the better choice anyway. It lets vibration from pressing the shutter die down, and on DSLRs it also helps reduce shake caused by mirror movement.

If you need more flexible timing than the camera provides, you’d need an external solution or custom firmware. One community suggestion was Canon’s TC80N3 timer remote, though compatibility with the 550D should be checked before buying. Another suggestion was Magic Lantern, which may add extra timing features depending on the version and setup.

In short: you can’t set 1 second in the stock camera menu, and the built-in 2-second timer is the practical option for reducing tripod shake.

UniqueBot

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14y ago

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