how to hold shutter open on XTI?

[tony4704]

I can't figure out how to hold the shutter exposure open until I let go of the button. I used to be able to do this on my old film Cannon rebel. I am interested in capturing lightning, fireworks and stars (low light photography) and need the exposure to be several seconds.

If anyone knows how to do this, please tell me! Thank you very much.

 

[PurdueRy]

If its like the 50D, put it in Tv mode and "scroll" the shutter speed one step beyond 30" putting it in "bulb" mode.

 

[twistedlogic]

Or I'm sure Manual mode should work too.

Now you need a tripod + remote,

 

[tony4704]

Yea, I definitely need the remote, i was being so careful to not move the camera when i was doing long exposure and there is just no way not to make it move ever so slightly. Got any recommendations?

 

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: tony4704
Yea, I definitely need the remote, i was being so careful to not move the camera when i was doing long exposure and there is just no way not to make it move ever so slightly. Got any recommendations?

I always make my own remotes. It's easy and cheap. Something like this.

 

[996GT2]

No need for remotes. Just install the Canon software that came with your camera and it will allow remote-controlled shooting/interval shooting from your computer (via USB to the camera). For cameras that support live-view, the software also allows remote live-view from your camera to your computer.

Where you have space to put your laptop next to the tripod, I prefer the software to a hand-held remote because of the built-in intervalometer functions. No need to keep track of time yourself.

 

[tony4704]

Damn I dont think my camera came with the USB cable, I cant find it. Also what is the software called, cant find that either

By the way I did find the bulb setting, it was not in Tv mode, but it was in Manual mode. Thanks again!

 

[twistedlogic]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
No need for remotes. Just install the Canon software that came with your camera and it will allow remote-controlled shooting/interval shooting from your computer (via USB to the camera).

While this works great, tethering a USB cable to your tripod is not always possible. Especially w/o a laptop and/or outdoors. My remote is the size of a Credit Card and weighs less than an ounce, and is much easier to fit in my camera bag than my laptop, .

There is also an app. for the iPhone that lets you remotely trigger your DSL-R, not sure what that entails in setting up though.

If this option is doable, any USB cable with the "A to mini-USB" end should work.

Originally posted by: tony4704
Yea, I definitely need the remote, i was being so careful to not move the camera when i was doing long exposure and there is just no way not to make it move ever so slightly. Got any recommendations?

Are you meaning your tripod is rocking or is it from the stabbing the shutter button? I know from experience the D70s mechanical shutter is really noisy and slow because it never goes faster than 1/250.

 

[bobdole369]

Damn I dont think my camera came with the USB cable, I cant find it

It's a standard mini-USB cable.

If its like the 50D, put it in Tv mode and "scroll" the shutter speed one step beyond 30" putting it in "bulb" mode.

It is - and Tv, Av, M, S mode all work like that. Bulb mode is the way + remote wired shutter release or remote IR shutter on your tripod. The xxD series don't get the IR love.

Its absolutely the shaking when pressing the shutter mussing things up.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: bobdole369

Damn I dont think my camera came with the USB cable, I cant find it

It's a standard mini-USB cable.

If its like the 50D, put it in Tv mode and "scroll" the shutter speed one step beyond 30" putting it in "bulb" mode.

It is - and Tv, Av, M, S mode all work like that. Bulb mode is the way + remote wired shutter release or remote IR shutter on your tripod. The xxD series don't get the IR love.

Its absolutely the shaking when pressing the shutter mussing things up.

Huh? Pretty sure on the 50D you can only get to bulb mode through Tv and perhaps M(haven't tried M for bulb mode)

 

[bobdole369]

Yeah WTF am I thinking, you can't even adjust shutter speed to GET to bulb in Tv and S (which should be P).
Basically just need to run the shutter speed alll the way up and wham, theres a B at the end. Press shutter, she opens. Release, she closes. Can also set up in options for a 2 press (press to open press to close).

Goes hand in hand with moving AF off the shutter as well, that way you don't autofocus and muss it up.