Canon B Mode

dentonkarl

dentonkarl

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Karl
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Hi,
Someone at work mentioned a "B" mode on the Canon cameras today. He said it takes a shot for as long as you hold down the shutter release (or button) for creating long exposures.
Which of the newer cameras (500d, 600d etc) is this available on, if any ?
Also is there a similar mode on the Nikon ?
Thanks
 
That'll be 'Bulb' mode. Used for taking timed (long) exposures.

It keeps the shutter open for as long as you press the button (or time chosen)
 
Thanks.
What mode is it on the Nikon?
Does the Canon have it on the 500d, 600d etc ?
Is it on Nikon d5000?
 
In the D90 its just the bulb setting, set the shutter above 30 seconds and it will go to bulb mode.
 
I think Canon has it on all it's dSLR cameras. My old 20D had it.
 
I think some older cameras actually have a physical bulb mode/button.

The Canons have it within the Manual mode but then you need to adjust your shutter speed all the way to 30secs THEN one more click on the dial and it will change to BULB.
 
The 7D also has a B setting on the dial, what I wish they would implement is the equivalent of the old T, press once to open press again to close, rather than have to keep it depressed for however long you want. Should be a simple enough firmware upgrade since shutters are electronic.
 
artyman said:
The 7D also has a B setting on the dial, what I wish they would implement is the equivalent of the old T, press once to open press again to close, rather than have to keep it depressed for however long you want. Should be a simple enough firmware upgrade since shutters are electronic.
Click to expand...

A ten quid shutter remote does the same job, and is preferable when doing long exposures so you don't get camera shake from pressing the shutter (I'd imagine doubly bad if you were pressing it again to close the shutter)
 
Cheers for that info Ken, I was unaware of that :thumbs:

I agree Jack, trying to hold that button for +30secs is not convenient and camera shake must be highly probable. My 3rd party wireless remote operates as Ken would like in Bulb, once to open and once to close.
 
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All Canon DSLR's have this option - some, like the xxxD models have this tied in with the Tv setting so if you crank the shutter speed all the way down past 30 seconds it will then have a B option. Some higher models have a dedicated B setting on the dial.

Like mentioned, you can buy a £10 shutter release remote that will lock in the "on" position so you dont have to worry about standing there with your finger on the trigger for 300 seconds...

hope that helps :)
 
strumstrum said:
just to add I think some brands/models only have the bulb option when in 'M'
Click to expand...

Thanks :)
And to add to that, I wouldnt put it past some manufacturers to hide the setting somewhere in the "custom settings" on a camera, like Canon do for mirror lockup on their 1000D's :bang:
 
Every DSLR I have ever seen or used has a B mode (and all other decent cameras for that matter) either as a direct setting on the dial or as the last click (usually after 30 seconds) on the manual shutter speed setting. Shutter stays open as long as you hold your finger on the button.

It's never hard to find but, as mentioned above, a locking cable release makes it much easier to hold it open. I discovered by accident that on my Canons, when in B the frame counter counts the seconds so you don't need a watch. I would guess than many other brands do the same - very handy.
 
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