Remote Control Focus and Recording With a Canon DSLR
Canon DSLR’s have become very popular for shooting video. But they also come with a few hassles. For example, since these camera’s lack auto-focus while recording video, recording yourself (where you are both the star and camera operator) can be a chore.
That is, it can be a chore if you don’t use the nifty little RC-6 remote control Canon offers. With this remote, you can have your camera auto-focus on you before the video starts recording. In addition, you can also use the remote to control when the camera starts and stops recording video.
How do you use the remote for these things? I demonstrate how in the video above.
And…the above technique not only works with the Canon RC-6 remote, but with the older RC-5 and RC-1 models too. By the way, the Canon RC-6 remote works with the T2i, T3i, 60D, 7D and 5D Mark II. Here’s a link to it on Amazon.
Please note: The remote can only auto-focus before you start shooting video. It cannot be used to auto-focus while a video is recording (Canon DSLR’s do not currently support continuous auto-focus in video mode).
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Great, but what happens when you want to move in the video?
@camkid – Then you need a person operating the camera to follow focus on you. Canon DSLR’s do not offer continuous auto-focus while shooting video. Camera’s from Nikon, Panasonic and Sony do offer continuous auto-focus while recording video, but it’s not that great (i.e. you end up wishing someone was operating the camera anyway).
If you set the aperture to, say, f4, f8 or even f16, you will have a fairly deep depth of field which means everything will remain in focus. Little experience and you can figure out what you really need.
Great tip as always. Thanks again Dave. Your work rocks!!
This is great, Dave!
Could you do one on using remote with a Canon camcorder like the M41? Thanks!
@Brian – The Canon M41 is a traditional video camera…it continuously auto-focuses on you and comes with a remote that allows you to record, zoom, etc. Canon DSLR cameras, out of the box, don’t allow for these features.
Does the Panasonic Lumix GH2 that you did a review on earlier also have a remote like this where you can self shoot? I just ordered one. But if I’m remembering the videos, the mic jack is also the remote control jack (2.5mm)…so I’m thinking that I won’t be able to use a remote if I am using a wireless audio setup.
@Jason – The Panasonic GH2 does not come with a remote (I believe a wired remote is available though…and…I believe it uses the mic jack, though I can’t say for sure). In any event, the GH2 does do continuous auto-focus while shooting video…it’s not that fast and not always accurate…but it’s there.
Great info Dave! I would like to know if the Canon in your video was a 60D? I would also like to know what was the piece of equipment the Canon was sitting on, what it a sound devise?
Thanks, RJ
@RJ – The Canon DSLR shown in the video was the 60D. The last scene in the video was shot using the 60D…everything else was shot with a Canon XF100. The 60D was being used with a BeachTek XLR audio adaptor:
http://www.beachtek.com/dxaslr.html
Great Video. I just ordered a Canon RC-6. I was reading the reviews, and funny, they all complained about how the remote couldn’t be used for videos. I guess someone should tell them about your TIPS section Dave.
Hey, thanks for the tip! I was using this method, however I set the camera to take a picture, then have to get back up and switch the camera to movie mode. I wasn’t aware you could do this with the switch on the back of the remote. This will save me a lot of time from going back and forth. Thanks!
Nice little trick. I just clicked your link and bought the RC-6. That will come in handy for lot’s of situations.
I’m also curious about the device under your camera? Is it for your wireless lapel mic?
how do you get the Canon 5D mark ii to work with the wireless remote control?
@Sonja – The RC-6 remote does work with the 5D (I mention this in the post below the video…i.e…”the Canon RC-6 remote works with the T2i, T3i, 60D, 7D and 5D Mark II”).
Hi Dave,
I just got the Rc-6 with my T3i, but it only works in picture mode???
Any other settings necessary other than switching the drive mode to remote?
Thanks
I tried this with the T3i, but the remote doesn’t appear to work when the camera is in Movie mode. Any ideas? Thanks for all your great work with this website!
You have to put the camera in movie mode, then go to menu, and enable the remote in video mode.
Hi Dave,
I had this working with my Canon 5D Mk II, but it seems that it’s stopped working on me, and I can’t see what I’ve done differently.
I’ve changed the battery, so I know it’s not that.
Any idea why this would just stop working?
@Russell – I’d verify you have the camera in the correct drive mode and that you have auto-focus turned on (on the lens).
OK, I worked out that I’d knocked it out of remote mode. Doh!
One other question I do have with this though, and it may just be different on the 5D…
When I put it in video mode and have the remote slider in the lower position as you suggested, I stand in front of the camera and push the button. It takes a picture, but it doesn’t sound like it’s taking a pic, it’s very quiet and when I check the pic it’s taken, it hasn’t auto focussed on me.
I have to take it out of video mode, use the remote to take a pic which then auto focusses, and then go back to the camera to put it in video mode again.
Is that normal for a 5D?
@Russell – No, that’s not normal. It sounds like the lens isn’t set to auto-focus (also verify the drive mode is correct). Other than those things, there are no secrets…there’s nothing more to adjust.
I’ve done everything possible using my
canon 60d. Get it to focus and take the
photo … I have it in movie mode … then
when I switch the remote, instead of going
into movie mode, it takes another photo
while the cameras dial is on movie mode.
this is driving me bananas.
Hi Dave:
I can’t get the RC-6 to autofocus on my 5D MKII. Any ideas what the problem might be? Autofocus is on my AF-ON buttom right now. Can’t seem to get it back to the shutter.
Thanks,
Rudy
Hi again Dave:
NOPE! Try what I might I can’t get the RC-6 to autofocus my 5DMKII in Live View / Movie function. Any suggestions much appreciated.
Thanks,
Rudy