Best Wireless Remote Control for Sony Cameras

[@KenSambury]

appreciate this video! thank you. Need it for my stop motion work.

[@hansenhenry5438]

Same!

[@artmaltman]

Excellent. Thank you. I wish Sony did not eliminate the IR receiver on the a74.

[@BOOT]

Thx for the comparison

[@ChrisBaquiran13]

Did you directly tether your camera to the monitor? Would like to have that setup as well!

[@IddoGenuth]

HDMI cable should do that but it won't allow you to control the camera.

[@haseenmultimedia3103]

I love sony but hate you can't control exposure via lanc, remote or bluttoth so your idea for a new remote hopefully has ewxposure control

[@stradesecondarie]

hi! thanks for this video! do you have tested the operation range of these controllers?

[@IddoGenuth]

Not as part of this review but the IR is typically very short - I'd say 2-3m, BT can do much more 10m and maybe even a little longer under good conditions (no walls and such).

[@Juan.Marchant]

Now is a new option Ulanzi AS006, waiting to see a review, it has the implementention of rechargable batteries :o

[@LensVid]

Good catch - I'll write to Ulnzi and ask for one.

[@mahdishukr5223]

legend for this ]

[@Hikaholics]

Thanks for your great video! We are looking for a remote for our SonyA6600. We are hikers so we are looking for one that has a long range as we do a lot of shots where we walk away from the camera. Do you have any recommendations?

[@IddoGenuth]

I would go for the Sony BT remote - it is a bit expensive (we actually found a second hand unit for half the price).

[@pusico6555]

You can use your phone with imaging edge software

[@sreeshab4093]

does the RMT-DSLR2 Wireless Remote Commander work with the latest Sony Alpha 7C?

[@LensVid]

We don't have an A7C to test but see this discussion: www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4540554

[@glennguida5638]

Hi and thanks for the great video. Can I ask, do you know if any of these remote controls can turn on/off the power button on a Zv1 -Sony? Thanks...

[@IddoGenuth]

Hi Glenn, I have no experience with the Zv-1 but if it is like any of the other Sony cameras then none of these remotes will be able to turn it on. Maybe the LanParte can turn it off (no promises).

[@glennguida2479]

@@IddoGenuth Thanks for the reply!!

[@RylandRussell]

Is it possible to get a very slow creeping zoom speed with any of these remotes? With a rx100 or zv1

[@IddoGenuth]

We don't have (and so didn't test) any of these models in particular but from my experience with the 16-50mm lens (that is a power zoom lens) I think the answer is not really - I would not use the zoom function for when you are actually shooting it is not a "cinematic" type of zoom it is more practical (i.e. moving from one focal length to another).

[@RylandRussell]

@@IddoGenuth thanks. Trying to find a solution for a camera to use on our cable cam unit to do remote zooming.

[@IddoGenuth]

@@RylandRussell I think that what might make the most sense (but again I have zero experience with) are camcorders - I would maybe a look around the B&H site and even send their experts a question, maybe they know of a specific camcorder that does that.

[@brabecjakub]

If i want to shoot long-exposure on "bulb", where you have to press and hold shutter button, are these remotes suitable? Something like - one click = start shooting, second click = stop? Another question - why not use radio shutters? Thanks for any advice guys. Loved the video.

[@LensVid]

Hi Jakub. The way to use a bulb mode is to first set it in camera one press to start and one to stop - I never tried it but from what I read it should work. See this discussion: www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4429058 A radio trigger from what I know has very limited functionality - although for this specific use it might work (again - I don't typically use bulb mode).

[@brabecjakub]

@@LensVid I'll take a look, thanks for reply!

[@Justin_Allen]

Interesting video, thanks. You forgot about the Sony GP-VPT2BT Wireless shooting grip. It is similar to the Wireless Remote Commander but it also adds a tripod and handle grip to it. EDIT: Opps I posted before I finished the video, you did cover it at the end :p I will add I have the Wireless Shooting Grip and I use it for real estate photography. It works great for that function, allowing me to stand anywhere. It's also nice to just use the small tripod feature as well.

[@LensVid]

Yeah, we did mention the Sony GP-VPT2BT near the end - we didn't test it though. It would have been cool if it had some sort of stabilization - it is almost twice as expensive as the "normal" Sony RMT-P1BT which is not inexpensive all by itself and does more. If you need a remote/grip and are O.K. with the price tag - it is an option.

[@Justin_Allen]

@@LensVid To be fair I have it for the Sony A7sIII camera so I get to cheat a bit on stabilization.

[@IddoGenuth]

@@Justin_Allen Lucky you :) we are still waiting for ours (end of the month fingers crossed).

[@Thexderify]

Noticed that you don't list the Imaging Edge Mobile app from Sony to control your camera. Worth checking it out as I use this extensively. Also you did not display the A7III as compatible with the Sony RMT-P1BT, it is from firmware 3.0 onwards. Good video though

[@LensVid]

Hi Mark, We use the IE ourselves (mostly from the computer) but it is a different solution compared to a physical remote. The Android app is very finicky and at times has lots of connecting issues. If you want reliability and quick use a physical remote is always better and faster. When we have the time to set up things we do use the software (usually not the app) and it is useful although only the A1 has the option to AF which is a huge drawback that we have conveyed many times to Sony. As for the addition of the A7 III to the list of supported devices - nice to know.

[@Thexderify]

@@LensVid any suggestions for a remote that allows you to set a time for long exposure rather than just holding the button? It's the reason why I was watching your video

[@LensVid]

@@Thexderify I used to have one for my Nikon with a screen and time set - really nice. See if this might work for you - I didn't try it: amzn.to/34FkllW

[@Thexderify]

@@LensVid thanks for that. Not too badly priced either.

[@mangomariel]

The app is ok, but it is still very laggy, and it is super unreliable. Takes time to connect, pair, and it will disconnect every time you turn the camera off, or , which happen more often, the screen on your mobile turn off. So you need to have the screen on on your mobile at all times, and that drains battery. It is a good option if you are just taking some pictures, like on a group photo, or a selfie, or something where it would be nice to see the screen while you make additions to the composition from afar, it is very good, cus you can see the composition on your mobile. But when you are taking many pictures, like real estate, or sport or something, it is horrible. I tried :P

[@Yessj]

The JJC remote just disconnects randomly at all times. Very not reliable. Tried replacing batteries, etc. It just shuts off and requires reconnecting the camera. A7R4.

[@IddoGenuth]

Strange. We actually ended up getting another second-hand SOny remote - they are expensive but they do work well (I wish they used USB-C charging instead of these annoying coin batteries though.

[@obguy99]

has anyone figured out how to remote control a77 from behind?. Trying to get some hummingbirds but I need to be behind the camera

[@saramenghesshow4668]

Wich one IT will work with Sony rx10 IV?

[@thumpertorque_]

On the LaParte, can you take burst shots if you set it in camera? Sony A6500.

[@LensVid]

Just tested. Yes you can.

[@IndyaAjaiTutorials]

Do any of these remotes pair with the Sony ZV1?

[@IddoGenuth]

Although we didn't test this specific combo - have a look at this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpC2kIyHbdGifdk

[@Ozhtube]

Does any of those do focus stacking? Such as on Sony 6400 or a7iii?

[@IddoGenuth]

Not that I am aware of.

[@NSAwatchesME]

im not sure this is right thing for uav?

[@kelvinchan2430]

Is the Sony RMTDSLR2 the only one that will work with the original Sony A7?

[@IddoGenuth]

Maybe the LanParte RF will as well - not sure try and look it up on their site.

[@KIMMIEnFLORIDA]

You didn't mention and I don't want to make assumptions but did any of these remotes "wake the camera"? Thanks for sharing, appreciate the video. I have & used the wired Sony brand version.

[@IddoGenuth]

I am not sure I understand the question. What do you mean by "wake the camera"?

[@BenGieCruz]

Is safe to assume not due to Sony implementation of a "hard" on/off switch...

[@IddoGenuth]

@@BenGieCruz Again I am not sure I understand the comment. If you are asking if this has an on/off - then the IR doesn't but the BT has a lock which we would assume functions as an on/off (but we can't be sure).

[@modo203]

Hi there Lensvid, Will these remote controls work with the Sony rx0 ii camera? Thanks!

[@IddoGenuth]

I think so but I am not 100% sure.

[@ChillieGaming]

can these remote work without internet?

[@IddoGenuth]

Yap. All you need is the camera and remote.

[@xiaotom0910]

Hi , a7m2 can using which remote control ya ?

[@IddoGenuth]

I believe you only have remotes with IR supported on this model.

[@EvanFotis]

Which remote would you recommend in order to trigger / control a a7R2 and a7R3 simultaneously?

[@IddoGenuth]

Hi Evan. Sony never designed its cameras to do this (which is sad and I have talked to them about it on more than one occasion). In theory, the simple IR remote Sony has (RMTDSLR2) will work (and actually does work) with two cameras but only if both receive the IR signal which is not reliable unless the two cameras are close, and even then it's not 100% of the time. I believe that the LanParte RF Wireless Remote with two transmitters should work much better but I am not sure that LanParte sells the transmitters separately - you will have to check.

[@EvanFotis]

@@IddoGenuth thanks, I checked with BH and they do sell a separate USB receiver.

[@IddoGenuth]

@@EvanFotis try it and let us know

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

the CCJC one can not do focus stack mode unlike the genuine sony one.

[@IddoGenuth]

How do you stack focus with the original ones?

[@simonarnold3597]

JJC does not provide full functionality when shooting in RAW

[@IddoGenuth]

Interesting Simon. What did you discover that the Sony remote can do that the JJC can't?

[@komnothet]

Hi, Can RMT-DSLR2 can remote Sony ZV-1?

[@IddoGenuth]

I am not sure. I only found information about BT remote support (maybe ask the store where you bought it from if they know).

[@Dima087]

Have you tested if one of these remotes features burst mode/continuous shooting?

[@IddoGenuth]

There is no special burst mode on any remote I know of. If you set the camera to shoot in Hi or HI+ this might reflect what happens from the remote trigger (I don't think I tried that but reason has it that it should work).

[@Dima087]

@@IddoGenuth Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately this does not work when I use my smartphone as a remote connecting it to the alpha 6000 with Sony's Imaging Edge software. This is why I am wondering if it works with an external remote.

[@LensVid]

I belive that if the camera is set to shoot in hi or hi+ it will shoot like that with a remote.

[@MyFlyingEyes]

Hi all, I am having horrible experiences using the Sony Remote app from my phone in terms of distance from the camera. if I separate 9 ft from the cam it disconnect. what is the maximum distance I can operate with this remote controls? I do light painting so sometimes I need to be 20ft away from the cam.

[@LensVid]

Which of the remotes in this roundup are you talking about?

[@MyFlyingEyes]

@@LensVid I saw on Amazon for almost all of them the says 10 meters control range, only the LanParte Wireless Remote Control says 30 meters, but I saw a comment on Amazon saying the connection was poor... I don't know I would go for any of this remote controls that have a good strong connection at 10 meters from the cam. The sonny app got disconected every time I got 5 meters away from the cam.

[@phoebechung7894]

Is Sony IR compatible to SONY A7C? Thanks!

[@LensVid]

As far as we know the IR remote is compatible with all Sony A-series cameras of recent years.

[@cuneytgumushaneli9820]

any radio controlled ones which can operate from far distances

[@IddoGenuth]

Define "long". On paper, the Lanparte has a 30m range.

[@cuneytgumushaneli9820]

@@IddoGenuth 100 mts

[@IddoGenuth]

@@cuneytgumushaneli9820 I am not aware of any such solution.

[@michaelfrymus]

For the Sony a7iii, will any of these work at far distances? - only need shutter/video record button - and no adapters

[@IddoGenuth]

IR - line of sight and typically no more than a few meters. BT is non-line of sight and can do usually 10m - in practice, it varies a lot.

[@michaelfrymus]

@@IddoGenuth I have three IR that I used on my a6500 before I upgraded and it worked ok, at close range, but it doesn't work on the a7iii at all. And I need something that'll work at long distances, not short.

[@IddoGenuth]

@@michaelfrymus Not sure why the IR ones don't work anymore. As for distance - what is "long" - I am not sure if there are any solutions that are designed to work over 10m even at ideal conditions.

[@michaelfrymus]

​@@IddoGenuth Not sure why either. It works on my a6500, but it doesn't on the a7iii. It does once in a while, but rarely. like 1/10 times it works. So, in other words, it doesn't work. But its fine on the a6500. Im not sure how far I need, but as a photographer, I want to sometimes photograph myself standing far away, I want to say 100m?

[@IddoGenuth]

@@michaelfrymus I am not aware of anything that can come even close to what you are asking.

[@ReggieWard]

Is there any remotes that will turn on and turn off a Sony Zv-1

[@LensVid]

I am not aware of any Sony remote that can turn ON any Sony camera (I am not sure if this feature is supported by Sony).

[@ClaudioAFC]

The JJC shutter button is awful. I thought it was just the way I was pressing but in fact, it's the remote itself. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't, so I don't recommend it at all specially if you can't seen the screen.

[@LensVid]

Indeed, not sure what is going on there. Maybe I can talk to them and see if they can release an updated version - since otherwise, it is a good alternative to the expensive Sony BT remote.

[@philwolsey]

@@LensVid I too am having a horrible experience with the JJC (and given my setup, I'm confident I'll have the same horrible experience if I purchase Sony's expensive version). I have a Sony A7C and bitterly regret the purchase: there is no option to attach a solid, wired remote that just works when you press the shutter button on it (yes, I hate all things IR/Bluetooth/WiFi - it's all a faff, complex, unreliable and clunky). I think the problem may be that I'm shooting with back button focus. First, I have to persuade the remote to talk to the camera via the AF-On button because the shutter button won't fire unless the camera/remote has seen a signal from the AF-ON button/Camera that there has been a back-button attempt at focus (c.f. if I use the shutter button on the camera, it doesn't care if I've remembered to focus, which is how I like it and it just works when I press the shutter). Grrrr!

[@danmiddle2]

This is not very a thorough review. The JJC is nowhere near as good as the Sony Bluetooth remote in terms of functionality. I purchased based that based on your recommendation, but had to buy the Sony after. Functionally they are different in a couple of key ways. With the Sony you can have more than one remote operating more than one camera at the same time in close proximity. The JJC one fails to work if someone else is using a similar Bluetooth remote nearby (I.e. in a shared photography hide). The JJC one also sleeps after a few mins, so if you're waiting for that critical shot... you'll miss it. With the Sony one you can disable power management and you're ready when the opportunity comes and it's just as responsive as the button on the camera. The JJC also has a time delay for starting shooting and stopping. It's not much, but enough to miss a frame or two on the a1/a9ii... these are important details in a review such as this. Your review told me nothing but what is available...

[@IddoGenuth]

First, thank you for your genuine comments. You do need to realize that your specific use case is not our use case. We didn't work with the JJC next to another BT remote (I would dare assume that this is true for lots of other users), I am not sure what you mean by sleep or how you prevent the Sony remote from going to sleep - for us, both remotes just worked. I didn't do a side-by-side test of the reaction speed of both remotes - it is possible that the Sony is faster - I do prefer it myself most of the time but for use in the studio both seem to do an OK job. Personally, I think that both of these still have issues - lack of built-in battery with battery status indicator and USB-C charging for starter - which for what we do is much more important than the things that you mentioned. But again - each user has his own list of requirements so please don't judge all reviews based on your specific needs.

[@danmiddle2]

Firstly, I should have thanked you for making the video first and foremost.... I don't think multiple photographers shooting together is that rare a use case? There are plenty of wildlife photographers that rent hides and end up side by side remote shooting with other customers of the hide. The JJC bluetooth remote is prevented from working by other bluetooth devices, so it's not managing channels or interference well. Aside from my use case, I imagine it could suffer interference from other bluetooth in general. As for the sleep issue, if you are awaiting a subject to enter frame, then the JJC remote sleeps after a couple of mins and needs to be pressed to "wake it" before it will trigger. For fast wildlife this was enough to make me miss many shots. This issue doesn't afflict the Sony remote. The camera itself can put the bluetooth to sleep after a while, but with it as always on in the camera (A1), the remote is immediate even if I've been waiting 30 mins for the subject to enter frame. Again, I imagine this is not an unusual use case for people shooting remotely... but appreciate it is not every use case.

[@IddoGenuth]

@@danmiddle2 Again thank you for these points. Yes, these are certinally valid issues, as I said we didn't run into them ourselves but other users might and it's good to know (I try to read user comments and reviews whenever I am looking into buying a new product, not just the actual reviews). I am hoping that we will see even better remotes on the market in the future - who knows maybe we will even help develop one (it will not be the first product with our input).

[@prem264]

Thank you for this important information, this helped me a lot with the decision.

[@brunika51]

Which one is compatible with Sony a6400?

[@IddoGenuth]

The IR should be compatible with all of Sony cameras and the BT is also compatible with the Alpha a6400 (with Summer 2019 firmware update) or at least that is what Sony tells us (we didn't test this combo ourselves).

[@brunika51]

@@IddoGenuth thank you!

[@punknugget561]

Hi will the RMTDSLR2 control work with the Sony A7C camera?

[@IddoGenuth]

I am not aware of any specific reason why it should not work.

[@punknugget561]

@@IddoGenuth thanks. I ordered one from Amazon. We’ll see if it works. If not I can always return it. Only cost $7.18. It’s a Sony clone from a company called Vinabity. Looks just like the Sony RMT-DSLR2 controller.

[@IddoGenuth]

@@punknugget561 Sure - keep us posted here. The biggest problem with almost all of these remotes is the coin battery and lack of battery status indicator - we will be doing a review of a new remote with an internal battery later this year so if you are interested follow the channel.

[@punknugget561]

@@IddoGenuth ​ It doesn't work. It seems like this particular camera can only work with Bluetooth devices. No big deal. I was able to return the DSLR2 controller back to Amazon and order the other cheaper Bluetooth knockoff that you mentioned. That should work just as good.

[@LensVid]

@@punknugget561 Good to know (and very strange if indeed you can't use BT - all other Sony cameras I know of can - including the A1). We are going to test soon a new type of BT remote which we think can change the whole picture but it is more expensive than the Sony - so if a budget solution is what you are after - this one won't be what you are after - although it should be very interesting.

[@mangomariel]

wtf? they still don't have rechargable battery for remotes? I'm using remote+reciever from 2014 and I have to switch batteries every second shoot. So I thought the new remotes would be better here, I guess not... Sounds nice to only have one thing with the Bluetooth tho, not two things + cable, that I use now.

[@IddoGenuth]

Yes, none of these have built-in batteries but Sirui made a remote that has one (we did a review of it a little after this one - it was announced later). We have been trying to convince more companies to release advanced remotes with built-in batteries - so far we are still waiting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5STaKdjnZ6rirc

[@Anarki2U]

I use my phone with the Sony app ! The app are Sony Imaging Edge Mobile

[@IddoGenuth]

That is, of course, an option especially if you have the time to open the app and connect the camera to it which can be quite annoying - for quick workflow this solution is way too cumbersome.

[@Anarki2U]

@@IddoGenuth I rarely need to use a remote at the moment, so I do not want to carry an extra item, but I allways have my iPhone ;) Just a tip to others like me :) The app are Sony Imaging Edge Mobile :)

[@LensVid]

@@Anarki2U To each his own - we did manage this option in the written article on LensVid and if you have the time to mess around with connecting the app it is certainly an option.

[@Anarki2U]

@@LensVid I find it easy and handy to use :) And it is free ;)

[@LensVid]

@@Anarki2U Easy it's not, it requires WIFI connection to the camera and I just tried the latest version and it still has no AF function (which you have on the new remote) or the ability to get internet on your phone at the same time you are using the camera (maybe there is a way around this but not out of the box).

[@davesparrow1372]

you have MVMT watch 0_0 ...and u are talking about technology ? DUDE !

[@Pharesm]

I've put two quarters in my remote control and its still not working! >< zero stars!

[@LensVid]

:(

[@JeffBourke]

i really hate button batteries. that's a deal breaker

[@LensVid]

Us too. Watch our new review of the Sirui mini tripod/remote with built-in battery: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5STaKdjnZ6rirc

[@JeffBourke]

@@LensVid great recommendation!

[@graphguy]

Sony ir has great functionality that is pathetic in performance.

[@f2.0]

You can remotely control most Sony cameras from your smartphone, actually see what the camera is seeing, even around a corner or in another room, control camera functions and shoot stills or video. So why would you buy an inferior remote?

[@IddoGenuth]

Many reasons come to mind - first, the Sony implementation of the app is poor, the connection process is just cumbersome and in many cases unreliable (we sometimes struggle for minutes just connecting a camera) and of course, it drains the camera and smartphone batteries and prevents you from using your phone. With all that said in some situations we would use the app especially when we have a lot of time to play around but for fast operation, a remote is just 100 times faster and easier, and much more reliable.

[@arielalonso6886]

The app doesn´t have AF

[@LensVid]

@@arielalonso6886 Indeed - only the A1 has AF with the app (we will make a video about it soon).

[@f2.0]

@@IddoGenuth On the A9 and A7r4 the app is seamless and I have never had any problem connecting. I use it most working days. I cannot comment on other camera bodies in the sony lineup though.

[@f2.0]

@@arielalonso6886 I thought this was incorrect, but to be sure I tested it with 15 different lenses on the A9 and A7r4 and they all auto focused perfectly with the remote app. Here's how. Keep your finger on the remote trigger button until the lens snaps into focus. Then take your finger off and it takes the shot.