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Mastering Your Canon 80D: How to Set a Timer for Perfect Shots Every Time

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, understanding how to set a timer on your Canon 80D is a valuable skill that will unlock a whole new world of creative possibilities.
  • On your Canon 80D, you’ll find the self-timer button on the top of the camera, near the shutter release button.
  • The Canon 80D offers additional timer modes, such as continuous shooting with a self-timer, which can be useful for capturing fast-paced action or capturing a series of photos with a delay between each shot.

Are you ready to capture stunning self-portraits, group shots, or even those elusive wildlife moments without having to frantically press the shutter button? The Canon 80D’s built-in self-timer is your secret weapon for achieving perfectly timed photos. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, understanding how to set a timer on your Canon 80D is a valuable skill that will unlock a whole new world of creative possibilities. Let’s dive in and explore the various ways to utilize this handy feature!

Understanding the Canon 80D’s Self-Timer Options

The Canon 80D offers two distinct self-timer options, each tailored to specific shooting scenarios:
1. Standard Self-Timer: This is your classic self-timer, offering a simple delay before the shutter release. It’s perfect for capturing those spontaneous group photos or when you need a little extra time to get into position.
2. Remote Control Self-Timer: This option allows you to use a compatible remote control (like the Canon RC-6) to trigger the shutter remotely. This is ideal for situations where you want to minimize camera shake, capture shots from a distance, or even trigger the camera from a different location entirely.

Setting the Standard Self-Timer

1. Locate the Self-Timer Button: On your Canon 80D, you’ll find the self-timer button on the top of the camera, near the shutter release button.
2. Engage the Self-Timer: Press the self-timer button once. You’ll see a small timer icon illuminate in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen, indicating that the self-timer is active.
3. Select the Delay: Use the main dial on the back of the camera to choose your desired delay. The Canon 80D offers two standard delay options: 2 seconds and 10 seconds.
4. Compose Your Shot: Take a moment to carefully frame your shot, ensuring all elements are in place before the timer triggers.
5. Trigger the Shutter: Once you’re ready, gently press the shutter button halfway down to focus and then fully press it to trigger the self-timer. The camera will count down the selected delay before capturing the image.

Using the Remote Control Self-Timer

1. Connect the Remote Control: Ensure your Canon RC-6 remote control is properly connected to the camera’s remote control socket, typically located on the side of the camera body.
2. Select Remote Control Mode: On your camera’s main menu, navigate to the “Remote Control” setting and enable it.
3. Choose Your Delay: Using the main dial, select your desired delay. You have the same two options as the standard self-timer: 2 seconds and 10 seconds.
4. Trigger the Shutter: Press the shutter button on the remote control to trigger the self-timer. The camera will count down the selected delay before capturing the image.

Tips for Mastering the Canon 80D Self-Timer

1. Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different delays and settings to find what works best for your shooting style.
2. Utilize the Live View Mode: The Canon 80D’s Live View mode lets you see exactly what the camera sees, making it easier to compose your shots and ensure everything is in focus before triggering the self-timer.
3. Embrace the Tripod: For sharp and steady results, especially with longer delays, using a tripod is highly recommended.
4. Explore the Timer Modes: The Canon 80D offers additional timer modes, such as continuous shooting with a self-timer, which can be useful for capturing fast-paced action or capturing a series of photos with a delay between each shot.
5. Experiment with Shutter Speeds: Adjusting your shutter speed can help you capture different types of motion. For example, a slower shutter speed can create a sense of movement, while a faster shutter speed can freeze action.

Creative Applications of the Canon 80D Self-Timer

1. Self-Portraits: Capture stunning self-portraits with creative poses and expressions.
2. Group Photos: Easily capture group photos without the need for a photographer.
3. Wildlife Photography: Capture elusive wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior.
4. Time-Lapse Photography: Create mesmerizing time-lapse videos by taking a series of photos with a set delay between each shot.
5. Astrophotography: Capture stunning images of the night sky with long exposures.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Self-Timer Techniques

1. Continuous Shooting with Self-Timer: This mode allows you to capture a burst of photos with a set delay between each shot. It’s perfect for capturing action sequences or creating dynamic photo series.
2. Remote Control with Interval Timer: This advanced feature allows you to program the camera to take photos at specific intervals, making it ideal for time-lapse photography or capturing long-term changes in a scene.
3. Customizing Self-Timer Settings: The Canon 80D allows you to customize various self-timer settings, such as the number of shots, the delay between shots, and the total duration of the timer.

Unlocking Your Photographic Potential

Mastering the self-timer on your Canon 80D opens up a world of creative possibilities. From capturing spontaneous moments to crafting stunning time-lapses, this versatile feature empowers you to take your photography to the next level. Embrace the power of the self-timer and unleash your creativity, capturing unforgettable moments with ease and precision.

Questions You May Have

1. Can I use a smartphone app to trigger the Canon 80D self-timer?
While the Canon 80D doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, you can use a compatible remote control like the Canon RC-6 or third-party wireless remote triggers to control the camera from your smartphone.
2. What is the maximum delay for the Canon 80D self-timer?
The Canon 80D’s standard self-timer offers a maximum delay of 10 seconds.
3. Can I use a different remote control with the Canon 80D?
Yes, you can use other compatible remote controls, but ensure they are specifically designed for the Canon 80D and have the correct connector type.
4. Is it possible to set the self-timer to take multiple photos?
Yes, you can use the continuous shooting mode with a self-timer to capture a series of photos with a delay between each shot.
5. How can I cancel the self-timer before it triggers?
Simply press the shutter button halfway down to stop the countdown and cancel the self-timer.

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Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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