Camera shake is a problem.  It may not seem like a big deal when you’re taking photos of items in your livingroom, but when you start using a telephoto lens to capture items off in the distance or you’re taking a photo using macro settings, every minor bump moves the camera out of the zone and your amazing shot becomes a so-so one.

A simple and well known technique is to use a tripod, but even with a tripod you have the shake at the last possible second when your finger presses the trigger to take the photo.  No matter how dainty or lightly you try to press, you WILL shake the camera and it may be enough to wreck your shot.  So what do you do?

Luckily for you, the professional photographers figured out how to deal with this a while ago – using a shutter release cable (or remote shutter release).  Essentially the remote release is a cable (or wireless using infrared if you desire) that gives you control of the shutter without shake or hassle, and can be used from a distance of several feet – perfect for those family portraits where you can never quite seem to get properly in place during the 10 second rush from the back of the camera to the middle of the family.

Originally the realm of pros, remote shutter releases are available for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus and just about every camera you can imagine.

Have any tips for using shutter releases? Does the d80 or 40d have a special trick to it you’ve figured out?  Post below!