A camera remote is one of the most useful gadgets you can buy for your Canon DSLR, especially if you want to be in pictures with your kids!

I believe a wireless remote or shutter release is essential for moms and families because there are just so many situations where mom ought to be in the photo too!

Whether you're on a beautiful vacation, or you want to capture a special moment at home, or you're trying to take your own family pictures, a remote is incredibly handy for getting in your own photos.

And mama, I want YOU to be in YOUR photos!

But here's the deal: there are tons of different options for remotes out there. There are actually 3 different types of remotes or shutter releases you can use for your DSLR, and they all have different pros and cons!

There is no hard and fast "best" remote because it depends on the capabilities of your camera model as well as how you want to use it. Add in a ton of third-party options and international knock-offs, and the world of remotes feels very confusing!

But don't worry, I'm here to help!

This is my guide to the different types of remotes that are available for Canon DSLR cameras and recommendations for ones that I've either used or heard good things about.

As always, check to make sure your chosen remote says it's compatible with your camera model. And remember that there will always be negative Amazon reviews on every product, so just try to pass those by. 🙂

Have a Nikon DSLR? Check out the gear guide for Nikon Remote and Shutter Releases instead!

CANON DSLR REMOTES AND SHUTTER RELEASES

Here are the quick-links to the 3 types of camera remotes:

Wireless Infrared Remotes (tiny one-button wonders, but with a short range)

Wireless Radio Remotes (more options and flexibility, but requires a transmitter & receiver)

Wired Remotes (reliable, but not the best option for mom photography)

This page contains affiliate links - thanks for supporting Snap Happy Mom by purchasing through one of these links!

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WIRELESS INFRARED REMOTES

Many DSLRs have built-in infrared technology, which means you can trigger your shutter button with a remote up to 10-15 feet away.

Infrared remotes require line-of-sight, so they will only work if you point the remote at the front of the camera where the sensor is (just like your TV remote only works if you point it at the screen). Pushing that button works just like pushing your camera's shutter button. It doesn't have any advanced features, but it does its job pretty well.

Infrared remotes are fantastic for size: they are tiny, easy to hide in your hand, and you can leave them in your camera bag all the time.

The best feature is that you can get an infrared remote for under $20 dollars! At that price, every mom should have one of these in her camera bag!

Obviously, there are some drawbacks to an infrared remote: it has a limited range that requires line-of-sight; so the signal must be aimed at the camera within 10 feet, 15 if you're lucky.

It also doesn't work well in bright light because the sun's rays confuse the sensor.

Lastly, it's such a simple device that you're missing out on a lot of helpful features: you can't shoot multiple exposures (a serious drawback for family pictures), and you can't half-click to auto-focus (so you have to set your focus correctly in advance). Only some models offer a 2-second timer delay (for time to hide your remote).

That said, it does work for most cameras and it's very cheap!

Product Recommendations & Camera Compatibility

These Canon cameras have infrared remote capability:
Most of the Rebel line (T1i, T2i, T3i, T4i, T5i), all Elan models, IX/IXE, 100D, 5D Mark II and Mark III 6D, 60D, 7D, 70D, 300D, 350D, 400D, 450D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 650D, and 700D.

(Notable exclusion: the Canon Rebel T3 does not have an infrared sensor - so you'll need one of the other kinds of remotes listed below.)

Canon RC-6 Wireless Remote Controller

The original remote from Canon is a great product. It gives you the option to shoot immediately or on a two-second delay via a switch on the back of the remote. The two-second delay is extremely useful if you're in the photo being taken - it gives you time to lower your arm and discreetly hide the remote from the camera's view.

As far as I can tell, only the original Canon remote gives you the option to use Bulb mode on your camera. That means you can click it once to open the shutter and click it again to close the shutter. This is useful for night photography!

The Canon remote also comes with a small case you can mount on your camera strap so you don't lose the remote. Some other products come with small bags, but leaving it on your strap means it won't get lost in your camera bag.

Foto&Tech FTRC-6 IR Wireless Remote Control

I can't vouch for this off-brand model personally, but it seems to do everything the Canon does for less than half the price! I would assume it's not as well made as the original model, but it does include the option to shoot immediately or on a two-second delay, unlike other third-party products.

AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

This little remote definitely works - it just lacks the two-second delay switch on the back of the remote like the original Canon model. If that's not important to you, then AmazonBasics is a pretty reliable option.

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WIRELESS RADIO REMOTES

Next up are wireless remotes that work over the radio waves.

The remote is actually a transmitter, and it sends signals to a receiver that plugs into your camera's accessory port. This gives you a lot more control because your remote is actually "talking" to the camera settings, not just pushing the shutter button.

You also have a much larger distance range, so you can be further away from your camera and still trigger the button (up to 100 ft on many models).

Many wireless shutter releases offer different modes like multiple exposures, timer delays, time-lapse, and long exposure settings:

Want to take 10 shots of your family photo in a row? You can do that. Want to give yourself two seconds to hide the remote before your self-portrait? You can do that too. Want to take a long exposure photo of the night sky? It's all possible!

I've always considered wireless radio remotes the best option for moms because they give you the most flexibility and control in any situation. They can really range in price, but I've included some here that are about $40-60. These are the types of remotes that let you be in the photo with your family easily.

Just a few drawbacks of wired remotes: most require batteries, which means it's another thing to remember to turn on/off or take out the batteries. Not all remotes ship with batteries either. Radio remotes are a step more expensive than infrared remotes. Unfortunately, most remotes are made internationally and have directions from non-English speakers, which can make it tricky to set up the first time.

Product Recommendations & Camera Compatibility

For Canon Cameras with E3 ports:
T1i, T2i, T3, T3i, T4i, T5i, SL1, 100D, 300D, 350D, 400D, 450D, 550D, 60D, 600D, 70D, 700D, 750D, 760D

Just to be clear, the remote itself is wireless, but it requires a transmitter that has to plug into your camera somehow. This is where things get a little complicated - different cameras have different ports for accessories.  So, the type of remote you need depends on what camera model you have.

Canon's beginning low-level DSLRs have an E3 port- it looks just like a headphone jack (the standard 2.5 mm round plug). This is where you plug in the receiver end of your remote.

Polaroid Wireless Camera Shutter Remote w/Interval Timer -For Canon SLR Cameras

The brand recognition on this is an obvious benefit. It has four modes: shutter release, delay, long exposure, and intervalometer (interval shooting).

It also ships with two different cords, which means it will work for either type of accessory port you have (the E3 headphone jack or the N3 port). It does NOT come with a battery, so you'll have to purchase the CR-2 battery separately.

Also, like other remotes, there is no on-off switch, so you have to take that battery in/out to extend the lifetime.

Pixel TW-283/E3 LCS Wireless Shutter Release Time Remote Control

This one has all the features you could ever want. You can use it as a regular remote or get into more advanced features like a timer, time-lapse, or long exposure. Extra points for using regular AAA batteries and not fancy expensive ones.

For more advanced professional Canon cameras with N3 port:
1D, 5D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 6D, 7D, etc.

Canon's mid-level to pro-level cameras have a different jack called the N3 port.

Canon developed this proprietary port for their own accessories, and it's only on mid- to upper-level cameras. You'll need a remote with an N3 plug for the more advanced Canon DSLRs. (I did not include the Canon-branded remote in this list because it is ridiculously expensive. Don't bother.)

Polaroid Wireless Camera Shutter Remote w/Interval Timer -For Canon SLR Cameras

As stated above, this brand-name remote ships with two different cords, which means it will work for either the E3 headphone jack or the N3 port. But remember, it does NOT come with a CR-2 battery, so you'll have to purchase that separately.

Satechi WTR-A Wireless Timer Shutter with N3 Connector

This one has all the features you need. It's a regular remote but also has more advanced features like a timer, time-lapse sequential pictures, or long exposure. It also uses regular AAA batteries instead of expensive, hard-to-find ones.

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WIRED REMOTES

A wired remote can also be called a Shutter Release, Remote Switch, or Remote Release Cord.

These are basically little remotes with a cord that you plug into the camera that gives you the chance to trigger the shutter without pushing the button on the actual camera body (which can cause blur).

They are very reliable because there are no batteries that can go out or any signal interference. However, you are limited to the length of the cord on the remote - most are very short (1-2 meters), and longer remotes get quite expensive.

Wired shutter releases are useful for photographers who want to avoid camera shake for long exposure shots like night photography, or using a telescopic zoom.

Drawbacks:

Photo enthusiasts really like this type of cord because of the reliability factor for long exposures, but it's just not useful for moms who primarily take photos of their families. If you want to be in your own pictures, then this isn't for you. Choose one of the wireless remotes above instead.

Product Recommendations & Camera Compatibility:

For Canon Cameras with E3 ports:
T1i, T2i, T3, T3i, T4i, T5i, SL1, 100D, 300D, 350D, 400D, 450D, 550D, 60D, 600D, 70D, 700D, 750D, 760D

Different cameras have different ports for accessories, so you need to buy the right remote that will plug into your camera.

Canon's low-level DSLRs have the E3 port, which looks like a standard headphone jack. You'll want one of these two remotes:

Canon Remote Switch RS60 E3

This works as a shutter release, with dual-stage functionality (you can half-press to focus it). It's very simple and absolutely does the job to trigger the shutter from a few feet away.

Neewer LCD Timer Shutter Release Remote Control for Canon

This third-party remote is slightly cheaper and adds the functionality of using the timer and interval shooting from the remote itself.

For more advanced professional Canon cameras:
1D, 5D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 6D, 7D, etc.

The higher-level DLSRs have the N3 port, and need a corresponding remote:

Neewer LCD Display Shutter Release Wired Timer Remote Control with N3

This seems like by far the best option. It has the timer features of the more expensive Canon option listed below, but feel free to check those out as well:

Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch
Canon TC-80N3 Timer Remote Controller

Obviously, these are professional-level accessories. The difference between the two is that one is a remote switch and works as a shutter button with the half-press options, and the other has the more advanced timer features. I haven't used these name-brand originals, and I tend to think that a cheaper third-party option could do the job for you instead.

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Not ready to buy a remote, but think you'll want to in the future? Pin it so you can find it later!

Have a Nikon DSLR? Here's the gear guide for moms with Nikon Remote and Shutter Releases:

As always, this is a working document, and I'm open to your suggestions if you've found a product you love that isn't listed here! Feel free to comment or email me with suggestions.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links - thanks for supporting Snap Happy Mom by purchasing through one of these links!