EOS C80 remote port LANC compatibility

[KRAKAJ]

Hi everyone,

I’d like to use the 2.5 mm remote port on the Canon EOS C80 as a simple wired start/stop trigger.

My goal is very basic: I’d like to trigger recording from a button mounted on the tripod pan handle when working with telephoto lenses.

So I just need a simple push button (like a standard 2.5 mm remote shutter cable or a LANC controller, e.g. LanParte LANC), no gimbal or advanced controller.

However, a standard 2.5 mm remote button does NOT work.

I previously had a Canon EOS C100 Mark II, and it worked perfectly with a simple LANC start/stop button, so I was expecting similar behavior.

So my question is:
is this port actually compatible with LANC, or does it require a specific Canon protocol or accessory?

Has anyone managed to get a simple wired start/stop button working on the C80?

Thanks!

[AtticusLake]

Sadly, all I can say is that I also had no luck using a wired controller.  You can see my review of the C80, where I discuss this at 14:27: https://vimeo.com/1052645939?fl=pl&fe=vl

The good news is that you can use browser remote.  It's a bit of a faff to set up, but it runs on any device with a web browser -- like, but not necessarily, your phone -- and it doesn't need you to install an add-on app.  And of course it's wireless, and you get a live view as well as full control over start/stop, settings, etc.  Clamping your phone to your tripod should be easy enough; I use my phone on a tripod, with a cheapo phone clamp, as you can see in that video.

[KRAKAJ]

Many thanks for your response! I was afraid we would have no luck with a wired controller.

It’s quite frustrating that Canon has dropped the LANC protocol, which worked perfectly on older models.

Also, the lack of even a small EVF on their newer cinema cameras is a real shame.

As for the browser remote, it’s simply too complicated for my needs — I have no chance of using it reliably in the field (wetlands, woods, etc.).

Thanks again for your help.

[kvbarkley]

Did you try to set it to "standard" remote mode?

[AtticusLake]

Mine is on "standard".  It doesn't help.

However, thinking about those cheesy one-button wired remotes, it seems to me that they aren't actually LANC controllers -- they just short two wires, or something, to trigger the camera.  I guess the C80 isn't looking at that?  The C80 manual is totally hopeless here -- what the heck is "commercially available remote controls" supposed to mean?

The manual doesn't mention LANC at all.  Maybe because Sony invented it?  So I don't know if the C80 uses LANC, but I guess I'll find out.  I've ordered an actual LANC controller, and we'll see if that works.  Gets here Tuesday.

[KRAKAJ]

Oh, thanks — yes, I set it to “Standard”, but nothing happens. It’s a bit ridiculous when they say “use commercially available remotes” and then there is no such stuff out there. I got exactly the same reply from Canon service here in Italy when I asked about it. Pretty bad, in my opinion.

[KRAKAJ]

Oh, let's hope it will work - let me know, please. Mine one-button Lanparte (which was fine on Eos C100 mkII) doesn't fire with c80...  

[AtticusLake · Accepted solution]

It works!

I'm fairly gobsmacked, but it actually works -- at least to start & stop video.  So I guess it's as I surmised, the simple one-button controllers aren't LANC, and don't work; but an actual LANC controller does.  Or, at least, the one I got does.

The "REMOTE Term" mode (wrench menu, page 1) is set to "standard".

The device I got is "Hanpusen Camcorder Zoom Controller Remote with LANC(2.5mm) Jack" (see listing pic).  It has buttons for power, stull picture, movie start/stop, and zoom in/out.

• The movie start/stop button works!
• The still picture button does not.  (Boo.)
• I have no way to test the zoom buttons, as I have no power zoom lens.
• The power button puts the camera in standby mode, and takes it back out again.  I didn't even know the C80 had a standby mode -- this is to all intents the same as "off", but the power switch is still in the on position.

Anyhow, for the OP's purpose, this seems fine.  The incorporated clamp looks good, and opens to over 30mm, so it should work on tripod legs etc.

 

[KRAKAJ]

Great!  Thank you, I'll try to find one. There are too many buttons (the standby one is a dangerous one) but surely better than nothing. Thanks again and have a good day!