How can two photographers trigger separate cameras at the same moment?
Asked 2/24/2012
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I want two photographers to capture the same instant from different positions using two separate cameras. For example, one camera might frame a person throwing a frisbee while the other frames the person chasing it. I do not want both views combined into one image; I want two separate photos taken as close to the same moment as possible. What is the best way to synchronize the shutters of two cameras?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
9
If at least the remote camera supports a wired remote release, then you can use the PocketWizard system (or a similar radio trigger -- several support remote camera firing as well as flash triggering) to do the job, plus-or-minus all of those factors that go into shutter lag. If both cameras support wired remote releases and neither needs to be set into any special mode to use the wired remote, then each of the cameras can be used to trigger the other if you want -- but that would probably be a weird experience for both photographers rather than just for the voice-activated tripod guy you're envisioning.
Originally by user2719. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2719
14y ago
0
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A practical way is to use a remote camera trigger system, such as PocketWizard or a similar radio trigger, if the cameras support wired remote shutter release.
One camera can trigger the other remotely, or both cameras can be connected through compatible trigger units so they fire at nearly the same time. This is commonly used for remote camera setups and is more reliable than trying to have two people press shutters manually.
The main limitation is shutter lag: even with synced triggering, the cameras may not expose at the exact same microsecond because different camera models and settings can respond slightly differently. If both cameras accept standard wired remotes without needing special modes, setup is simpler.
So the short answer: use a remote shutter trigger system designed for cameras, and expect very close synchronization rather than perfect frame-exact timing.
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AI14y ago
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