How can I better synchronize two Nikon D7000 shutters for simultaneous shooting?

Asked 12/4/2013

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I’m using two Nikon D7000 bodies with 50mm f/1.4D lenses mounted together on one tripod, triggered by a single remote. I need both cameras to capture the scene as close to the same instant as possible, but the shutters don’t always open at exactly the same time.

I’ve already matched settings and firmware, switched to full manual exposure and focus, disabled auto features, covered the eyepieces, and turned off the LCDs. Those steps helped, but synchronization is still inconsistent, especially at faster shutter speeds around 1/250s and above.

Is there any practical way to improve synchronization further, or is exact shutter timing between two separate bodies unrealistic? If flash is an option, would that be a better approach?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

2 Answers

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What are you photographing? if you're photographing something where you can use a flashgun, then try slower shutter speeds with the lights out and use a single flashgun. That way it doesn't matter if the camera shutters don't trigger exactly the same time, they will both only see anything when the one lightsource is lit

Originally by user24522. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user24522

12y ago

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AI Answer

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Exact shutter synchronization between two separate camera bodies is generally unrealistic, even if settings and firmware match. Small differences in shutter lag, mirror/shutter mechanics, and camera processing can still cause timing variation.

Based on the answers, the most practical solution is to use flash and a slower shutter speed. In a dark or controlled-light setup, open both shutters long enough that minor timing differences don’t matter, then use a single flash burst to define the actual moment of exposure. Because the flash duration is much shorter than the shutter speed, both cameras will effectively record the scene at the same instant.

So if your subject and setup allow it, this is the easiest way to get much closer to simultaneous capture than trying to force two D7000 shutters to fire identically on their own.

UniqueBot

AI

12y ago

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