From the course: Learning the Canon Rebel T4i and T5i (EOS 650D and 700D)

Using the self-timer

From the course: Learning the Canon Rebel T4i and T5i (EOS 650D and 700D)

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Using the self-timer

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Most people think of the self-timer as an easy way to get themselves into the picture. You can set the camera on a tripod or a flat surface, compose the shot and then push a button. The camera then gives you a little bit of time to run around and get into the shot yourself. And this is great for group pictures or family vacations. Now, you can actually make some changes within the menu to control how this function runs. Push the Drive mode button, and you'll notice that there's a bunch of choices. This one here is the Self-timer, and by default it's 10 seconds. You'll note if the camera was set down and I push the shutter release button, it's going to count down. And it provides audio feedback. And then makes the photo. You'll notice that it beeped faster at the end to really give you a cue that it was going to take a picture more quickly. Now, that's just one way. In that same setting there, you'll note that it gives you the choice of using a remote. There's an optional remote available from Canon for your camera, and this is a wireless one that's quite affordable. When I push the button, takes the shot. But there are a couple more options. You'll see that there's a 2 sec timer which will make the shutter release in two seconds. That two second timer delay is quite useful when you're shooting something like the interior of a church. In this case you're shooting in very low light and you want to minimize the vibration. So if this was on a Gorillapod or a tripod or set on a surface, I could push that button, and then those two seconds would be used to stabilize the shot because it would cut down on some of the vibration or shake caused by touching the camera. There is one more mode though; you'll notice in Drive mode, the last choice is the Self-timer Continuous. This allows you to dial-in up to 10 exposures. In other words, you could set it up for five group photos. Now, when I trigger, it starts the countdown. Giving me the full 10 seconds to get over. And then fires off five quick shots. Now the great news there is those multiple shots become safety shots. If you're shooting a group photo, you might be dealing with someone having their eyes closed or a bad smile. This gives you a few choices if you're going to take those photos and combine them together or just increases the chance of getting a good shot.

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