triggertrap
Latest
Take control of your DSLR with the Triggertrap Mobile Dongle and app
Back in 2011, Haje Jan Kamps came up with a fascinating idea for a Kickstarter -- the Triggertrap. The idea was to create an interface that would go between a digital SLR camera (DSLR) and a smartphone, with an app on the smartphone to control activation of the shutter on your DSLR. The Kickstarter project was a success, and the Triggertrap is a reality. I had an opportunity to test a Triggertrap and the app with my Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR and found it to be a well-designed and implemented product. Design The Triggertrap uses a combination of a dongle that attaches to the headphone port of your iPhone and an adapter cable that plugs into the dongle on one end and the camera on the other. The two-part design is quite smart; not only does it provide electrical isolation between your smartphone and camera, but the dongle is always the same -- it's just the adapter cable that changes depending on your DSLR. Triggertrap works with most DSLRs (there are over 300 supported camera models), and the company provides a comprehensive list of which cable works with a particular camera. In the case of my camera, I was advised to get the MD-E3, which included both the mobile dongle and adapter cable. The price of the kit was only US$31.24. Additional adapter cables are available for my camera are only $10.57, and a second mobile dongle is just $26.43. How does Triggertrap work to control your camera? It does it sending high-frequency sound pulses from the audio port of your iPhone or iPad to a corresponding remote control port on your camera. In most cases, the camera's autofocus must be turned off, and for some of the Triggertrap modes you'll want to put the camera into Bulb mode. The final piece of the puzzle is the Triggertrap app. It's free, and it provides a number of different ways of triggering your DSLR's shutter: Simple Cable Release: acts like a mechanical cable release would -- tap a button on the app screen, and it takes a photo. Press and Hold: this is a long-exposure mode. The button is tapped and held, and the shutter stays open as long as your finger is on the button. Take it off, and the shutter closes. Press and Lock: another long-exposure mode. Tap the button to start the exposure, tap it again to stop the exposure. Timelapse: select an interval between shots and tap the button to begin shooting, tap it again to stop shooting. TimeWarp: It's a timelapse photograph, but the interval between shots gets shorter towards the end, giving the timelapse series the illusion of speeding up. DistanceLapse: camera is triggered to take an image every time it moves a certain distance (useful if taking time-lapse images of a driving trip). Star Trail: takes a number of exposures of a particular duration with a time gap between them. Bramping: "bulb-ramping", taking a large number of exposures over a long period of time, starting the exposures at one duration and ending at another duration. But wait, there's more! There are two sensors modes: Sound sensor: uses a sound to trigger the camera; for example, a clap or whistle will trigger. Vibration sensor: triggers the camera with a vibration or earthquake (!) and two long-exposure HDR modes: LE HDR: takes multiple long exposures with an EV (exposure value) change each time. LE HDR Timelapse: timelapse of multiple LE HDR images. And there's more! Wi-Fi Slave mode: Use another device on a Wi-Fi network to trigger the DSLR connected directly to the Triggertrap. If all of those different modes confuse you, there is a troubleshooting guide, a "setting up Wi-Fi" guide, and even an introduction to the Triggertrap team in the app. The app is done in bright red and white colors in an iOS 7-friendly style, and also includes a button for buying a dongle and adapter cable from your iPhone! Functionality I didn't have the time (or patience) to test all of the different Triggertrap modes, but I did connect it up to my Canon DSLR to try most of the simple modes. Initially I was having some issues, but then I followed the directions and turned the volume on the iPhone all the way up. That did the trick, and the Triggertrap followed my instructions perfectly the rest of the time. I'm absolutely amazed that the Triggertrap team has created such a compatible and powerful tool for photographers that costs so little and does so much. The world of photography often seems to be filled with overpriced single-tasker devices that work with only one model of camera, while the Triggertrap leverages the power of the iPhone to provide a tool that can handle just about any DSLR on the market. There's a pretty amazing Flickr group that highlights the work that has been done using the features of the Triggertrap, so I suggest taking a look at some of the photos to see just what you can do with this device. Conclusion Between the low-cost open source hardware (there's an Arduino version available as well) and the power of the free app, Triggertrap has created an affordable photography tool that should be in the equipment bag of every professional and dedicated amateur photographer. Pros Insanely affordable Compatible with most contemporary DSLRs A wide variation of exposure triggering methods are available through the app App is stable, well-written, and iOS 7-friendly Ability to trigger the Triggertrap remotely via Wi-Fi makes up for the relatively short cable Cons None to speak of Who is it for? Any DSLR and smartphone owner who wants the ability to experiment with a wide range of bulb exposure and timelapse modes
IRL: Wacom Bamboo Splash, Triggertrap Mobile and the iPad 3
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. We've got a mixed bag this week. Billy, who's reviewed a bunch of Wacom products on this site, talks about what it's like to live with the Bamboo Splash pen tablet. James, meanwhile, uses a mobile photography tool to ensure his reflection doesn't show up when he's shooting tablets and such. Rounding out the list, Darren takes a closer look at the iPad's display. He thinks it's alright.
Triggertrap Mobile update adds WiFi control for device-laden shutterbugs
Triggertrap's automatic shutter release kit has come a long way since its humble Kickstarter debut, and today, yet another feature is being added to its iOS and Android apps -- wireless mode. The good news is that you can now control all of those advanced trigger settings from a phone or tablet over WiFi, but the bad news is, you'll need two of them. One remains bound to the camera by cable and dongle, acting as a slave device that carries out orders given from a second, master device. You don't actually need a real WiFi network to make use of the new feature, though, as connecting the slave to a wireless hotspot running on the master will work the same. If you happen to have all the necessary gear and some ideas for testing it out, the Triggertrap Mobile updates are available now at the relevant app stores.
Triggertrap brings its auto shutter release powers to Android with new application
With Google's mobile OS claiming a whopping 68 percent of the world's total smartphone marketshare, it's almost a requirement for companies to expand outside of that other well-known platform. Naturally, the Kickstarter-funded Triggertrap has taken note of this and is now announcing that its automatic shutter release creation will be available on Android starting today. Unlike on iOS, however, the Triggertrap Mobile application won't have a free version on Google Play (or Amazon's app store), so users will have to shell out $5 for the app in order to get started -- of course, that's on top of the $30 for the must-have dongle and matching cable. Triggertrap's expected to be showing off the new Android app at Photokina next week, and you know we'll be sure to bring you a demo to help you decide if it's indeed worth pulling the trigger.
Triggertrap: nine ways to activate your DSLR with an iOS device, choose one
When we first heard about the Kickstarter-funded Triggertrap, it was a nice but nichey lab instrument of a device that could fire your DSLR with diverse stimuli, like lights or ringing phones. It wasn't the first photo-tripping idea we'd seen, but at least it could be had for a fair sum ($75.00) and be used out of the box. But now, by connecting that tech to an app and charging $19.98 for both the software and hardware, Triggertrap might open up remote snapping to a lot more folks. Running off any iPhone, iPad or iPod using iOS 5, the app uses a dongle which can be connected by cable or infrared to most DSLRs or advanced compacts. From there, you'll be able to use all of your iDevice's sensors as triggers, from motion through to facial recognition and even GPS. The app doesn't just fire the shutter, either -- it also gives you control over the focus and flash. And if you don't have a separate camera, the iPhone's built-in cam can be used instead -- which would save you from buying the $9.99 dongle, if you have the necessary accoutrements. So if you've been wondering how to get those hard-to-shoot images, or have more nefarious ideas, check the videos after the break.
Insert Coin: A look back at ten top projects from 2011
#editors-choice #editors-header { padding: 0; margin: 10px 0; } #editors-choice .section { border: 5px solid #EEE; margin: 10px 0; position: relative; } #editors-choice .section:hover { border-color: #00BDF6; } #editors-choice .section a:hover { text-decoration: none; } #editors-choice .section .winner { display: block; } #editors-choice .section .winner img { display: block; float: left; margin: 0; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details { float: left; width: 410px; margin: 0 0 0 15px; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details h2 { color: #444; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: -1px; padding: 10px 0 0; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details h3 { font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: -1px; padding: 7px 0 11px; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details p { color: #222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; } #editors-choice .section .runner-up { display: block; position: absolute; bottom: 0; right: 0; background-color: #333; padding: 3px 10px; } #editors-choice .section .runner-up strong { font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-right: 3px; color: #BBB; } 2011 has been a tremendous year for tech -- Amazon launched a $200 Android tablet, AT&T and Verizon continued their LTE expansion, Apple killed off the Mac mini's SuperDrive and Samsung introduced a well-received killer 5.3-inch smartphone. But tiny tech startups made their mark as well, proving that you don't need an enormous R&D budget to spur innovation. Still, development isn't free, and unless your social circle includes eager investors, seed money has been traditionally hard to come by. For many of this year's indie devs, crowdfunding sites have been the answer, with Kickstarter leading the pack. We've seen an enormous variety of projects -- including a deluge of duds and plenty more semi-redundant iPhone accessories -- but a few treasures soared above the swill to be featured in our Insert Coin series, with many of those meeting their funding goals and even making their way into the hands of consumers. Now, as 2011 draws to a close, we've gone through this past year's projects to single out our top ten, and they're waiting for your consideration just past the break.
Triggertrap automatic shutter release hits production, links your camera to most things
Want your camera to take a shot whenever the phone rings or someone loads your blog page? Triggertrap can arrange that for you. This Arduino-powered box has managed to cross the funding finish-line and will be bringing its multi-source automatic release to camera creatives early next year. The former Insert Coin project can communicate with cameras through either a wired connection or its own IR transmitter. It can initiate shutter release from a multitude of sensors, with the built-in light, laser and sound sensors backed up by an auxiliary port, meaning it can be hooked up to anything capable of generating an electronic signal. With prototype testing complete, the Triggertrap looks set to ship in early February next year, with a special build-your-own version appearing soon after that. The ready-made options will set you back $125, while the customizable 'shield' version is pegged at $75. Interested? Well, hold on after the break for a full video tour of the cherry red hardware.
Insert Coin: Triggertrap open source automatic camera release (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.Perhaps the simplest function on any camera, the shutter release is typically triggered using a dedicated button, or -- most often in the case of a professional rig -- using a wired or wireless remote. The Triggertrap falls into that latter category, completing the circuit necessary to capture an image after receiving commands from a virtually limitless array of sources. After pairing with your DSLR or ILC using a universal connector, you'll be able to trigger the device to snap a photo using a laser beam (thanks to the built-in photo transistor), sound (a hand clap, for example), or a timer -- typically most applicable to time-lapse photography. An auxiliary port will enable you to get even more creative -- you could release the shutter using a remote control, pressure trigger, or even a cell phone call, for example.The Triggertrap is well on its way to a Kickstarter campaign goal of $25,000, but there's still time to pre-order a DIY kit for $70, or a turn-key version for five bucks more. As always, Kickstarter will issue a refund if the project isn't funded before the July 31st deadline. Both devices are Arduino based and open source, so you're free to make modifications as you wish -- assuming you don't mind getting your hands dirty with a bit of programming. Jump past the break for a quick demo video, and keep an eye out for the creator's Pringles can DIY macro lens, just past the 13 second mark.
