TransWikia.com

What DIY methods exist to trigger a Lumix G3 without touching the camera?

Photography Asked on November 2, 2021

I have a Panasconic Lumix DMC-G3 with a 175 mm lens which I need to trigger without touching the camera to reduce camera shake1.

I know of the following ways to take a photo without touching the camera, however at the moment I cannot use any of those:

  1. Cable release: A device that you plug into your camera with a button that releases the camera shutter.
    • I don’t own a cable release for this camera.
  2. Intervalometer: A cable releases with the possibility to set up timers, e.g. for timelapses.
    • I don’t own an intervalometer for this camera.
  3. Remote Release: Similar to cable releases, but they are not plugged into the camera and work via infrared.
    • I don’t own a remote release for this camera.
  4. Smartphone App: Many (modern) cameras have built-in WiFi or Bluetooth which allows you to take a photo and sometimes even change settings using a smartphone app.
    • This camera has no WiFi or Bluetooth
  5. PC software: Some cameras can be tethered to a PC (usually using a cable) and can be controlled and fired with some software.
  6. Camera self-timer: Most cameras have a self-timer (e.g. 2 or 10 seconds).
    • I experienced that this can still cause camera shake when using a telephoto lens, about 3/4 of the images were shaky taken this way1.

Are there any DIY methods than those described above to take a photo without touching the camera?


1: My other question contains more information on the problem at hand: I’m trying to photograph comet C/2020 F3 (Neowise) by stacking images, but the results are too shaky.

One Answer

The self-timer should work. If the camera is still shaking after 2 seconds, even with a big telephoto, you need a stronger tripod. Another choice is to use a separate card as a shutter. Set the camera for a 10 second exposure and hold a piece of cardboard in front of the lens. Trigger the shutter, wait 8 seconds, and take the card away.

Answered by Ross Millikan on November 2, 2021

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question

Get help from others!

© 2024 TransWikia.com. All rights reserved. Sites we Love: PCI Database, UKBizDB, Menu Kuliner, Sharing RPP