I bought a RC-1 Wireless Remote Controller in 1990 with an EOS 10S and used it for decades. It still works fine but I want a remote in every camera bag so I purchased a RC-6. The RC-6 is functionally the same as the RC-1. The main difference is form factor: the RC-6 is twice as large and more grippy, making it easier to hold than the tiny and slippery RC-1.
EOS 70D, EF-s 15-85 3.5-5.6 IS USM and RC-6 | I shoot selfies to use as video thumbnails. That's the RC-6 in my left hand.
Why Use the RC-6?
I need to start/stop video recording when I'm performing in front of the camera. Yes, I could use the self-timer: set, press and sprint into position but that's a PITA after multiple takes and it can't stop the video. A remote controller allows repeated exposures or video start/stops without touching the camera. I used the RC-1 and RC-6 to record most of the videos on my YouTube channel: sit in chair with guitar, get comfortable, press remote button and rock! It also eliminates camera shake in time exposure photos or slow shutter speeds (e.g., night scene photos).
Canon RC-6 Wireless Remote Controller
Gardeners | EOS SL1, EF-s 10-18 4.5-5.6 IS STM and RC-6
Like TV remotes, the RC-6 uses infrared light. Thus, line of sight to the camera's IR sensor is needed, well sort of. Officially, it can only trip the shutter from 15 or 16 feet in front of the camera. However, if you point the RC-6 towards the IR sensor (upper part of camera grip), it can fire the shutter from a few feet above, below or to the right side of the camera so it makes good substitute for a cable release. The range and angle of acceptance of the IR beam increase with reflective surfaces, e.g., light colored walls and ceilings, allowing triggering from well behind the camera!
Using the RC-6
For triggering stills and video, put the camera in self-timer/remote mode (drive mode menu), point RC-6 towards camera grip and press the big round button on the RC-6. That's it. There's a switch on the back to toggle between immediate release and 2-second delay. In video mode on most video enabled EOS, immediate release takes a photo whereas 2-second delay starts/stops video recording.
Some newer EOS, e.g., 80D, split still and video remote functions and, thus, the above instructions only work for stills. Remote video triggering on the 80D is enabled in the video menu (thus causing much cursing during a recent shoot).
Prelude No. 8 "Omen" (Frary) | I used the RC-6 to trigger two Canon 70D cameras. The RC-6 saved me from jumping back and forth to press record.
Bulb Exposures
For bulb exposures, fire the RC-1 once to open the shutter and again to close it. If the RC-6 is set to 2-second delay, there will be a 2-second delay before the shutter first opens.
The RC-6 can be used with mirror lockup (MLU): enable MLU in camera menu, enable self-timer/remote mode, set 2-second delay on the RC-6 and, finally, press the big button on the RC-6. The mirror will swing up and the shutter opens two seconds later. Since all my cameras have LiveView, I don't use MLU anymore: less menu surfing and no image blackout.
Carulli's Duetto in Sol Maggiore | Frary Guitar Duo | RC-6 triggered
Compatibility
The RC-1 and RC-6 Wireless Remote Controllers work with most Rebels (film and digital), 10S, Elan series, EOS IX series, 60D, 70D, 80D, 90D, 6D, 6D MK II, 7D series, M series and all 5D series cameras except for the original 5D. It also works with the EOS R7 and R10. It triggers some point 'n shoot cameras, e.g., Elf series. Both the RC-1 and RC-6 can start/stop video recording when set to 2-second delay. A simpler variant, the RC-5, has only immediate release and therefore can't trigger video recording.
Clones of the RC-6 are ubiquitous and are less than half the RC-6's price. I can't speak for all clones, but the three I owned didn't work well: one died after a few uses while the other two required button presses so hard my finger hurt. My Canon RC-1 is over 25 years old and still works perfectly, so Canon did a good job. After two years, my RC-6 is holding up fine so it's A-OK.
Columbia Gorge | EOS 80D, EF-s 18-135 3.5-5.6 IS USM, RC-6 and tripod
Gotchas
The default time-out or auto power off for EOS cameras is normally 30 seconds to 1 minute. That means you must fire the RC-6 within that time period or the camera stops responding. If I'm planning a shoot, I disable auto power off (or increase time-out) so I don't have to run back and forth tapping the shutter button to wake up the camera.
Final Blurb
The RC-6 is a simple and inexpensive accessory but has proven to be an essential tool in my studio, making my one man production solo guitar and duet video shoots easier. It's also ideal to control vibration during long exposures and, of course, to trigger selfies and group photos.
Finally, please help support this website by purchasing this item at Amazon.
Trillium Lake OR | Canon 80D, RC-6 and Gitzo tripod
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Bulb Exposures
Compatibility
Gotchas
