remote control and current Canon Powershot camera

[byron]

After seeing a demo of a photo booth by an acquaintance using a G9 for capture, I thought "way cool, I have the newer model (G11), I need to get the software and create one of these."

So I pop over to this website to get the software and find that a G11 is not supported.

After reading the specs on the G11 (which I probably should have read prior to the purchase), I see that Canon pulled out the ability for remote control. So I begin to research the other current Canon Powershot models and it appears that Canon has pulled remote control capability from EVERY non-DSLR in their product line.

Does anyone know why that has happened? Removing it from all of them seems show a strategic intent rather than an oversight.

If I have noted this correctly, what is the best Canon solution I should be considering to create a photo booth? Maybe I should just start looking for G9 or G10??

All of my cameras and bodies are Canon and would hope to keep that true? While I do have 1DsM2, 1DsM3 & 1DM3 in the studio, not sure I would want to stick any of that equipment into a booth that might receive less than gentle treatment from teenagers.

[Chris Breeze]

I'm also disappointed that Canon no longer provide remote capture support in PowerShot cameras. For many applications a PowerShot camera is a better option than a DSLR because it is smaller and you can adjust the zoom remotely. I think Canon probably stopped providing remote capture capability to save development costs and because low end DSLRs have superior remote capture capability (with the exception of being able to zoom the lens) and cost less than high end PowerShots.

A low end DSLR like the Rebel XS/EOS 1000D makes a very effective photobooth camera. If you intend to use an external flash then it might be worth considering a mid-range DSLR like the 50D or 7D (or a second hand 40D) as these have more control over how live view is displayed.

[byron]

thanks...

to duplicate the booth I was looking at, liveview would be needed in a DSLR. It had a monitor connected in the booth so that the participants to see themselves prior to trigering the G9 -- that seemed like a feature that would enhance the experience.

Did the 40D have liveview or did that start with the 50D? Would they be better than chasing down a G9 or G10?

And yes, I would have a strip softbox above the capture engine ligthing the booth-- triggered by Pocketwizzards -- although if it were a DSLR I supposed I could just use a PC cord.

[Chris Breeze]

The 40D does have live view. Currently live view is available on the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, Canon EOS-1D Mark III, Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 40D, Canon EOS 50D, Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i, Canon EOS 450D/Rebel XSi or Canon EOS 1000D/Rebel XS. Support for the EOS-1D Mark IV (which also has live view) will be added in the next release of DSLR Remote Pro.
The live view images from Canon DSLRs are much higher resolution than from PowerShots e.g the 40D has 1024x680 resolution vs 320x240 pixels from a PowerShot.

[Socrates]

I'm also disappointed that Canon no longer provide remote capture support in PowerShot cameras.

Hi Chris - I assume that this also means the A490 and A495?

These cameras can use the new SDXE cards (up to 2 Terrabytes!) so I guess IF these cameras have a time lapse function then photos could be stored on the card.

We use the Canon cameras for CCTV purposes so I'll guess we'll have to shop around to see if other makes of point and shoot cameras offer time lapse or remote capture.

We also use the Canon DSL camera but these are obtrusive in an indoor setting as you can't quieten the camera shutter.

[Chris Breeze]

Hi Chris - I assume that this also means the A490 and A495?

Yes, neither the A490 nor the A495 supports remote capture. The most recent PowerShot models that support remote capture are the G10 and SX110 IS.