Every photographer needs one of the best camera remotes in their kit bag. Whether you’re shooting landscapes or self-portraits, a camera remote gives you more flexibility and professional results. We’ve covered all the major brands in this article, so keep reading to find the best camera remote for you.
The Canon BR-E1 tops our list as the best camera remote control. It’s a simple yet effective device that revolutionizes the way you work. With Bluetooth connectivity and a 16 ft / 5 m wireless range, it gives you incredible shooting options. And it’s affordable and fits in your pocket.
What Is the Best Camera Remote?
The best camera remote allows you to press the shutter or set a timer without touching your camera. That might sound basic. But a good shutter remote opens a new world of photographic possibilities.
Some shutter remotes connect to your camera with a cable. These remotes are helpful because you can click the shutter without disturbing your camera. But as we see more cameras with built-in wireless technology, wireless remotes have become more popular. We have both types on our list.
You can find basic remotes that only serve as a shutter release. But there are more high-tech remotes that have timer and intervalometer controls. Finding the best camera remote is about finding one that does exactly what you need it to do.
You can see a quick overview of our list in the table below. We look at all the best camera remotes in more detail in the following section. And there’s an FAQ section at the end if you need more info on camera remotes.
- Wireless focusing and shooting capabilities
- Video recording and power zoom control
- 16-foot operating distance in any direction
- Compatible with popular Canon camera models
- Wired and wireless connection options
- Wireless range of 260 ft / 80 m
- Timer, bulb, continuous, and interval shutter modes
- Available for Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and more
- Capture hands-free selfies and videos
- Lightweight, portable, and easy to carry
- Smooth and reliable Bluetooth pairing
- Compatible with most devices and apps
- Compatible with Nikon DSLR and mirrorless cameras
- Replicates the camera's shutter button functions
- Immediate shutter release for quick shots
- Shutter lock feature for long exposures
- Wireless operation with compatible cameras
- Works up to 16 ft / 5 m
- Immediate or two-second delay modes
- Supports bulb mode for long exposures
- Works as a wired and wireless camera remote
- Radio signal gives you 328 ft / 100 m of wireless range
- Shutter release, timer, continuous shooting, and bulb mode functionality
- Available for other major camera brands
- Pocket-sized convenience at only 2.5 inches
- Wireless control with 16-foot range
- Reduces vibrations for sharp photos
- Compatible with numerous Nikon models
- Powerful radio signal for a 262 ft / 80 m range
- Single-shot, continuous, and bulb shooting modes
- Wired and wireless functionality
- Handy wrist straps included
- Sleek, simple, and portable design
- Compatible with a wide range of Sony mirrorless cameras
- Infrared signal gives you a range of 32 ft / 9.7 m
- Easy to set up on all Sony cameras
The Best Camera Remotes
We have the best camera remotes for Canon and Nikon cameras. But we haven’t forgotten about Sony and Fujifilm users. And we have remotes for big budgets and bargain hunters. There’s a shutter remote for every photographer on this list.
1. Canon BR-E1 Remote Control
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Brand Compatibility |
Brand Compatibility
Canon
|
| Camera Compatibility |
Camera Compatibility
PowerShot G7 X range, EOS M series, EOS R series cameras
|
| Connectivity Type |
Connectivity Type
Bluetooth
|
| Connection Range |
Connection Range
16 ft / 5 m
|
| Functionality |
Functionality
Shutter release
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
AF button
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers with a Canon camera
|
The Canon BR-E1 is the best camera remote if you have a Canon camera. It has a wide compatibility range that works with both mirrorless and DSLR cameras. It’s simple, pocket-sized, and a decent price for a reliable photography gadget.
It syncs with your camera using Bluetooth. Pairing them is a simple process. And you have a wireless range of 16 ft / 5 m in any direction. That’s more than enough for most self-portraits or food photography shots.
The main button controls the shutter. And you have an AF button that controls the autofocus. That allows you to change things within your scene and refocus without having to return to the camera.
You also have “W” and “T” buttons that control the camera’s zoom. But the zoom controls only work with compact cameras, like the PowerShot G7 X III.
The Canon BR-E1 slips into the side pocket of any camera backpack. It’s super reliable and has surprising functionality for such a small gadget.
2. Pixel TW-283 E3/N3 Camera Remote
| Brand |
Brand
Pixel
|
| Brand Compatibility |
Brand Compatibility
Canon and Pentax
|
| Camera Compatibility |
Camera Compatibility
Canon PowerShot G X range, EOS D series, EOS R series, Pentax K series cameras
|
| Connectivity Type |
Connectivity Type
Wired / wireless with receiver
|
| Connection Range |
Connection Range
260 ft / 80 m
|
| Functionality |
Functionality
Shutter release, timer, intervalometer, AF, continuous shooting, bulb shooting
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Cable and receiver included
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who need a remote with advanced features
|
The Pixel TW-283 E3/N3 is one of the most advanced camera remotes you can buy. It has a wide range of functions. But it’s still portable, easy to use, and comes with a very reasonable price tag.
You can use the remote with a wired connection. Or you can go wireless using the signal receiver that attaches to the camera’s hot shoe. It uses a powerful radio signal to communicate. And it gives you an incredible working range of 260 ft / 80 m.
The remote works as a basic shutter release. And you have single shot or continuous shooting modes. That’s great for sports photography. And there’s a bulb mode for long exposure photography.
There’s a shutter timer you can set anywhere between one and 59 seconds. You can set the shutter to release at a specific time of day. And it has an interval timer for time-lapse photography.
The Pixel TW-283 E3/N3 remote listed above is compatible with Canon and Pentax cameras. But the same model is available for other camera brands.
Nikon: Pixel TW-283 DC0
Fujifilm: Pixel TW-283 FJ
Sony: Pixel TW-283 S1
Panasonic: Pixel TW-283 L1
Olympus: Pixel TW-283 UC1
3. CamKix Camera Shutter Remote
| Brand |
Brand
CamKix
|
| Brand Compatibility |
Brand Compatibility
Android and iOS
|
| Camera Compatibility |
Camera Compatibility
Smartphones
|
| Connectivity Type |
Connectivity Type
Bluetooth
|
| Connection Range |
Connection Range
30 ft / 10 m
|
| Functionality |
Functionality
Shutter release for photo and video
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Wrist strap
|
| Best For |
Best For
Smartphone photographers and vloggers
|
If your smartphone is your main creative tool, the CamKix Shutter Remote is exactly what you need. It’s a simple remote with a wide connection range. You can use it for social media selfies, TikTok videos, and vlogs. And it’s an absolute bargain.
It’s a pocket-sized shutter remote with basic controls. There are only two buttons on it. One is the shutter release for iPhones. And the other is for Android phones. The on/off switch is the only other function.
Despite its small size, it emits a powerful Bluetooth signal. You can snap your shutter up to 30 ft / 10 m away from the phone. That gives you excellent creative control.
The CamKix Shutter Remote comes with a handy wrist strap. This keeps you connected to the remote so you don’t lose it. That’s the downside of it being so small.
4. Nikon MC-DC2 Remote
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Brand Compatibility |
Brand Compatibility
Nikon
|
| Camera Compatibility |
Camera Compatibility
Nikon D-range DSLRs and Z-range mirrorless cameras
|
| Connectivity Type |
Connectivity Type
Wired
|
| Connection Range |
Connection Range
3.3 ft / 1 m
|
| Functionality |
Functionality
Shutter release
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
1 m cable
|
| Best For |
Best For
Landscape, product, and macro photography with a Nikon camera
|
The Nikon MC-DC2 Remote is a basic shutter release. It connects with a 3.3 ft / 1 m cable. It doesn’t give you the biggest remote range, and you’re tethered to the camera. But a cable gives you the most reliable connection.
The wired connection means it isn’t the best remote for self-portrait artists. But it’s perfect if you want shake-free shooting. That makes it a great choice for landscape photographers. And it’s great for creating Edible Images in food photography.
The Nikon MC-DC2 is simple but incredibly reliable. You can use it with any of Nikon’s DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It’s a great photography gadget for Nikon shooters.
5. Canon RC-6 Shutter Release
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Brand Compatibility |
Brand Compatibility
Canon
|
| Camera Compatibility |
Camera Compatibility
EOS Rebel range, EOS D series
|
| Connectivity Type |
Connectivity Type
Bluetooth
|
| Connection Range |
Connection Range
16 ft / 5 m
|
| Functionality |
Functionality
Shutter release
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Compatible with bulb mode
|
| Best For |
Best For
Canon DSLR cameras
|
The Canon RC-6 is a simple shutter remote for self-portrait, product, or landscape photographers. It’s compatible with all Canon DSLR cameras. And it has a wireless range of 16 ft / 5 m.
It’s small enough to put in your pocket. And there’s a loop for a strap or lanyard. The only button is the shutter release. But it is compatible with the camera’s bulb mode for long exposure photography.
6. Pixel RW-S.2 2.4GHz Wireless Remote for Sony
| Brand |
Brand
Pixel
|
| Brand Compatibility |
Brand Compatibility
Sony
|
| Camera Compatibility |
Camera Compatibility
Sony A6000 series, RX series, HX series
|
| Connectivity Type |
Connectivity Type
Wired / wireless with receiver
|
| Connection Range |
Connection Range
328 ft / 100 m
|
| Functionality |
Functionality
Shutter release, timer, continuous shooting, bulb mode
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Cable and receiver included, available for different brands
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who need a large wireless range
|
The Pixel RW-S.2 2.4GHz Wireless Remote is a brilliant option if you need a long wireless range. You can use the remote with a cable connection. But you also get a 328 ft / 100 m wireless range when the radio receiver is connected to the camera’s hot shoe.
The camera remote works as a simple shutter release. But you also get other shooting modes for more creative options. There’s a continuous shooting mode, which is great for sports photographers. There’s a timer for delayed shots. And you get bulb mode for long exposure photography.
The Pixel RW-S.2 displayed above is compatible with Sony cameras. But Pixel also has the S.2 available for other camera brands.
Canon / Pentax: Pixel RW-E3
Nikon: Pixel RW-DC0
Panasonic: Pixel RW-L1
Olympus: Pixel RW-UC1
7. Foto&Tech FTML-L3 Wireless Remote for Nikon
| Brand |
Brand
Foto&Tech
|
| Brand Compatibility |
Brand Compatibility
Nikon
|
| Camera Compatibility |
Camera Compatibility
Nikon DSLR cameras
|
| Connectivity Type |
Connectivity Type
Infrared
|
| Connection Range |
Connection Range
16 ft / 5 m
|
| Functionality |
Functionality
Shutter release
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Carry case included
|
| Best For |
Best For
Nikon users looking for a simple remote shutter release
|
The Foto&Tech FTML-L3 is a simple and affordable shutter remote. It’s compatible with all Nikon DSLR cameras. It uses a reliable infrared wireless connection with a 16 ft / 5 m range. And it’s simple to set up on any camera.
It doesn’t have the widest range of features. But the remote shutter control is ideal for everything from macro to self-portrait photography. It has a simple design that’s easy to operate. And there’s a handy carry case to keep it safe.
8. Pholsy Wireless Camera Remote for Olympus and Panasonic
| Brand |
Brand
Pholsy
|
| Brand Compatibility |
Brand Compatibility
Olympus and Panasonic
|
| Camera Compatibility |
Camera Compatibility
Olympus OM-D series, Panasonic S, G, GH, and FZ series cameras
|
| Connectivity Type |
Connectivity Type
Radio
|
| Connection Range |
Connection Range
262 ft / 80 m
|
| Functionality |
Functionality
Shutter release, continuous shooting, AF control, bulb mode
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Wireless receiver, cable, and wrist straps included
|
| Best For |
Best For
Creative photographers with an Olympus or Panasonic camera
|
The Pholsy wireless camera remote gives you excellent creative options and a big wireless range. It’s perfect for professional studio setups or wildlife photography expeditions.
You attach the wireless receiver to the camera’s hot shoe to give you a 262 ft / 80 m wireless range. And thanks to the powerful radio signal, it works well outdoors. That’s why it’s a great option for landscape and wildlife photographers.
The single-shot mode works well, even at full distance. And you have more shooting options with continuous, delay, and bulb modes. You can also control the AF with the remote. That means you don’t have to return to the camera to adjust the focus.
9. Foto&Tech IR Wireless Remote for Sony
| Brand |
Brand
Foto&Tech
|
| Brand Compatibility |
Brand Compatibility
Sony
|
| Camera Compatibility |
Camera Compatibility
Sony Alpha series cameras
|
| Connectivity Type |
Connectivity Type
Infrared
|
| Connection Range |
Connection Range
32 ft / 9.7 m
|
| Functionality |
Functionality
Shutter release, continuous shooting, bulb mode
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Easy setup on all Sony cameras
|
| Best For |
Best For
Sony photographers wanting a simple shutter release
|
The Foto&Tech IR Wireless Remote is the best option for Sony photographers who want something simple. It uses an infrared connection for a wireless range of 32 ft / 9.7 m.
You can use the shutter release in simple single-shot mode. And you have options for continuous shooting and bulb mode. That gives you plenty of creative options when using the remote.
The remote is compatible with all Sony Alpha cameras. That’s everything from the Sony a6600 to the Sony a7R V. It’s also super easy to set up on any of these cameras. The low price also makes it one Sony users can’t miss.
FAQs on the Best Camera Remotes
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on the best camera remotes.
Which Types of Photographers Use Camera Remotes?
You might be surprised to learn how many types of photographers use camera remotes. The main benefit is that you can take a picture without touching the camera. That means you don’t disturb your setup or the shot by nudging the camera.
Landscape photographers often use camera remotes for that very reason. Epic landscape shots require a large depth of field. That means you need to use a narrow lens aperture. And you need to compensate for the narrow aperture with a slow shutter speed. This makes the camera sensitive to any movement. Even pressing the shutter button is enough to lose image sharpness.
Macro photographers use remotes for the same reason. They capture extreme close-ups, so the camera will capture even the slightest movement.
Shutter releases are also popular with product and food photographers. They set up their shots with careful planning and design. And the camera is positioned in the perfect spot. The remote allows them to capture the shot without disturbing the camera or the scene.
Camera remotes are a must-have item for self-portrait photography. The remote allows them to pose and take the picture at the same time. Self-portraiture is almost impossible without one.
Portrait photographers also like to use a remote. They can set up the camera and engage with the subject without pointing a camera in their face. This approach helps the subject relax, giving you more natural and intimate portraits.
What Different Connections Do Camera Remotes Use?
Camera remotes connect to cameras in several different ways. And they work in different ways, so we’ll take you through each one.
Wired – A wired connection is where the remote and camera are connected to each other with a wire. This can also be referred to as a tethered or cable connection.
It’s the most limited type of connection for range, as you can only go as far as the cable will allow. But it’s also the most reliable because the two units have a physical connection.
Bluetooth – Most modern cameras have built-in Bluetooth connectivity. That means they can connect to camera remotes that also use a Bluetooth signal. And it’s usually easy to set up. It’s a wireless connection, but the range is usually limited.
Infrared – Infrared is another form of wireless connection. It’s just as easy to use as Bluetooth. But you also get a bit more range when working wirelessly.
Radio – A radio signal is the most powerful type of wireless connectivity. Camera remotes that use a radio signal can give you up to 328 ft / 100 m of range. The problem is that you need a radio receiver that attaches to your camera’s hot shoe.
What Functions Do Camera Remotes Have?
Some camera remotes are very basic and only work as a remote shutter release. That’s fine for some photographers. But others need a wider range of functions.
More advanced remotes allow you to shoot with different modes. These modes might include continuous shooting mode for action shots or bulb mode for long exposures. And you might have a timer for delayed shots or time-lapse photography.
Some remotes also allow you to adjust the autofocus. That means you can refocus your scene without returning to the camera. You get even more camera control from a distance.
Conclusion: The Best Camera Remote
The best camera remote gives you even more creative control over your camera. You can take pictures without having to touch your camera, giving you sharper images. And it allows you to easily take pictures of yourself and others.
The Canon BR-E1 is the best camera remote for Canon users. It’s simple, reliable, and affordable. It’s ideal for anyone from food photographers to self-portrait artists. It’s a small price to pay for better creative control.
