Every now and again one finds oneself needing to fire a camera remotely for some reason. Say perhaps you are photographing some creature in nature etc. Now while most cameras have some form of timer, and a few have intervalometers, at times these options can prove either inelegant or inefficient. There are many times when you just need an old-fashioned remote trigger. Now every manufacturer of cameras makes remote release options for their cameras. Some use the same remote for all their cameras while others use different specialized units for some and other simplified units for others. Here we will quickly discuss the approach Nikon has taken for these situations and the solutions they provide.
Now many Nikon cameras inherit the 10-pin connector of their film forbearers. This connector is used for a variety of accessories, the most powerful being the various remote release options available. Nikon takes two approaches to remote release – a combined trigger/release option used on many of their lower-end models and point-and-shoots and a separate trigger and release option that allows for far more specialized uses.
The Nikon WR-T10 remote is compatible with nearly all recent Coolpix and lower end DSLRs (examples include the D610 and D7100) this remote allows one to trigger the camera from a distance of up to 66 feet or when used with cameras that require the combined WR-A10 and WR-R10 10-pin adapter a range of 164 feet. The WR-T10 with certain units allows the firing of multiple cameras and does allow with certain cameras the control of certain specialist functions. For those looking for an inexpensive turnkey remote trigger option for their 10-pin cameras (examples include the D800 and D4s) Nikon does provide a nice kit that provides all accessories required for 10-pin cameras.
For those that absolutely need far more specialized remote control options, Nikon does make the WR-1. This remote controls only DSLRs and is designed for the 10-pin units. The WR-1 allows the control of 20 cameras simultaneously, allowing for the creation of those famed “bullet time” style sequences from The Matrix. An example would be sequential shooting from various positions on the turn of a famous racetrack (say top to bottom of the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca). Another feature of the WR-1 is the ability to control all functions remotely of the Fn menu of the camera and in the case of the D7100 all camera settings remotely.
Moving to the simpler end of things, the most basic of Nikon’s remotes is the . The ML-L3 is compatible primarily with Nikon’s entry and lower-end enthusiast DSLRs as well as the V Series mirrorless and P Series Coolpix units. Inexpensive and reliable, the ML-L3 should cover most everyday uses by the average shooter.
Finally for the 1- pin user that needs simple, there is the Nikon ML-3. This fairly simple unit provides the basic triggering of the camera with some options dependent on the camera to allow control of single frame, continuous and delayed shooting. While not as full featured as the WR-1, the ML-3 is designed to be a no frills wireless remote that provides the owner of a 10-pin camera (like the D810 or D4s) the ability to remotely control the camera and set a few but useful triggering features.
As always, ask questions below and hopefully this guide will help you find the remote perfect for you.
