Canon Wireless Remote Control RC1 for Canon XT/XTi, XSi, and T1i Digital SLR Cameras

This remote is great for self or family portraits. You do have to be in front of the camera to use it though, which somewhat limits it's uses.

Pros:
1) Very small, includes attachment to camera strap so takes no room in bag.
2) Said strap attachment also works to prop up the end of your lens if you're using a table instead of a tripod.
3) Long battery life
4) No cords to trip over, possibly damaging the camera or at least the photo.

Cons:
1) Have to be in front of the camera to use it
2) Have to change the camera settings to use it, and camera doesn't seem to work correctly if you forget to readjust the settings when you're done.
3) Doesn't have a half press to focus the camera
4) Doesn't wake the camera if it's gone to sleep
5) Doesn't work with certain lenses / hoods if they block the IR sensor.

For me this device is useful enough for family portraits that I wouldn't return it now that I have it, but had I seen RF devices like Opteka Wireless Radio Remote Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XS, XSi, T1i, T2i, G10 & G11 Digital SLR Cameras (650' Range), I would have saved my money and bought that first.

The RC-1 works great with my 5D and XTi. A good investment for tripod shooting!

I bought this to take pictures of my infant and for macro picts. It allows me to be away from the camera to trigger the shutter. It does what it claims and does it well.

This remote is very easy to use and requires no assembly or directions. Great product!

I've gotten to use this remote in 4 or 5 shoots now, & I love being able to just set up my camera & snap from a distance. If your goal is to be IN the pictures you're taking it's especially handy.

That being said...
I'm glad I have this wireless one, but I think I'm going to get a wired one too. This wireless one doesn't "wake up" the camera if the screen's gone black, so if you wait too long between pictures you have to go back over to the camera & wake it up. I think the wired one should wake it up itself? Also, if you don't want to be in the picture but you want to be able to just set the camera on a tripod & snap away from the side or something, the sensor is pretty stinkin' hard to hit unless you're directly in front of the camera. That makes sense, but that's another problem that could be solved by a wired remote. I was doing a photoshoot recently with a very solemn baby & missed several coveted smiley pictures because the sensor didn't pick up the signal!! Talk about frustrating. Not a design flaw in this product though, just something to take into consideration.

Overall, this is a good product for you if you want to be in the pictures you're taking. I think it will come in handy when we're doing family pictures. Other than that, I think I'm going to get a wired one & mostly use it.

And if I could quit forgetting to turn the darn thing off, maybe I'd save a little bit on batteries! Darn it!