What are the downsides of using an infrared wireless remote instead of a wired shutter release?
Asked 2/27/2011
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I use a Nikon D7000 and noticed that Nikon offers both a wired MC-DC2 remote and an infrared wireless ML-L3 remote. The IR remote is cheaper, so I’m wondering what drawbacks it has compared with a wired release. In particular, are there situations where a wired remote is more reliable or easier to use, such as outdoors or in Bulb mode?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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Infrared triggers can lose their minds when in the presence of sunlight or a strong IR source. The sun puts out SO much IR the receiver can't see the signal unless its window is in shade or very close to the transmitter. They do work really well indoors or at night though, and cost less than the radio triggers.
And, just as a FYI, a toilet-paper tube taped over the window can help the receiver pick up the transmitter's IR burst when there is a lot of IR noise as it helps the receiver's "eye" see the right IR source.
For that matter though, even PocketWizards can get confused when in the presence of lots of radio noise or certain transmitters. I had a shoot where I had receivers on both sides of me lock-up multiple times. I'd used them in the same location several times before with no problems, and the only difference was the announcer was using a wireless microphone. I'd have loved to have wired up sync lines and turned off the wireless that night.
Originally by user1514. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1514
15y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. The main tradeoff with an infrared remote is reliability and convenience compared with a cable release.
IR remotes usually need line of sight to the camera’s receiver, and bright sunlight or other strong IR sources can interfere with the signal. That makes them work best indoors or at night, while a wired release is generally more dependable in any lighting.
For long Bulb exposures, a wired remote can also be easier. With a cable release, you press and hold—or lock—the button. With some IR systems, you may need to keep the remote aimed at the receiver or use a click-to-open, click-to-close method, which can be less convenient and may be interrupted if something blocks the signal.
The wireless option does have advantages: no cable to trip over, no cord to hide in self-portraits, and more freedom to stand away from the camera.
So if you want the most reliable triggering, especially outdoors or for long exposures, wired is safer. If you mainly shoot indoors and value convenience, IR can be fine.
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