Steven Scott
Posts: 38
Location: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, United States
Registered: 13 Mar 2008
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Long cable - Camera to Laptop -- Remote Control - Canon G9
Posted: 18 May 2008 at 21:57 GMT
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Forum Folks ....
I attached My Canon G9 w/wide angle lens to my Dell laptop, via the included short 3 foot USB cable, and used the Canon Zoombrowser and Camera Remote Connect software. It works nicely!
1. Does anyone know of a longer cable, preferably up to 50 feet or longer? Even up to 100 feet? (to lower G9 into volcano cave!) Same connectors.
2. Is there a (relatively) inexpensive rotating motor device that will let me rotate (360 degrees) the G9 while on the end of a tripod? Maybe, with a tilt function.
3. Is there better remote control software than the Canon Version?
There are incredible sites here on the hawaiian islands, where I could place the G9 on a small tripod, but I'll need to be 50 feet to 100 feet away with my laptop! Also, a small rotating motor would be fun!
Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for your kokua (assistance)
steve
Thank you folks for your thoughts.
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Doug Aurand
Posts: 763
Location: Albuquerque, NM, United States
Registered: 2 Jan 2008
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Re: Long cable - Camera to Laptop -- Remote Control - Canon G9
Posted: 18 May 2008 at 22:47 GMT
updated: 18 May 2008 at 22:47 GMT
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Steven
In answer to your questions
1. You'll just have to find a USB? extension cord. But I'm not sure the signal will work that far.
2. Check out www.bescor.com/Accessories/tripods.htm
3. Remote Control software for digital cameras is proprietary to each manufacturer
Doug Aurand
Albuquerque, NM
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Steven Scott
Posts: 38
Location: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, United States
Registered: 13 Mar 2008
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Re: Long cable - Camera to Laptop -- Remote Control - Canon G9
Posted: 19 May 2008 at 1:02 GMT
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Thanks, Doug.
I found some 10 to 15 extension cables, but not much longer. So, how does one use the Manfrotto 269 HDBU tripod, which goes to 25 feet? Also, I've been looking at sites:
- www.karo-systems.de
- www.photo-towers.com
- www.elevatedphotographymast.com
I guess their system is proprietary.
2. Thanks for the link to bescor.
Are very many pano shooters using a motorized panning device? It is just slightly more than a panosaurus, and would let me be further away from the camera.
3. I know each has their own. But I see software with some of the aerial tripod companies, one uses a G9 and I was just wondering if there were any software companies that made it for Canon/Nikon SLR's or any point-and-shoot models. Perhaps .... it is only the companies that sell a motorized pano head.
Let me know your thoughts on the bescor, please!
Best to you...
steve
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John Houghton
Posts: 2308
Location: Hitchin, United Kingdom
Registered: 17 Jan 2005
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zxcvbnm
Posts: 420
Location:
Registered: 3 May 2005
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Re: Long cable - Camera to Laptop -- Remote Control - Canon G9
Posted: 19 May 2008 at 8:16 GMT
updated: 19 May 2008 at 8:18 GMT
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Do a search for an active usb cable on ebay. They are cables with a built in one port hub at one end which reconditions the signal in some way so in effect you can go an extra 5m. You can daisy chain them with a regular cable to get up to about 20m or 60 feet. Maybe a bit longer? I don't really know.
Otherwise do a search for a usb cat5 extender and you can find gadgets that put a usb socket on either end of an ethernet cable and claim up to 150 feet. Only usb 1 speed I think though.
I have window shopped rotating heads before and you have to be carefull as most of them seem not to do a full 360 degrees around which is unhelpful.
Good luck. Try not to fall in.
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Ormart
Posts: 47
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Registered: 11 Mar 2006
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Doug Aurand
Posts: 763
Location: Albuquerque, NM, United States
Registered: 2 Jan 2008
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Re: Long cable - Camera to Laptop -- Remote Control - Canon G9
Posted: 19 May 2008 at 14:10 GMT
updated: 19 May 2008 at 14:11 GMT
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Stephen
We need Hans to jump in here becasue he's got quite a rig for "pole shooting." One photo in one of these forums showed it hanging over the edge of a cliff
But not all cameras are suited for longer distance remote operation.
I've come to the conclusion that the best way to go is with a camera like the Canon 40D that has wireless file transfer which may offer full camera control like the Wired Canon software does and it has more sophisticated wireless remotes that may keep you out of the front of the camera.
Unfortunately Canon's website doesn't have a great amount of detail on their accessories.
Something I saw photos of (I think it was Hans) that eliminates the need for the motorized panhead, was to put something like the Manfrotto 300N between the tripod and pole so the roatation is done at the tripod instead of at top of the pole. And with a lens like the new Sigma 4.5mm on an APS-C sensor would only need 3 shot around or a Sigma 8mm on a Full Frame sensor would only need 3 or 4 eliminating the need for Zenithe and Nadir shots
If you're really going to get into "pole photography" you'll probably need to research which is the best camera for the job. Wireless control, file transfer and Live View with a range of about 100 ft with a price below $2000 may be asking too with the state of the art at this time. In a year, who knows?
Doug Aurand
Albuquerque, NM
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Steven Scott
Posts: 38
Location: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, United States
Registered: 13 Mar 2008
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Re: Long cable - Camera to Laptop -- Remote Control - Canon G9
Posted: 19 May 2008 at 17:12 GMT
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Great Info .... Doug!
Thank you most kindly.
Absolutely, as I am truly in love with the 40D. We have a demo in our store showing the wireless features. It is out of my budget at the moment. By the way, I shot some panos with the 1Ds Mark III --- absolutely incredible for an $8,000 camera at 21.2MP.
For now, I must stick with my G9 and my budget.
I am going to shoot "quasi-aerial" photos with the G9:
- Manfrotto 269 HDBU tripod. Goes to 25 feet.
- Manfrotto Ball Head (forgot exact number -- 300 something)
- USB Extended Cable to 50 feet
- www.breezesys.com software
- Possibly the motored pan head you suggested, for $118.95 from Adorama.com (plus $28.95 for 50 foot cable)
The pole on top of a rotatable Manfrotto tripod is a great idea.
My market:
- Aerial still shots from 10 to 25 feet. (future up to 60 feet)
- Aerial 180 and 360 degree panos from 25 feet
- Truly unique shots and 180 panos. example: hang a tripod over a sea cliff and shoot straight down and down the coastline
I will need lots of sandbags.
I like the relative "lightness" of the G9 for these applications. Canon has a "Dealer Sale Rep" program where I can buy cheaply. I may go for the Canon 450 (XSi) soon, with the Sigma 8 lens.
First --- I need to quit "playing" and dreaming and make some money at something.
Mahalo for your kokua ... Best Wishes,
steve
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marcus newey
Posts: 127
Location: somerset, United Kingdom
Registered: 23 Oct 2005
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Re: Long cable - Camera to Laptop -- Remote Control - Canon G9
Posted: 19 May 2008 at 21:27 GMT
updated: 19 May 2008 at 21:31 GMT
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Your best option for long usb connections are the usb to cat 5 convertors such as the Ircon 'ranger' units. There are wireless options coming soon I think.
What is wrong with the [free] canon Remote Capture software? I used it successfully when using a G5 on a mast.
Here's a [UK] supplier of the usual pan/tilt head:
cameragrip.co.uk/acatalog/Pan___Tilt_Power_Heads....
EDIT: I've just checked Doug's link for the same pan/tilt head, Aren't dollar prices lovely??!!
But I think you'll struggle to get a remote set up to shoot 180x360's without using a decent fisheye. You might be better off getting an 'old' 10d or similar and a peleng 8mm.
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