This thing is very cool. You can do a bunch of different timer functions, and some combinations of them. You can set shutter length, interval between shots, time to first shot, and number of shots to take, plus you can just treat the thing as a remote release cable. The display light is just fine for shooting at night, and there are not a lot of buttons, so you can learn to run the remote in the dark pretty fast. My only gripe is the cable is not very long - 21 inches or something like that. Canon wants almost 1/2 the price of the TC80N3 for the extension cable. Most won't need anything longer, but it would be nice if it was. Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote Control for EOS D30, D60, D10, 1D, 1V & 20D SLR Cameras
I just purchased this remote for my Canon EOS 20D. Incredibly, there was no manual included. While I think that I can sort it out, I did find this website that had instructions for the manual:
http://eosdoc.com/manuals/?q=TC-80N3
This remote is a handy tool to have. It's very basic use is as a shutter release. It's best to use a shutter release for when your camera in on a tripod in low light situations. Using the shutter release in this way helps to limit camera shake which improves your images.
Other programmable features include a self timer, interval timer, long exposure, and exposure count. You are permitted to use any combination all or none of these settings making the possibilities virtually limitless.
I have used to self timer so that I could both take the picture, and be in it. The self timer can be set for just shy of 100 hours if you wanted to.
For time lapse, a combination of the interval timer which can be set for just shy of 100 hours and the exposure count which can be set for up to 99 shots should be set. The self timer can be used to delay the first shot if desired.
The long exposure can also be set up to just shy of 100 hours.
The settings can be entered at any time without worry of inadvertent alterations. Pressing the light button until the hold indicator is displayed will deactivate all but the light button or prevents the stop/start button from being deactivated once an operation has been started.
The TC-80N3 is operated by one CR2032 battery. I've had my remote for over 2 years and the battery is still going strong. I'm not sure how long the battery is supposed to last, but there is an indicator in the display panel to let me know when the battery starts to get low. If the battery is fine, I don't see the indicator at all.
There is a storage place on the back for your cameras RC socket cover if you have one. I use this with a Canon 20D so it is of no use to me. The plug connects to the camera simply by pressing the plug into the socket. To disconnect, pinch the plug on the side and pull out.
For me, this item is a must have. I enjoy low light photography and I get plenty of use just for this reason. It's great to have the option available for other photographic opportunities. It is clear to me that this is a well thought out, quality product by Canon.
PROS:
Acts as a simple shutter release
Programmable options include a self timer, interval timer, long exposure, and exposure count
CONS:
Cable only about 34 inches
Ideal as just a remote shutter control, or a fully programable timer.
Can be set up for just about any situation you are likely to need. I do a lot of time-lapse work, and this is just great for that.
You can set the delay time to the start of the first photo, and the time between photos in 1 second increments from 1 second to 99 hours.
The number of exposures can be set from 1-99, or continuous.
Using the bulb function, the length of exposure can be set in 1 second increments also.
About the only thing I don't like, is that I have been unable to find any commercially made connectors or cords that will allow me to use it with other cameras.
I never head out for a shoot without a Canon TC-80N3 in my bag. This interval timer is so critical to my work that I have 2 of them and an extra coin battery.
Pros:
Your creativity will be GREATLY expanded with this combined full-featured intervalometer AND cable release. Check the PDF User Guide link for the specs on what it can do for your photography using any Canon camera (SLR/DSLR) with an N3 port.
Cons:
* Too pricey. There are similar devices available at less than half the price of the TC-80N3.
* Buttons on the front are TOO small and grouped TOO close together for use while wearing winter gloves. This is a design oversight on Canon's part. You'll have to brave the elements by wearing only glove liners and/or fingerless gloves to properly operate the TC-80N3 in freezing conditions.
* At the VERY least, the start/stop sequence button should be larger than the rest and have a different texture on the button surface. This way you won't have to take your eyes off your subject to see that you're pressing the right button! This would also allow you to start/stop a sequence in low lighting conditions (i.e. by feel).
* Minimum usable interval time is 1-second between frames, even though it'll let you set it for 0-seconds (it stops operating after shooting the first frame when an interval of zero seconds is set; a programming BUG). - Timer - Photography - Remote - Time-lapse'
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