We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

What is a Cable Release?

By Ken Black
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

In photography, a cable release is a metal cable or wire that is attached to a camera's shutter button on one end. On the other end is a trigger that, when pressed, will activate the camera's shutter button and take a photo. This has a number of advantages over more traditional ways to obtain a snapshot.

Many may desire a cable release in a situation where the photographer wants to be in the photo as well. With a cable of sufficient length, the photographer can insert himself in the photo, making sure it is framed properly, then activate the shutter. To accomplish this, a stable surface on which to set the camera is also needed.

In some cases, a cable release may be operated remotely. Once the switch is depressed, it sends a signal wirelessly that can then cause the shutter to release. This provides even a greater amount of freedom, allowing greater distances between the photographer and camera to be realized. Further, the photographer does not have to worry about concealing any wires.

Some photographers may choose to utilize a cable release whether they are going to be in the photograph or not. This is due to the fact that pressing the shutter release with a finger can cause a slight shaking even from the steadiest of hands. A cable release takes this camera shake out of the equation.

Most of the time a photographer will use a cable release with other helpful camera tools. One of the most common pieces of equipment to use along with cable releases are tripods. These tools can allow a camera to be put nearly anywhere and will help the camera maintain a very stable foundation.

Those looking at buying a cable release should realize that they are not all compatible with every model of camera. Some cable releases are specifically designed for a specific model of camera. Others are designed to be used with a wide variety of models. One of the telltale signs that a camera is designed for use with a cable release is if the shutter button has a threaded hole. Most SLR cameras will come with this feature.

Cable releases are often very inexpensive and well worth the investment for anyone looking at doing any serious photography work. A standard cable release can cost less than $10 US Dollars (USD). Those which can be operated wirelessly start at approximately $30 USD.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.