I have been using Canon's xxD series for a while (20D, 40D) and since neither offers a built-in wireless remote control option, the corded switch was really the best and only option. Consumer cameras like the Digital Rebel in several incarnations, on the other hand, had an IR port to allow such control via relatively cheap remote controls. The same convenience now found its way into the 5D MkII and that opens the same possibility up for me.
Despite the lower model number, the RC-1 is actually more advanced than the RC-5 in many ways. (I guess it follows Canon's numbering scheme where a 1D is more advanced than say a 5D or 50D for that matter.) The RC-5 is larger, doesn't store easily (i.e. on strap) and only provides direct shutter release. To some, it may look more stylish though, and one could call that the consumer oriented model.
There really isn't much to know about an IR remote, other than that it allows to control the camera's shutter remotely (duh!) and the InfraRed commands line of sight between the remote and the camera's IR sensor. Divergence of the IR beam limits the reach to roughly 5 meters (16 ft) and a fresh set of batteries can exceed that depending on your conditions and accuracy of aim.
What makes the RC-1 special is described in two simple facts: (1) size and (2) functionality. It's hard to believe how tiny this device is until you actually hold it in your hand. It's driven by the design to clip onto the camera strap for storage. It's easily un-clipped and ready to use within seconds. Of course the camera needs to be set to timer/remote drive mode in order to listen to the IR port. It's virtually unnoticeable when stored and still easy enough to hold when in use. However, its diminutive size also means that it can be easily lost if not stored properly.
I already mentioned that not all EOS cameras support an IR remote control, but for those that do, it's straight forward. The signal to the camera is encoded and allows to differentiate between a direct release (no delay) or the 2 s release independent on the timer setting. That means, that even in 15s delay mode, the camera obeys the setting on the remote and allows either direct release mode or 2 sec delay by setting the switch on the remote (in order words, the timer in the camera is overridden by the remote's instructions). In Bulb mode, each press of the remote either opens or closes the shutter.
There are a few compromises one has to consider when using this IR remote control. Transmission limitations are likely to blame for the lack of a continuous "half-press" shutter mode to focus without actually releasing the shutter. While that could potentially resolved with another focus button (provided the camera supports the new encoded signal), the line of sight requirement is simply due to technology limitations. (You may get lucky to be able to "bounce" the signal.) If that's too limiting and 5 meters sound way too close for you, RF based remotes are currently the only way to exceed the IR limitations. The associated expense is much higher though.
Further, if you need more advanced timer functionality (i.e. intervall), a corded remote (or tethered laptop) may be the better option.
© 2009, theuerkorn
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