OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

I'm ready to order a CamRanger, but I cannot find any place that addresses the shutter lag time.

I have tried the Nikon WMU app with a Galaxy 4 and the time between activating the shutter via the tablet and the camera shooting was very long, maybe 1/2 second, but that's a long time when shooting birds.

Does anyone here have real life experience with the CamRanger and tablet? Should I expect the same lag time with the CamRanger? Is there a faster Android or iPad device that has "instant" response?

Thanks, folks. Any help will be appreciated.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

No that sounds about right. The CamRanger sets up an Ad-Hoc network between the device and your iPhone or Tablet. I have a Cam Ranger and use it all the time, but I don't try to freeze action with it. You would need to be pretty good about anticipating the action.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

I assume (always dangerous) you do not mean shutter lag but lag from shutter release to display on laptop or tablet.

Camranger is smart. Shoot raw + Jpg and it will only load the jpg, markedly speeding up time-to-display. I shoot raw plus jpg small normal and it takes about 6-7 seconds. That is with a Nikon D800, but the D3 with 12 mp is the same.

If you do mean shutter delay, I have not noticed any at all. But then I use in in studio for portrait work - not trying to shoot action.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

I took him to mean there is a lag between the time the shutter is pressed on the tablet to the time the shutter actually opens and closes, and yes there is. This is highly dependent on the signal, distance to tablet network strength ect.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Thanks, Cap and Cap. :-)

Yes, I'm asking about lag time between tapping the shutter button on the Android device and when the camera shutter activates.

I don't really care about the delay in transferring the pics.

Specifically, looking to set up remotely for bird pics (hummers and others), and those little buggers are really fast. I need, or want, the fastest possible activation time between the device (Android or iPad) and the camera.

19104 Loc: Philadelphia

I use the Iusbport and I notice the shutter lag with that system as well. Maybe a hard wired solution will be more responsive but of course then your limited by a cable

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

Depending on your camera type you can shoot in burst mode. For Nikons I think it is the number Nikon allows, for Canon's it may be until the buffer is full. So if Nikon you may want to shoot just prior to the action and capture a set number of shots. For Canon shoot in continuous mode until the buffer fills up.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

I've considered that but the cable length is a problem.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

This may turn out to be the best method. With a Nikon D750 I can shoot 10 frames in 1 1/2 seconds and the CamRanger allows for that.

What about a wireless release like the Vello Free Wave? It plugs into the 10-pin connector. The CamRanger plugs into the USB connector, but I don't know if they can both be used at the same time.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Update - leap of faith. B&H guy says that, yes, the CamRanger and Vello Free Wave can be used at the same time, so they're on order.

Even if they can't be used simultaneously they are both good accessories to have so no loss. :)

And thanks again for all the input. :thumbup:

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

Enjoy, I like sitting back in the desert shooting the stars and drinking wine with CamRanger mounted to my chair.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

That's normal, it only can display the jpeg, a raw can not be displayed!!

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Further update - Brown truck coming tomorrow. Wait, I hate it when people post that. :twisted:

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

I have the CamRanger. The shutter lag time is almost instant if you are within forty feet of the camera. I am using mine with the Galaxy Tab S2.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-361388-1.html

My last blog article included that evaluation in it. I know you are someone who prefers information from someone who actually has the experience with the item someone references.

http://davidbozsik.wix.com/naturescamera#!Wildlife-Photography-Tips-10-Remotely-Exciting/cr5f/56a129e00cf2d9eee76b67d5

CamRanger also claims it works up to 150 foot range. I purchased the motorized head as well. I enjoy them both, but I don't know how they got 150 foot. It drops the signal for me and becomes more inconsistent after 70 ft. Still, that is well within the range I would like to work it. it could be the tablet. Maybe an IPAD might have a stringer sending signal. I can certainly see the CamRanger signal on my tablet. I just can't get the CamRanger to respond out past 100 or so feet.

I was just attempting to capture Burrowing owls earlier this week and found that the device kept dropping the signal out past 100 foot. When it does this, you cannot reestablish the connection unless the camera is turned off, and then on, again. It seems to leave the body in live view when it drops the signal. When you attempt to re-establish the connection, it says the body is busy.

This is somewhat annoying, as you well know, if I have to go over to the camera to turn it off/on again, the wait for the subject starts over.

You are welcome to PM me if you want any other info. I can help you with what I already know. I am looking forward to the coming Spring.

The other thing about the tripod head is that is is rated for 6 lbs. If you are thinking of putting a very long lens on it, you would have to be careful. It really isn't designed for it.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Absolutely and especially from someone who gets stunning shots to back it up! Thanks for the evaluation. I don't often visit the Close-up section so I missed your postings there.

But I'm still over at your web site and loving it. Quite an inspiration and lots of useful info. Thanks! :thumbup:

Now here's a real "duh" moment for me. :oops:
Being of the mind set that I want my longest lens (200-500mm w/ 1.4 TC, I passed on the motorized head because of the 6 pound weight limit. Never thought that with a D750 with 70-200 f/2.8 combo weighing just 5 pounds, just move the damned thing closer. :roll: Thanks for reminding me. I guess I'll be dipping into the checking account one more time. :D