10-foot cable for iPad camera shutter release

Question

Level 1

4 points

10-foot cable for iPad camera shutter release

I am building a photobooth for my wedding.

Since I'll have all ages and generations, I would like this to be as simple as possible, for anyone to use.

I plan to use the camera on the face of the ipad (since I want as little iPad interaction as possible. Additionally, I don't like any of the photobooth products that create themed frames with not-awesome aesthetics). Also, the built-in photobooth app does not allow use of the volume adjust shutter release, nor does it allow a time delay.

Fort this reason, I'd like people to be able to hold the shutter release in their hands as they position themselves in the frame.

I have all the equipment:

iPad2

built-in forward facing camera

iShot tripod mount

the right environment

iPhone headphones with volume adjust for shutter release

The only problem is: when I add an extension to the headphone, I lose the ability to release the shutter with the volume button.

Does anyone have experience with this? How can I create a manual shutter release that is at least 10' in length?

iPad 2

Posted on Aug 27, 2012 5:00 PM

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Answer 1

brownemab Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 29, 2012 4:53 AM in response to brownemab

So i've been doing some research and the key to the compatability between cables is the type of connection.

While all 1/8" (or 3.5mm) cables will transmit sound, not all will transmit data. The third ring is the key to the equation, and only a few manufacturers are currently offering much choice in the market.

Why a major manufacturer like Belkin hasn't picked up on this is beyond me.

Here are some of the items I found that appear to be compatible:

https://www.startech.com/Cables/Audio-Video/Audio-Cables/2m-4-Position-TRRS-Head set-Extension-Cable-Male-to-Female~MUHSMF2M

http://www.amazon.com/eForCity-Headphone-Adapter-Compatible-Recessed/dp/B003FMO4 VG/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_2_0

I placed an order for two of the same item through Amazon (first url I listed) since I'm using this for a photobooth and need the length. Now let's wait and see if the third-ring theory I picked up on in my research phase is correct.

I will post once I have in-hand and test it out....

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Answer 2

Aug 31, 2012 5:50 AM in response to brownemab

I never heard of all this, and it sounds great!!! Will you please post on this forum whatever you find that will work (and even anything that you tried that did not.) It's a brilliant idea for your wedding. I'd have someone at that ipad at all times, though, to ensure its safety. Have a great wedding!

What if you retitle your question in the topic or headline section and post again to read something like "building photobooth with ipad (video and audio) for my wedding. What cables do I need?" You'll probably get lots of people checking it out because it sounds so great and people who can help you.

Message was edited by: appleuser1322

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Answer 3

brownemab Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 10, 2012 6:28 PM in response to appleuser1322

So all the gear has worked quite well. The event is coming up this Saturday, and the homemade photobooth has passed its dry run.

For the frame, I stood on a ladder and used a sledgehammer to pound x2 10' 3/4" steel poles into the ground. I used some brackets to fasten the frame to the poles and the result was a relatively sturdy free-standing frame.

The rest of the gear I purchased or borrowed outlined above works well to communicate the shutter release to the ipad.

I'll be sure to post some pictures of the event when we're finished, but thought this would be worth it now.

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Answer 4

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Sep 10, 2012 6:39 PM in response to brownemab

Are you planning on putting up a backdrop behind the frame?

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Answer 5

brownemab Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 10, 2012 7:11 PM in response to deggie

Nope. This is the backdrop, and we plan to have a pitchfork for people to pose with.

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Answer 6

Sep 11, 2012 1:32 PM in response to brownemab

I've wondered if you ever got your photobooth done, and you did! Congratulations!!!

I'd love to see the results. If you start a new thread with a question after the wedding, it'll be in the front and many can see and learn from it!

Maybe you could even turn it into a slide show with music and post it on youtube.

Thanks for the info I learned along the way!

Have a fabulous wedding filled with wonderful memories, and happy, funny memories from your photobooth with pitchforks!

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Answer 7

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Sep 11, 2012 2:11 PM in response to brownemab

FYI:

-> Satechi Bluetooth Wireless Camera Shutter Release Multi-Media Remote Control for iPhone, iPad

Also, -> Remote Camera Shutter Release Cable Cord for iPad / iPhone / iPod Touch

-> http://www.ishotmounts.com/

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Answer 8

brownemab Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 11, 2012 3:08 PM in response to Chris CA

I considered each of those options, but...

• the wired release is only 33.5"

• the BT wireless is $70

And the iShot mount is the unit I purchased for $50 based on the crappy reviews of the $20 mounts.

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Answer 9

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Sep 11, 2012 5:21 PM in response to brownemab

brownemab wrote:

I considered each of those options, but...

• the wired release is only 33.5"

You could use the longer cable you have with it.

• the BT wireless is $70

$39.99

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Answer 10

brownemab Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 11, 2012 6:16 PM in response to Chris CA

Chris CA wrote:

brownemab wrote:

I considered each of those options, but...

• the wired release is only 33.5"

You could use the longer cable you have with it.

I agree this is the nice and elegant solution, but I was going for less cost.

• the BT wireless is $70

$39.99

Again, a nice solution, but I find Bluetooth is hit and miss in regards to reliability. That, and it's an event with people running around. Would hate to see it misplaced or malfunction on the spot. Again, it's another $40 I don't need to spend...

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Answer 11

brownemab Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 11, 2012 6:17 PM in response to appleuser1322

What if you retitle your question in the topic or headline section and post again to read something like "building photobooth with ipad (video and audio) for my wedding. What cables do I need?" You'll probably get lots of people checking it out because it sounds so great and people who can help you.

Message was edited by: appleuser1322

Do you know how to retitle an existing post? Or do I just have to restart all over again?

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