Remote camera

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Remote camera. Top shows several LED flash lights, centre are the lens and PIR sensors. Atelkamera.JPG
Remote camera. Top shows several LED flash lights, centre are the lens and PIR sensors.

A remote camera, also known as a trail camera or game camera, is a camera placed by a photographer in areas where the photographer generally cannot be at the camera to snap the shutter. This includes areas with limited access, tight spaces where a person is not allowed, or just another angle so that the photographer can simultaneously take pictures of the same moment from different locations.

Contents

Remote cameras are most widely used in sports photography. [1] 35 mm digital or film, and medium format cameras are the most common types of cameras that are used.

Uses and practices

Professor A.N. Kudaktin examines remote camera for implementation of monitoring of wild animals within the Persian Leopard Reintroduction Program in the Caucasus. Professor Kudaktin osmatrivaet fotolovushku.JPG
Professor A.N. Kudaktin examines remote camera for implementation of monitoring of wild animals within the Persian Leopard Reintroduction Program in the Caucasus.

Remote cameras are used by photographers to take more pictures from different angles. Remotes are very popular in sports and wildlife photography. [2]

Cameras are often placed in angles that a photographer cannot physically be during a shoot. Sport use examples include behind the backboard at a basketball game or overhead in the rafters of an arena during a hockey game.

Placement

Remote cameras placed in suspended positions [3] usually are mounted with clamps and arms such as the Bogen Super Clamp and Variable Friction Arm, often referred to as "Magic Arms". [4] The camera and lens are connected to the variable friction arm which is attached to the Super Clamp which in turn is secured to a fixed item such as a basketball post, hand railing, or rafter. Ground plates or tripods are typically used for remote cameras placed on the ground. [5]

Triggering

Remote cameras can be fired via hand triggers, sound triggers, radio transmitters (mainly Bluetooth shutters), a built-in self-timer, or a proximity sensor – in which case they are known as camera traps . [6]

For remotes that are in close proximity to the photographer, hand or sound triggers can be used.

A hand trigger consists of a button or switch that is connected to the camera via a wire that is set to fire the camera's shutter.

For remotes that are placed away from the photographer, radio triggering systems such as the Bluetooth shutter button, Pocket Wizards or Flash Wizards are used. A radio trigger consists of a button or switch that is connected to a radio triggering transmitter or transceiver which is set to fire a radio triggering receiver or transceiver that is connected to the camera via a wire that is set to fire the camera's shutter.

For rocket launches, including the Space Shuttle, remote cameras are triggered by the sound of the launch. [7]

Game camera

Photo of a Chihuahuan raven catching a snake, taken using a remote motion-sensor camera located in the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Corvus cryptoleucus snake.jpg
Photo of a Chihuahuan raven catching a snake, taken using a remote motion-sensor camera located in the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge.

A game camera is a rugged and weather-proof camera designed for extended and unsupervised use outdoors. The images they produce, taken automatically when motion is sensed, are used for game surveillance by hunters, farmers, ranchers and wildlife hobbyists and professionals.

These cameras are intended to be strapped on trees or mounted on tripods (or other items), and they are motion-activated. This motion sensor enables the camera to capture images or videos of animals without using up all of its storage space. [8] However, lots of photos of waving plants and moving water can clog up memory cards. [9]

These cameras have been instrumental in the rediscovery of multiple species once thought to be extinct or driven out of an area, such as with the black-naped pheasant-pigeon, and fishers in Washington state. [10] [11] They have also used by people endeavouring to take photographs of the non-existent creature Bigfoot (among other cryptids). [12] [13]

They can also be helpful for animal loss/rescue in documenting the presence and species of animals, such as determining whether a runaway dog is returning to its home at night or verifying the species actually eating the food left for a stray/feral cat. [14]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Single-lens reflex camera</span> Camera that typically uses a mirror and prism system

A single-lens reflex camera (SLR) is a camera that typically uses a mirror and prism system that permits the photographer to view through the lens and see exactly what will be captured. With twin lens reflex and rangefinder cameras, the viewed image could be significantly different from the final image. When the shutter button is pressed on most SLRs, the mirror flips out of the light path, allowing light to pass through to the light receptor and the image to be captured.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Remote control</span> Device used to control other device remotely

In electronics, a remote control is an electronic device used to operate another device from a distance, usually wirelessly. In consumer electronics, a remote control can be used to operate devices such as a television set, DVD player or other digital home media appliance. A remote control can allow operation of devices that are out of convenient reach for direct operation of controls. They function best when used from a short distance. This is primarily a convenience feature for the user. In some cases, remote controls allow a person to operate a device that they otherwise would not be able to reach, as when a garage door opener is triggered from outside.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kite aerial photography</span> Type of photography

Kite aerial photography (KAP) is a type of photography. A camera is lifted using a kite and is triggered either remotely or automatically to take aerial photographs. The camera rigs can range from the extremely simple, consisting of a trigger mechanism with a disposable camera, to complex apparatus using radio control and digital cameras. On some occasions it can be a good alternative to other forms of aerial photography.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bulb (photography)</span> Shutter technique on cameras

The Bulb setting on camera shutters is a momentary-action mode that holds shutters open for as long as a photographer depresses the shutter-release button. The Bulb setting is distinct from shutter's Time (T) setting, which is an alternate-action mode where the shutter opens when the shutter-release button is pressed and released once, and closes when the button is actuated again.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tripod (photography)</span> Provides for the stable formation of cameras

In photography, a tripod is a portable device used to support, stabilize and elevate a camera, a flash unit, or other videographic or observational/measuring equipment. All photographic tripods have three legs and a mounting head to couple with a camera. The mounting head usually includes a thumbscrew that mates to a female-threaded receptacle on the camera, as well as a mechanism to be able to rotate and tilt the camera when it is mounted on the tripod. Tripod legs are usually made to telescope, in order to save space when not in use. Tripods are usually made from aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, wood or plastic.

In photography, through-the-lens metering refers to a feature of cameras whereby the intensity of light reflected from the scene is measured through the lens; as opposed to using a separate metering window or external hand-held light meter. In some cameras various TTL metering modes can be selected. This information can then be used to set the optimal film or image sensor exposure, it can also be used to control the amount of light emitted by a flash unit connected to the camera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot shoe</span> Mounting point on top of a camera to attach a flash unit

A hot shoe is a mounting point on the top of a camera to attach a flash unit and other compatible accessories. It takes the form of an angled metal bracket surrounding a metal contact point which completes an electrical connection between camera and accessory for standard, brand-independent flash synchronization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aviation photography</span> Images of aircraft, either in flight, or on the ground

Aviation photography is the act of taking images of aircraft, either in flight, or on the ground. Types of aviation photography include air-to-air, ground-to-air, ground-static, and remote photography. Military aviation photography, especially air-to-air, requires additional skills, as the photo and target aircraft often fly at velocities of over Mach 1, while under moderate to high G.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wildlife photography</span> Photography genre

Wildlife photography is a genre of photography concerned with documenting various forms of wildlife in their natural habitat.

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to photography:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nature photography</span> Photography genre

Nature photography is a wide range of photography taken outdoors and devoted to displaying natural elements such as landscapes, wildlife, plants, and close-ups of natural scenes and textures. Nature photography tends to put a stronger emphasis on the aesthetic value of the photo than other photography genres, such as photojournalism and documentary photography.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sports photography</span> Photography genre

Sports photography refers to the genre of photography that covers all types of sports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digital camera modes</span> User selectable camera configurations

Most digital cameras support the ability to choose among a number of configurations, or modes for use in various situations. Professional DSLR cameras provide several manual modes; consumer point-and-shoot cameras emphasize automatic modes; amateur prosumer cameras often have a wide variety of both manual and automatic modes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fireworks photography</span>

Fireworks photography is the process of taking photographs of fireworks at night. It is a type of night photography, specifically using available light of the fireworks instead of artificial light. Without using the flash on the camera, the photographer often exposes the image for a period of time, known as long exposure. Brighter fireworks sometimes support shorter exposure times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Camera trap</span> Photographic device with any type of trigger causing a photo to be taken when activity is present

A camera trap is a camera that is automatically triggered by motion in its vicinity, like the presence of an animal or a human being. It is typically equipped with a motion sensor – usually a passive infrared (PIR) sensor or an active infrared (AIR) sensor using an infrared light beam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon D90</span> Digital single-lens reflex camera

The Nikon D90 is a 12.3-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) model announced by Nikon on August 27, 2008. It is a prosumer model that replaces the Nikon D80, fitting between the company's entry-level and professional DSLR models. It has a Nikon DX format crop sensor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Landscape photography</span> Photography genre

Landscape photography shows the spaces within the world, sometimes vast and unending, but other times microscopic. Landscape photographs typically capture the presence of nature but can also focus on human-made features or disturbances of landscapes. Landscape photography is done for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the most common is to recall a personal observation or experience while in the outdoors, especially when traveling. Others pursue it particularly as an outdoor lifestyle, to be involved with nature and the elements, some as an escape from the artificial world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon D5100</span> Digital single-lens reflex camera

The Nikon D5100 is a 16.2-megapixel DX-format DSLR F-mount camera announced by Nikon on April 5, 2011. It features the same 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor as the D7000 with 14-bit depth, while delivering Full HD 1080p video mode at either 24, 25 or 30 fps. The D5100 is the first Nikon DSLR to offer 1080p video at a choice of frame rates; previous Nikon DSLRs that recorded 1080p only did so at 24 fps. It replaced the D5000 and was replaced by the D5200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Selfie stick</span> Photography equipment

A selfie stick is used to take photographs or video by positioning a digital camera device, typically a smartphone, beyond the normal range of the arm. This allows for shots to be taken at angles and distances that would not have been possible with the human arm by itself. The sticks are typically extensible, with a handle on one end and an adjustable clamp on the other end to hold the device in place. As their name suggests, they are most commonly used for taking selfies with camera phones.

Cactus is a brand owned by Harvest One Limited, a Hong Kong company specialized in the design and engineering of photographic wireless lighting equipment including wireless flash triggers, wireless flashes, portable softboxes and studio umbrellas. Its headquarters is in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong.

References

  1. Peter Read Miller (31 August 2013). Peter Read Miller on Sports Photography: A Sports Illustrated photographer's tips, tricks, and tales on shooting football, the Olympics, and portraits of athletes. p. 140. ISBN   978-0133087079 . Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  2. O'Connell, Allan F.; Nichols, James D.; Karanth, K. Ullas (2010-10-05). Camera Traps in Animal Ecology: Methods and Analyses. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 21. ISBN   9784431994954.
  3. Byrne, Robert J. (1968-01-01). Aerodynakic roughness criteria in aeolian sand transport.
  4. Busch, David D. (2006-12-18). Digital Photography All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN   9780470085998.
  5. Bigelow, Ron (2010-12-27). Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Digital Photography. Ron Bigelow Photography. ISBN   9780983225706.
  6. Rich, Jason R. (2015-04-08). My GoPro Hero Camera. Que Publishing. ISBN   9780134190815.
  7. "Lift Off! Covering the Launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery".
  8. "What Video Cameras do hunters use? - Just Tech Helps". 2023-01-16. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  9. "Why Does My Trail Camera Takes Pictures of Nothing? Failing Camera or User Error". Exodus Outdoor Gear. 2020-05-06. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  10. Kobilinsky, Dana (2022-11-21). "Watch: Rare bird recorded after 140 year-absence to science". The Wildlife Society. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  11. "How a simple trail camera led to an epic wildlife discovery | Produced by Seattle Times Marketing". The Seattle Times. 2019-05-10. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  12. "Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization". www.bfro.net. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  13. $1,000,000 dollar Sasquatch photo challenge Field & Stream 05-29-08 Archived 2009-12-11 at the Wayback Machine
  14. "Feeding Stations and Wildlife Cameras – Missing Pet Partnership". www.missingpetpartnership.org. Retrieved 2017-04-10.