Sony RMT-P1BT Remote Control Setup & User Guide (A7III, A7RIII, A9)

[@WilliamWallaceRoss]

It did not work until you mentioned to make sure the Remote Ctrl is "ON" and it worked. Thank you!

[@rolandruesch6862]

I watched numerous videos when my remote did not work. Everybody wanted me to upgrade the camera’s firmware and reset it but then I found your video. One sentence made the difference: “before the pairing, you need to go back … turn remote control on.” Why Sony on their help page does not mention that and leave it to you to educate us, beats me. Big thanks.

[@creepyoldhouseexplorersclub]

Been messing with it for a 1/2 hour with no Luck! Searched Tube and found this - As soon as you said turn RMT bluetooth controller ON in second step - I tried it and Boom... It Works!! Thank You Buddy!! Brand New Sony A7iv

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad that it helped you out Lynn. Hope you are enjoying your new Sony a7 IV! :)

[@mmariattheresa]

Hi Tim! Watched this video an hour ago.. run to the shop to buy the remote and now using it to take self portraits!! Its so awesome! Needed this remote because im using my iphone to film my behind the scenes. Thank you so much for the precise instructions! 👍🏻

[@AlphaShooters]

Very glad to hear that the video helped you out Maria! :) All the best with your videos!

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

Yep, Some other reviewers do not mention about Bluetooth Rmt Ctrl must be ON. and I could not use this remote until I found your review. Thanks

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad I could help :)

[@Drmathprof1]

Thank you thank you!! Much better than the directions and noting that second menu item that has to also be “on” saved my sanity.

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad to hear it helped Rachel!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Very helpful video. We were struggling and you helped us out quickly. Thanks, John and Bev

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad it helped you guys out! :)

[@Rako_Studios]

Same for me, I got the device paired to my RX100 VII, but not working until you taught me there is a second setting to actually turn on the remote. I guess this is for your other great point, the battery will die since remote function disables auto-turn-off. I sent the cheapo remote back to Amazon, and bought a refurb Sony remote. They both paired, but did not work until I watched your video. A million thanks. My next step would be to send the camera back to shady retailer that was not a Sony dealer. They upsold me from the 'import" aka greymarket, aka no-warranty model. This was hidden in their ad, but we settled on 300 bucks more to match the price from another vendor plus the PayPal cancellation fee. Crooks. I bought a second RX100 Vii at Best Buy just now, so I know I have a real Sony domestic model.

[@vanessahillerman7281]

Yah, thank you. Instructions were not right. You did save me some pain. You legend. They said to hold zoom button, which did not work.

[@AlphaShooters]

I know, it's a little confusing to get setup! Glad the video helped :)

[@marcomark8]

I just purchased this and received it today. I set it up in about 1 min. thanks to this video. It works great! Thank you.

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad that it helped Mark!

[@vladimirvayner6581]

Short, clear, comprehensible, helpful! Thanks!

[@AlphaShooters]

Thank you!

[@davepcambs]

Si helpful Thank you - wasted a couple of hours trying to pair it, your instructions are brilliant why can't say it takes 7 seconds to pair pressing 2 buttons!???

[@Spencer_Bikes]

Cheers! Thanks for the tip to go and separately turn on the bluetooth remote! I was missing this crucial step!

[@lynneroberts4854]

Thank you so much. I was having trouble getting the remote to work with my A1. I hadn’t turned the Blue tooth rat control to ON.

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad it helped Lynne! :)

[@artmaltman]

Thank you Tim! This video is exceptionally helpful. Sony software interface is not intuitive! Got it working now on my A74. Thanks!

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

Hi, If this remote control can control focus + - with third party lenses? Or it will work with Sony lenses only? Thanks

[@susieshaffer8222]

Thanks for the very clear instructions. Very helpful and successfully paired!

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mateolanusph]

Hi! When you switch from still to video, it emulates changing the dial on camera? I mean, it changes the settings configured in each mode?

[@masicher1703]

Hi Tim, , bought the remote didn’t work and after I saw your video find out need to turn on the Rmt Ctrl as well. Thank you. For some reason my - and + focus not working just I wonder if you may known why?

[@jaybillups2063]

Thank you for the helpful info. Just purchased via your link. I've been using a JJC radio remote and it always stops working ... not a good look when working with clients.

[@AlphaShooters]

Many thanks for purchasing via my link Jay. I don't think you should have too many issues with this remote! All the best, Tim

[@NR-rv8rz]

I bought two different ones of the knock offs in succession for £32 each and thought both didn't work so sent them back. Then I bought the expensive Sony one for £65 and thought that didn't work either. Just watched your video and saw that I not only need to turn Bluetooth on but also need to turn the remote feature on. Doh. Sony one works totally fine now so thanks. I think I'll re order the £32 one to see if that works then send the Sony one back and save £33.

[@JeffUnderwoodUK]

Wish I'd watched this before struggling trying to follow Sony's own printed instructions. Thanks to you we are joined. One gripe though - I love taking long exposure shots, therefore rely on Bulb mode. At the price of this thing would it be too much to ask for a simple timer on the back?

[@ashishanant5504]

Does it support powering the camera on/off using the remote?

[@amyalexahub]

Are there any better remote shutter options for Sony? I’ve got this remote and it’s pretty rubbish.

[@aaronblaser8655]

Make sure your firmware is updated! I was unable to pair on version 2.10

[@AlphaShooters]

If you are using the a7III or a7R III then you do need firmware v3 minimum for this remote to work.

[@afonsosantos8364]

Hi Tim. After 3 years, how is it holding? Do you still use it ?

[@shelekhov]

Does it work with shutter lock? for burst holding? I mean so you don't have to hold it by finger.

[@AlphaShooters]

You’ll need to hold the shutter button down on the remote for burst shooting. There’s no option to lock it on I’m afraid.

[@mynorcorona7209]

Hey Tim great video ! Fast and straight to the point. Thanks mate

[@royd63uk]

Thanks for this had difficulty pairing with the A1 but followed this and works fine.

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad it helped Roy!

[@garfieldmtify]

Hi Tim, thanks for this video. I am using the romote with A1. The " + " or " - " key on the remote does not work. I have paried it correctly since the remote works totally fine when pressing the record button although I am unable to zoom in or zoom out even with using 70-200GM (II). I believe my firmward is up to date. The menu on the camera screen when I press + or - says, this lens is not supported. ...any ideas or is this truly the case? Thanks very much!

[@erinjacobphotography]

Thank you! I've just bought this for my A7RIIIa. Would like to confirm that it works wth my camera. But also, thank you for your very succinct guide!

[@davidmorrison5974]

Extremely helpful guide, I used it successfully for the A7C! Thank you

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad it helped!

[@CC-gt3ro]

Thanks i will buy it for my a7c as well.

[@HughSansom]

Good, simple explainer (unlike so many self-promotional crap on KZbin). One problem with the "remote commander" is bluetooth, which is an unreliable piece of shit. It can randomly disconnect, suffer interference, or interrupt. If bluetooth on your cellphone is turned on, that may well interfere with your camera connections. Or it could be the cellphone or mobile device of somebody else near you. Bluetooth uses the 2.4Ghz radio frequency, which is also used by WiFi, cordless phones, microwave oven, flourescent lights, and many home devices.

[@janiscollette1737]

Great information and easy instruction! Thanks for taking the time to explain it all!

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TRSFishing]

Love videos that solve your problem in a few minutes. Great job!

[@AlphaShooters]

Thank you so much!

[@bobmack4524]

Incredibly clear and straightforward. I'm looking forward to other of your videos.

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad you like them!

[@fernandocoronel8561]

Hi tim, Do you know how to rapair to conect to another camera?

[@timothyhealey9476]

Thank You!! Very helpful indeed. Short and to the point. I will recommend to others.

[@yosoyyo1899]

Does it need to be pointed to the remote control sensor in front of the camera in order to work?

[@AlphaShooters]

No. It will work wherever you point it since it’s Bluetooth and not Infrared.

[@johnjury7316]

Thank you for your reply. What I tend to do is toggle between Airplane mode on and off.

[@AlphaShooters]

Nice tip. I didn't think of that option! Thanks John.

[@TomMcHugh-l4v]

Hello, my sony a7iii does not have a 3rd network menu. Does the firmware update give this ?

[@Lucamitm]

Is there a way to move the focus area to focus manually on different points without touching the camera? Say for macro multiple shots. Thanks!

[@AlphaShooters]

If you are using manual focus you can move the focus in and out with the help of focus peaking by using the +/- buttons on the remote when in focus mode. However, this only seems to work on a few lenses. Which lens are you planning to use? If I have it I'll try it on mine to make sure it works.

[@Ozhtube]

Does it focus stacking on Sony a7iii?

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

Hi, Thanks for a good video. This remote can not do every control like RMTDSLR2 , right? I could not see how it operate to open "MENU" page of the camera and choose with page we want to work with . etc

[@AlphaShooters]

Sorry for the slow reply. That's correct, it doesn't replace all of the functions of the RMTDSLR2 remove. You can't control the menus.

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

@@AlphaShooters Thanks

[@robt4194]

It works well. Question: I'm 10m outdoors (sunlight & wind) in front of the lens for video recording (A7RIII). I'd like some indication that the recording started, whether a beep or light. Which menu setting enables this beep or light ?

[@AlphaShooters]

When you start movie recording with the RMT-P1BT remote there's a light on the remote that indicates that the recording is active.

[@donhavre]

Wound not have worked without your help!

[@harryc560]

Great tutorial simple and concise thank you Harry

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad that it helped Harry! :-)

[@PatriciaDavidsonPhotography]

Thank you! Worked for my A7R4a ;)

[@AlphaShooters]

Great. Glad it helped! :)

[@GambinoTattoo]

thx so much for that! i just tried it with the new sony zv e1 and it works the same!

[@brianrudolph3594]

Thank you so much for an excellent tutorial

[@golden4248]

Just pared it with the A7iv. Should you turn off blue tooth for it when not in use?

[@AlphaShooters]

Personally I’d turn it off if not in use. It will save your battery.

[@helencogan2187]

Are you finding that the remote eats batteries even when turned off??? Thanks..great video!

[@AlphaShooters]

Not at all. I've had mine for over a year and I'm still using the first battery it came with.

[@siddeeq3712]

Thank you! Your video was very helpful.

[@omidyoutube]

Gotta love such videos. I used it for a ZV-E10

[@azeezjee2286]

Very helping tutorial … thanks a ton!!! Mate

[@jorisdijkema]

This was very clear, thanks! I used in on my A7RIV :)

[@JJ-vp3bd]

Do you find it better than using the pixel shift option already built into that camera?

[@foodstrongfamily]

Thank you so much man! This was very helpful and I'm glad it works with my a7Siii

[@AlphaShooters]

Great to hear!

[@ramein72]

hey, this might be a stupid question but there's no on/off switch. does the remote just go to sleep when not in use; will the battery drain?

[@AlphaShooters]

It will turn itself off after a while then wake when you press a button. Of course, this standby mode will still drain a little juice so you would unfortunately need to pull the battery if you don't plan on using it for some time. I have two remotes and the one I've not used for over 6 months but there is still juice in the battery.

[@Bullybeef972]

Aaahh, simple and straight to the. point. Thank you!

[@AlphaShooters]

Thank you very much Mark!

[@Collin2377]

I have a Sony A7C. When I go to Bluetooth RMT CTRL and try to put it to ON, the camera won't let me do it. It says: "Perform pairing from the device to be connected. Perform pairing from a supported application if connecting a smart phone". And the only option I have is CANCEL. Can you please help ? Thank you.

[@flynacephotography1410]

Which remote is better, this one or the Sony RMTDSLR2 Wireless Remote for Alpha? Just curious before I purchase one or the other. Thanks! Great video, btw

[@AlphaShooters]

Definitely the RMT-P1BT. I've not used my RMTDSLR2 since buying this remote.

[@JJ-vp3bd]

@@AlphaShooters can you do focus stacking with this remote?

[@Alex-iq9lk]

Hi, Nice and informative video, but I have one question; Will the remote work with all functions if the camera is connected to smartphone app (with wifi)? - Eg. I am using the app to see myself when I am in front of the camera, but Sony has removed touch to focus with the A7iii range, so half pressing the shutter button on this remote would be great help. thanks, Alex

[@AlphaShooters]

I just tested this briefly Alex and it appears to work. Half pressing remote shutter activates focus and this is reflected in the imaging edge mobile app when connected.

[@beckywaters1843]

I was able to use on my new A7RIV.

[@hanskuoni7088]

That helped a lot! I just it up with my A1

[@Zarabozo]

I think the first time you pair a remote, it's different. For me, it would not allow me to turn on the Bluetooth remote option without pairing first. When I tried to turn it on, it would automatically show the pairing screen. Other than that, it worked fine.

[@shaybutter3403]

You're literally the best

[@roberthansen2498]

Thank you. You solved my problem.

[@indyzd]

nice! great vid. straight to the point.

[@Madoxyama]

Is it possible to costumize the remote buttons? I wish I had Aps-C button on the remote.

[@AlphaShooters]

The custom buttons on the remote reflect what you have programmed in the camera. So you could program C1 in-camera to switch between APS-C and Full Frame.

[@BestAudiovisualTricks]

You are the man! Thank you for making this video!!!!

[@jorisdijkema]

Hi Tim, you say that when the switch is set to focus that it is possible to move manual focus (I would love this for movie). I have set my A1 and Sony 24-105 f/5 OSS to manual focus but when I use the + or - button on the remote control nothing happens (I have set the switch to movie on the remote controller also). Do I do something wrong? Just recording or taking pictures with the remote control and the A1 is possible, so it is working correct in general.

[@AlphaShooters]

Hey Joris. For the manual focus to work on the remote you need to make sure you set the camera to manual focus via the camera menus and not using the MF switch on the lens itself, it won't work if you use the switch on the lens unfortunately. Rather confusing I know!

[@jorisdijkema]

@@AlphaShooters ​ @Tim - AlphaShooters Great answer. It is working now! I guess it is not possible to adjust the speed of focusing right? When I push the + or - buttons (I mean even holding it) it is maybe a bit slow. I have no control about how fast it moves. Still a nice option for video I think.

[@AlphaShooters]

@@jorisdijkema I don't think it's possible to adjust the speed unfortunately.

[@Dennahz]

Thanks a lot! Downside of this remote is that you can't do automated photos with it. Like: 'shoot photos for 30 minutes with 1 sec in between'. For timelapses and stuff.

[@AlphaShooters]

Nope but you could use the time lapse function in-camera for this and still use the remote to start and stop it. That’s if you have a model that supports interval shooting.

[@DeeceeChung]

Thank you worked like a charm!!

[@BuyrukA]

Will the timer function work with this remote and if yes, do we set it on the camera first to be able to trigger it with the usual shutter button on the remote?

[@AlphaShooters]

Yes it works but you'll need to put it into timer mode on the camera first. Then when you hit the shutter button on the remote it will take the shot after the timer delay has elapsed.

[@forrestgalt2832]

Thanks Man!!!! That did the trick.

[@openeye126]

hello, can one toggle between camera release button and remote release? ( or does one need to re-pair it every time ? )

[@AlphaShooters]

Sorry I don't fully understand your question. The only time you will need to re-pair is when using the remote with a different camera. Or if you disable the bluetooth. That said, occasionally it will lose the connection and you'll need to re-pair.

[@dwpix]

Thanks! Is it possible to have two cameras and two remotes working at the same time?

[@AlphaShooters]

Hi Darrell. Sorry for the slow reply. I have just got a second one of these and they could both be used at the same time with two different cameras without interference. Hope that helps!

[@Focusshotstudio]

Thanks a lot! These video saved me a lots of time!

[@perrysolosa6620]

hi tim, is this remote ideal to shoot for self portraits on a7iii? I mean does the eye af will work with that remote shutter? I read somewhere else that with smartphone app the eye af or even touch to focus doesn't even work, is it true?

[@AlphaShooters]

Hi Perry. Yes you could use it for self portraits. The shutter button on this remote works just like the shutter button on the a7III, a half press will activate the focus including eye af, then full press to take the shot. This isn't possible with the imaging edge app.

[@perrysolosa6620]

@@AlphaShooters thank you very much, that was very helpful!

[@Bogartboginty]

Very helpful! Thanks so much. 5 stars

[@refinedinfluencephotography]

Is there a way to turn off the remote? Or does it go dormant while locked and not drain the battery. I had a Nikon one that just drained the battery and you had to remove it each time.

[@AlphaShooters]

Unfortunately not. It will drain the battery which is a pain.

[@refinedinfluencephotography]

@@AlphaShooters dang. So I flipped my battery upside down. Which was great and saved the battery. Until I forgot I did that and thought it died. And then had to order another pack and realized what I’d done 😂 but that method I guess is great if you remember. I wish these remotes had off buttons.

[@TurboFlutter]

Plus and minus and the big button in the center worked for me

[@greatgigs1]

well that made it easy...thank you

[@johnjury7316]

Thank you for the info. Mine is permanently connected, to save on the remote and camera batteries is there a way to switch it off rather than unpairing?

[@AlphaShooters]

Hi John, apologies for the slow reply. You may have worked this out already but if you just turn the bluetooth remote ctr option off you can turn it back on when you need to and shouldn't need to pair again. You could assign this to a shortcut to make it faster.

[@Cubaknowloco]

Does anyone know how to pair the dslr2 remote to a A7iv?

[@AlphaShooters]

Have you worked this out now? I hope to publish a short guide on setting up the remote with the a7IV this week.

[@americansoldier7776]

Thank you Sir! I appreciate it. Michigan 🇺🇸

[@AlphaShooters]

Cheers!

[@thomasploner9424]

Very nice video, thank you 👍 does it work with time lapse? May be a stupid thing to ask, but I'm so far only into photography 🤷‍♂️

[@AlphaShooters]

Thanks! Yes you can use the remote to start the time-lapse and end it early if you wish. There are no stupid questions! :) Tim

[@thomasploner9424]

@@AlphaShooters Thx!

[@finnolufnyquist]

Extremely helpful, you do a far better job than Sonys info department and in a lot shorter time. BTW - it also works with A1.

[@AlphaShooters]

Thank you. Glad to hear that Finn. :)

[@davidenglund]

Thanks! Just what I needed! :D

[@flashforum939]

U R A LIFESAVER 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Madoxyama]

How do you use this remote with bulb mode? Pressing one time starts the shooting and when I press again it stops? Or do I have to keep pressing for shooting?

[@AlphaShooters]

That’s basically it. In bulb mode one press opens shutter and next press closes it. I just tested it.

[@Madoxyama]

@@AlphaShooters OK. Thanks.

[@stevefines1887]

Hi. I can’t watch the video. Did you test the range? I’m wondering how far away this will reliably and quickly work. Thanks.

[@AlphaShooters]

Hi Steve. For me it worked up to around 18m or 60 feet reliably. All the best, Tim

[@keverton123]

can you assign back button focus and hold and shoot at same time on remote? like for birds in flight

[@AlphaShooters]

If BBF is assigned to the AF-ON button on the camera this will be mapped to the AF-On button on the remote. So yes you can shoot using a similar setup on the remote.

[@kramerje1]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@NeluCiorba]

no, doesn't work! On my A1 the back button is set fr focus could be this an issue?

[@JohnJBloomfield]

Any disadvantages over the older IR remote?

[@AlphaShooters]

Mainly that it's more expensive!

[@OswaldoLafee]

Thanks for this, I also missed the second step.

[@AlphaShooters]

You're welcome!

[@MannyG32968]

What about the A7RIV? Thx

[@tycook]

greetings! do you think the bluetooth remote would let me trigger two a7r3 bodies at the same time? wonder if that pair option is “only one linked at a time” sort of deal

[@AlphaShooters]

Unfortunately you have to re-pair it each time you use it with a different camera, so although I've not tested it I'm pretty sure this wouldn't work I'm afraid.

[@tycook]

I agree that sounds unlikely to work.. still seems like a great remote thank you for the helpful video on it

[@richardbarakett4163]

Thank you very much....love your tutorials :)

[@AlphaShooters]

Glad you found it helpful Richard! Thanks for commenting! :)

[@DataTrain]

Able to use the RMT-P1BT controller on both my Sony a6100 (Sigma 16mm F.14) and Sony A7C (Sony SEL20F18G - Full Frame Lens FE 20mm F1.8 G) lens Just need to grab a 2nd remote and pair with other camera