Canon Wireless Remote Control RC1 for Canon XT/XTi, XSi, and T1i Digital SLR Cameras

The RC1 as two controls on it: a small slider switch and a larger button to trip the shutter. If you're wearing gloves, the slider switch is near impossible to adjust but the shutter button is easy to hit. The slider offers three settings: Lock (disables the shutter button), regular and 2-second delay. The regular setting works just like the shutter release on your camera although you can't press it halfway to autofocus. The 2-second delay locks up the mirror when you hit the shutter button and then trips the shutter 2 seconds later. This is very useful for longer exposures or shooting with telephoto lenses.

I've found the RC1 to be plenty sturdy (I shoot mostly outdoors and tend to be pretty hard on my equipment) and easy enough to unclip and operate with one hand. I have only two complaints with it: you need to point the remote at the front of the camera -- the IR sensor is right next to the shutter release -- which can be tricky when using wide angle lenses as you don't want to include your remote in the picture, and the RC1 doesn't provide any feedback that the shutter had been tripped -- I often find myself peering back through the viewfinder to see if the mirror is up or keeping my ear near the camera to listen for the film advance. This is a far simpler remote than the ones Canon offers for their top-end camera but it's also far less expensive and heavy. I only wish the RC1 worked for the EOS3!


Nice little gadget   July 10, 2004
R. Shumskis (Maryland, USA)
121 out of 125 found this review helpful

I received this product a day ago and am happy with it. It's simple and reliably does what it's supposed to do. I bought it primarily for 'bulb' exposures [with my D-Rebel], but, of course, it is also useful when you want to avoid camera shake or to get yourself into the shot.

As others have noted, it is extremely light (15g) and tiny. Those reasons are why I picked this remote over the RC-5 and RS-60E3. Also, there is a camera strap clip included, so it will be quickly available. Canon is even kind enough to include batteries. This is definitely the one to buy.


Professional Photojournalist   February 16, 2001
59 out of 61 found this review helpful

When something works as it is supposed to, and then it also has an elegant form to it, I will always give it five stars. I have used this remote a lot, and this is actually my second one for a second Canon camera. I consider it to be an essential tool for the camera. Indeed, it probably should come as a standard feature. If you have any use for a remote at all, don't hesitate to buy it. The batteries last well and are a common hearing aid battery, easily found in stores, cheap to replace when you need it, if you need it. Mine last years! It clips to the camera strap, is innocuous when it is there, and therefore it is always handy. I use my camera for work and pleasure, and this item is indispensable for all of it. When we are traveling my wife likes to have photos of us taken together, and with a small portable tripod or monopod, I can usually prop the camera up and get a shot of us standing together without having to bother a passer-by who will usually screw up the photo anyway. You press the button to how long you want it to "lapse" before it actually snaps the photo, that being adjustable, giving you quite a bit of time to pose if you want it. I even took photos at my own wedding using it. Are you getting it yet? Very useful, flexible, well designed.


Handy and very effective   May 9, 2004
20 out of 20 found this review helpful

Easy quick way to remotely operate the shutter for my Digital Rebel. Works either as an instant release or allows for a slight time delay after pressing the button. Much easier than running back to the camera for taking family photos..!


A must have accessory   August 22, 2007
Glen A. Sansoucie (South Berwick, ME United States)
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

I bought this for my Rebel a while back and kept it for my XT. I use it for Macro shots on a tripod (so I don't introduce camera shake). I use it at night for long exposures (lots of second curtain flash sequences with the kids and flashlights...).

I use it for family photos where I want to get into the picture (and use the 2 second timer).

I just found out it doesn't work on the xxD line (ie the 40D).