The Nikon ML-L3 wireless remote control is another cheap gadget to add to your camera equipment. The remote works for many of the Nikon cameras, but not the prosumer or the professional ones. It works on the D40, D40X, D50, D70, D70S, D80, N65, N75, Coolpix 8400, Coolpix 8800, Pronea S, Nuvis S & Lite Touch Zoom cameras.
In the box, you get the Nikon ML-L3 remote, as well as a little soft case (CML-L3) for the remote. Which is pretty pointless, but still is included.
Why would you want a wireless remote? The uses of a wireless remote is a little different than those mentioned in the review of the Nikon MC-DC1 remote. First of all, the remote works by shooting an infra-red laser at the camera telling it to take the picture. Like the wired remote, if you have a set shutter speed, it will just take the picture for you. However, if you set camera's shutter speed to bulb, you'd actually have to press the Nikon ML-L3 remote twice to take a picture. The first press to open the shutter, and the second press to close the shutter. There is no locking mechanism on the remote. Secondly, most, if not all of the Nikon cameras listed above only have infra red sensors on the front. This means you have to be infront of the camera to use this remote. However, when in closed spaces, like a house, you can "bounce" the infra red laser off of walls or other objects to trigger the camera. However, I've tried using the wireless remote outdoors from behind the camera and it won't work. I should also mention that the ML-D3 can work from approximately 30 feet away from the camera.
The wireless remote can still be used in the same applications as the MC-DC1 remote cord - you can just reach your arm infront of the camera and aim back towards the camera, or just stand off to the side and trigger from there. It may be a little awkward, and just make sure you don't get into the shot. Again, it will provide you with a steadier shot when taking long-exposures and macro shots.
However there are more uses. Since you should technically use the remote from the front of the camera. It's great for taking family or group portraits. Sure, you can use a timer and then go run into the shot before the camera goes off. But taking multiple pictures would be annoying. You'd have to go back and forth everytime you want to take a picture. With a wireless remote you can keep taking pictures without having to go back to the camera, you can also set put a timer with the remote signal. You must set your camera to take in the wireless remote signal. On my Nikon D80, you just have to press the timer button a couple of times until you see the remote icon. Press it one more time and you'll have timer with remote. It's best to use timer with remote, if you are in the picture. Using the remote without a timer will capture the picture immediately, so you will see yourself pointing your remote at the camera.
You can also use this wireless remote to take pictures of animals who may be afraid of humans. You can place your camera on a tripod in the wilderness, and trigger the shutter from far away, so that you don't scare off the animals.
Pros
- Cheap! Under $20.
- Very useful in taking family / group portraits
- Works with many consumer level Nikon cameras
Cons
- Usually only works from infront of the camera
Final Thoughts
Again, the Nikon ML-L3 is a great little investment. BHPhoto has it for only $16.95. It can be used in all of the same situations as the MC-DC1 Remote Cord (although a little awkward) plus more. You don't have to plug anything into the side of the camera, which is hard to do when it's pitch black outside, but you do have to change a setting your camera to get it to work. If you take a lot of family and group portraits this is a must have if you want to be in all your pictures.
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