Hi! I recently got a DSLR camera (Rebel EOS T6) and I’d like to start using it in place of my iPhone for my fungal photography. I’m really interested in whatever those tripods are that have those pliable legs (not sure what the right term is). The tripod I have right now is too high, even when it’s as short as possible. As long as it is very adjustable and can serve well as a low-to-the-ground tripod, I’m game. Any suggestions?
Also, I’m interested in a remote shutter. Any suggestions there? Thanks.
For low-to-the-ground shooting, bean bag supports work really well. They also have the advantage of being super easy to use, unlike most tripods. Search for “camera bean bag”, “tripod bean bag”, “camera sand bag”, etc. and you’ll find some options.
I would try carrying a garden pad to sit or kneel, or garden kneepads. Then, I would try a beanbag like zygy recommended. The beanbag will allow you to compensate for uneven ground without having to adjust the tripod mechanism. I have used a towel folded up inside a plastic bag with success if you want to try out this method without buying a beanbag. You can get very low to the ground and the camera will be supported well.
Another thing you want to consider is looking in to a remote shutter release. I would bet Canon makes an app that would allow you to connect to your phone. That would probably be cheaper (free) than an actual remote control. And, you are already carrying your phone. And, that app may allow you to see what your camera sees. (My Panasonic app does that. My Panasonic app allows my camera to connect to my phone so that I can transfer my image files to my phone.)
You definitely want to use an off-camera flash and/or diffuser. You’ll probably be taking close-up images and the on-camera flash will be too strong. A flashlight or your phone’s flashlight feature may work. Fungi are often in dark places. I used a Maglite in the past so that I could move it around. Ideally, you want more than one flash. But, you should be OK with one.
that’s interesting. it seems like basically a big cheese plate with various screws for feet. i bet you could make all sorts of interesting rigs with cheese plates, rods, etc.
There are several (independent) videos showing it’s use with different configurations. You can attach various arms with lights, clamps etc. As to the feet - you can adjust independently each corner and chose from spikes to rubber feet. Another shown example was mounting it with a strap to a tree or railing.
It seems to be well rated which is why I mentioned it, but I don’t have a strong enough need myself to have got one.
the reason i made my comment was really to say that using generic cheese boards and such might be a much cheaper option, depending on your particular needs.
most camera manufacturers have mobile apps that will allow you to connect your phone or tablet to your camera, too. these apps usually have functions like image transfer (from camera to phone), remote operation, and geotagging (by keeping a GPS track on your mobile device and using that to tag your photos).
i think most of these will work via either bluetooth or wifi, but it’s a direct connection between the phone and the camera, not a connection through the broader internet.