Remote controls for K20d...

Do i need to buy a Pentax or Samsung control or will any brand do the same?

I'm looking at this little lot and there's some range of selection... i actually like the look of the Hama for samsung, but would i use all of the buttons?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_ce?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=camera+remote+control&x=0&y=0

I have one of these -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120340444474

- and it works for releasing the shutter, which is all I need. (The other buttons don't do anything).

The Pentax one is cheaper than that, even on Amazon. The Pentax also only has one button. I cannot imagine what all the other buttons are for!

will this Hama one work?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-Remote-Control-Release-Ca-1/dp/B000NDCIQS/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1234193589&sr=8-11

I checked on the Hama website and it works with the K10d, but no mention of the K20d. I think it's safe to go with it, but if anyone knows any different...

Yes that will work with it - but that is a cable release, not an IR remote. It doesn't have a very long cable - only 80cm - is that enough for you? Which do you want cable or IR remote?

Hmmmmm. not really thought what would be better for me. I'm guessing the cable as i want to take some star trail shots on bulb mode.

the wireless remote would be good for leaving the camera next to the bird feeder and taking some sneaky shots from a small distance away...

Jings... maybe i need to think about this more!

Yes, and you could get or make an extension lead, or buy a IR remote as well.

The Pentax IR remote has a relatively short range which wouldn't help that much with your bird feeder idea. There are third party ones which claim a much longer range.

All those extra buttons are probably for a compact camera where you can zoom in and out using it as well as taking the photo. Obviously that won't work with the K10D/K20D.

Cheers, Kris.

I've just tested the cheap little IR remote I mentioned above. The seller claims 8 metres, but it actually works with my K20D at 16 metres. It might work at even longer distances than that for all I know, but I don't have a longer straight line to test it with right now in my house!

Alternatively, just connect an extension lead to any cable release. An audio lead would do.

A more exciting and advanced idea would be to use an extended USB lead* and Pentax Remote Asssitant on a PC or laptop, so that not only could you release the shutter, but see the photos immediately and control most of the camera's settings - all from the comfort of your armchair or bed!

* http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300287193549

These would be using a 3.5mm jackplug, whereas the remote release uses a 2.5mm jackplug.

Dan

Not sure what I would be photographing from the comfort of my bed, and perhaps we just shouldn't go there

I though there might be some 2.5mm ones as well.

If not, I suggest simply cutting the cable and connecting an extra length of suitable cable in the middle.

Birds

I'm certainly not going there

Please don't cut the cable to extend it. The joints would be a mess, and sometimes you will appreciate the short version (macro work, etc.).

Buy the required length of stereo screened cable and a pair of male/female 2.5 mm connectors and make yourself a decent extension cable.

thanks for all the input... especially the bed bit

not sure the wife would be up for it though

and she hates it when i call her "bird"