D200 remote shutter release

[snappel]

If I want to do long exposures (i.e. more than 30 seconds), then I need a shutter release cable (I'm guessing). Can anybody confirm this, and recommend a good quality cable? Price isn't too important, I just want something that's reliable and works.

Thanks.

[Northern Exposure]

I know some don't rate these but for 3 quid delivered you can't beat them IMO.

IR Remote (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5483)

Put your camera on bulb, press the button and feck off for as long as you want, press again to shut the mirror.

[Alias]

dont bother with the Nikon own ones they are overpriced.

I use 7dayshop ones and have dunked mine in water on many occasions, still works perfectly and only around £7

P.S if u need anything off the D200 then I have spare parts

[Alias]

P.S dont use IR remotes they are shite (you have to point it at the front of the camera) not even sure it will work with d200 cant remember lol and you lose them every two mins.

[styru]

As an aside, whatever type of remote you end up your maximum exposure on the 'bulb' setting will be about 80minutes on the D200.

The maximum exposure is dictaded by the batttery life, and a full, good, standard battery on a D200 is good for one exposure of about 80 mins (more than enough for most UE stuff - but a bit short if you set you heart on pics like this:

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/1240855-lg.jpg

[Alias]

thats where a grip comes in handy

[snappel]

Good point, I never considered the exposure outlasting the batteries!!

Thanks for the suggestions guys. And talking of D200s - mine doesn't focus quite as accurately as my D50, and I've read of others having the same problem. It's not too big a deal, it just means I have to work a little harder with the focus modes, which I'd expect with a pro-sumer DSLR anyway. I just wondered how your D2X (which I'm guessing from your posted photo is your new camera) compares on focusing?

[Vivo]

thats where a grip comes in handy

This is at last the first reasonable excuse I've seen to justify the battery grip.

[styru]

thats where a grip comes in handy

People have been telling me to "get a grip" for years (although I'm not sure it's anything to do with photography in my case :p

On the serious side, I know that I have read reports of DSLRs in 'uber-long' exposures getting rather hot All that battery power goes somewhere, and in the case of a long 'bulb' exposure I guess its the mirror retaining solenoid that eats the juice, and produces the heat.


.

[BillAnd]

I know some don't rate these but for 3 quid delivered you can't beat them IMO.

IR Remote (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5483)

Put your camera on bulb, press the button and feck off for as long as you want, press again to shut the mirror.

I use one of these on my Pentax - they work fine, but you do need to be in front of the camera. Plus my mates can use it on thier Nikons and canons too

[Vivo]

I didn't know you could use the IR ones for bulb mode. How silly am I? :p

[IronMonkey]

You won't be able to use an IR one with the D200 unless the kit includes a reciever which plugs into the 10 pin port. The D200 does not have an IR sensor so cannot be triggered with an IR remote.

You'll want a Nikon MC-30 cord. A little expensive but can be had on ebay for a good price if you keep an eye out. Unlike the budget ones it includes a screw lock colar which will lock the cable to the body.

[snappel]

I'm happy enough buying a cheap one.

The IR remote I have on my other Nikon is good, but I think I'd prefer a wired one anyway. The IR ones on eBay as you describe look like a pretty rubbish setup.

[styru]

Well these are options:

Wired, for $5.80 inc delivery (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15812)

http://www1.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_15812_1.jpg

RF wireless (with plug in to camera reciever) $21.36 delivered (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5535)

http://www1.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_5535_1.jpg

.

[snappel]

I'm looking at ones with timers, thinking maybe it's be fun to play about with time-lapse.

Problem with IR and radio is that it's not always reliable. By way of example my remote flash triggers are cruising for a good stamping-on if they don't get their act together.

[Alias]

u can do time lapse through the menu on a d200

[snappel]

Thanks - I should really read the manual!!