Canon Remote USB

hey all
Has anyone used the canon remote software (EOS Capture)? I was just messing with it and realised that once you place the camera in BULB mode you can no longer operate the camera (take a picture). I have a remote cable setup at the moment, figured the PC software would me a more convenient way to go.

Thanks
Mike

That doesn't sound right Michael, I have used my 350D with its software and another called DSLR Focus, and used the camera completely remotely via the laptop and USB connection (Toshiba Satellite L20, Celeron 1.6GHz, WinXP Home). Make sure, on the camera, you have the connection setting as PC Connection.

Seanie.

Thanks Seanie! Yea it seemed a bit odd but iam sure there is a reason for it (probably to do with comms and loosing them in the middle of an exposure). Have to say though since your reply my attention has swung towards DSLR Focus, as i know iam having problems with focussing at the moment, exactly why i was exploring remote control. Just to clarify, DSLR Focus gives you complete control over the camera even in bulb mode over the USB connection?I couldn't help noticing alot of information on cables (other then usb) required for DSLR focus?

Thanks again
Mike

Yes, Mike, DSLR Focus gives you almost complete control of the camera via your laptop. You use the method of auto or manual focus on the camera, but it is by visually seeing your results in DSLR Focus that ensures you are on track with a sharp image. After that, when in Bulb mode, you control everything after that - click and select, Bob's your uncle!

Seanie.

Hi Mike,
For DSLR focus, you need 2 cables, the usb sets up the camera exposure setting, but you also need a second cable. This second cable runs off a 25 pin parallel port and it open/closes the shutter in the camera, the usb cable WILL NOT open/close the shutter (my camera is a canon 300D)in bulb/manual mode, don't know if this hold true for other cameras)
You can make up this 25 pin cable yourself, I think it can run off a 9 pin serial port also.
Without this second cable, you cant take pictures with the camera using DSLR focus, the version I have here is a few years old at this stage (V3.0), don't know about newer versions.

Thanks for the fast responses! DSLR focus seems like a program that is a must have! I have always had issues with focussing (keeping in mind i have a world of other issues also, tracking etc!!) but focussing really should be the easy one!

Thanks again
Mike