Promote Systems Promote Control
Promote Control from Promote Systems is an advanced remote control for digital SLR cameras that replaces other manufacturer's remote control devices. It allows the doors for your creativity to open with its superior automation and intuitive ease of use. The Promote provides flexibility for exposure bracketing commonly used to create HDR (High Dynamic Range) images which reveal stunning detail and tonal range.
One of the most useful features of the Promote Control is an advanced Time-Lapse mode normally found only in middle to high end professional DSLR cameras. With the Promote, time-lapse photography with any camera is supported including affordable entry level DSLRs.
This highly customizable device can be calibrated to match your personal preferences. Moreover, the device's firmware is upgradeable, so it will stay up-to-date with the latest functionality and enhanced capabilities of future camera models.
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The Promote Control is compatible with digital cameras supporting an industry standard PTP/MTP protocol for controlling camera functions over USB interface.
Just a few supported cameras include, but are in no way limited to:
- Nikon:
- D3, D3X, D2X, D2Xs, D2H, D2Hs, D200, D300, D300s, D700, D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D3100, D7000
- Canon:
- 1D, 1Ds Mk II, 1D Mk III, 1Ds Mk III, 1D Mk IV, 5D, 5D Mk II, 7D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 300D, 350D, 400D, 450D, 500D, 1000D
Canon 300D, 350D, 10D, 20D, 5D, 1D/1Ds Mk I and 1D/1Ds Mk II cameras are not supported in HDR mode. Only basic operations such as One-Shot, Time-Lapse and Manual Hold are available on these cameras, and would require a CN3 cable (not included) to be connected. For Canon 400D, 450D, 500D, 1000D, 60D cameras, a CN2 cable (not included) is required. Other Canon cameras listed above are fully supported, including HDR mode.
On Canon 5D Mk II and 7D the longest automatic HDR exposure is limited to 30 seconds due to mechanical Bulb mode activation. A future Promote Control firmware update will prompt to activate Bulb mode manually as required. At this time using a higher ISO setting is recommended with Canon 5D Mark II and 7D if an exposure longer than 30 seconds is required in HDR mode.
- Replaces and extends manufacturer-specific remote controls
- Promote Control can automatically put the camera into Bulb mode when performing bracketed exposures longer than 30 seconds The resulting images can be processed in a software application of choice to create a highly realistic image with a wide tonal range. 1
- It has an advanced easy-to-configure Time-Lapse mode with optional sequence start delay
- The Promote Control can be programmed to perform a fully automatic, user-defined, delay for Mirror lock-up before every picture is taken. Locking the mirror before taking a picture gives a tripod-based camera the ultimate stability required to take a perfectly sharp photograph.
- Promote Control has an improved user interface featuring flexible user-definable settings
- A passive camera pre-focus and release functionality remains as a backup even when the remote control is out of power
- A multi-tone audible feedback mode can be engaged on the Promote Control
- The device uses large, easy-to-read liquid crystal display featuring a RGB backlight of variable intensity
- The device has a weather-resistant design for water and dust resiliency
- The Promote Control is powered by 2 AA batteries, the most easily obtainable power source
- It has an external DC power jack for timing very long exposures for astrophotography and other similar applications
- Device firmware updates can be applied from a personal computer via USB interface
| Camera Control | Advanced USB camera control protocol |
| Operation Modes |
One Shot Time-lapse HDR Manual Hold |
| Display | Monochrome with variable intensity RGB backlight |
| Weather Resistance | Membrane-covered keypad is weather resistant 1-20 sec |
| Mirror Lock-Up |
Yes, shutter cable required (not included)
1
Please Note:Mirror lock-up feature is subject to be supported by the camera, and requires using an optional shutter cable. close |
| Power | 2 x AA batteries (Alkaline, Manganese or Ni-MH) |
| Battery Life | Approx. 20 - 40 hr |
| Cable Length | 3.3' (1 m) |
| Dimensions | Size: Approx. 4.9 x 2.6 x 1.1" (125 x 65 x 27mm) |
| Weight | Approx. 5.5 oz (156 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 34 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (28)
- Lightweight (22)
- Durable (15)
- Reliable (14)
- Compact (4)
Cons
- Pricey / poor value (3)
Best Uses
- Landscape photography (20)
- Travel (10)
- HDR (6)
- HDR photography (6)
- Macro photography (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (14), Semi-professional (11), Professional (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (30)
Most Liked Positive Review
Nice Addition to HDR Photography
I bought this remote principally to be used while taking HDR images.You do not need this remote to take HDR photos, but you will thank yourselffor having bought it after you use it.Canon cameras will...Read complete review
I bought this remote principally to be used while taking HDR images.You do not need this remote to take HDR photos, but you will thank yourselffor having bought it after you use it.Canon cameras will only auto-bracket one stop either way of the "normal" exposure. Sometimes this is ok, but when you need more than one stop either way of normal you have to go back in and fuddle with the menu. Again, if you don't mind that process more power to you but, I just used this taking photos of Christmas lights; having not to repeatedly take off my gloves to manipulate the controls was very nice.An even more important consideration is that this remote will override the cameras shutter controls so that you are not limited by the mere 3 exposures at a time (for Canon anyway). To be honest, I'm not sure how many you can set it for; I've done nine at a time.A feature that also is a great help is mirror lock up. Go to their web site to see if this function will work with your camera. Most of the newer ones are covered, but check to be sure if this is a selling point for you.It' best feature, which is also just a natural part of the HDR process, is just slowing down to take a shot. You have to use your lens in manual; set the shot; take the time to get an accurate meter read and then set the info into the remote.It reminds me of shooting large format. I'm so tired of hearing people judge the process on speed. How fast a computer, camera or software is. IT"S ALL A MILLION TIMES FASTER THAN IT USE TO BE!Anyone of you who has ever shot film, processed it yourself (or farmed it out) and printed it in your darkroom has no right to complain about speed when it comes to taking, editing and printing digital images. It would take you days to achieve some of the effects produced to-day in minutes.So if you shoot HDR, or want to begin, I really believe, especially if your camera is hampered by limited AEB, that you will find the purchase of this device worthy of your investment.Again, they have a nice web site check it out first I'm sure it will help in your decision to purchase. [@]
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Solid built, not easy to set up,.
Mostly landscape pictures.
Mostly landscape pictures.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 34 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
This product removes the three bracket limitation of the Canon 5D MKII. Especially useful for HDR.
This is not a plug and play device. Follow the instruction and you will be up and running in very little time.
Customer Service at Promote Systems are easy to deal with and quick to respond.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
Bought this to do HDR shots and it performs as advertised. Getting 9 (or more) bracketed shots is a breeze -- something you just can't do in-camera (I'm shoot with a 5DII). It's extremely fast and easy to set up and performs great. Use it also for time lapse (star trails) and as a basic remote trigger.
Only downside - and it's relatively minor - is that you need two cables for it to function as I want it to -- a USB/miniUSB for the basic controls and cable release for triggering focus. Having the two cables combined with the size of the unit itself makes it a bit clunky hanging from your camera off the tripod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
I shoot with a Nikon D7000, and although it supports exposure bracketing, the number of exposures supported by the camera (max of 3) is not always sufficient for HDR photography. The Promote Control is the perfect solution. You can program it to shoot up to 99 exposures (though you will never need more than 9) at an exposure step of your choosing. Easy to set up. Easy to use. Very nice product. Has many additional features that I don't use (yet), but it's a 5-star product based on the HDR control alone.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Interiors
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
I use the promote with my Canon T3. The learning curve was not in the manual and I am sure that there are similar issues with other cameras. Two items not mentioned with my Canon camera is that I cannot have Highlight Tone Priority on as it will cause missed shots. Also, Promote says not to have the AF on, use MF. That is correct. However, they also forgot to mention not to use Live View, otherwise you will get extra shots. Try using quick view. Sometimes my camera works with Mirror Lock up and sometimes it does not. I have not figured out why yet, so for now I simply do not use the mirror lock feature and it works fine. I'll normally take 9 exposures. Depending on the light I may increase the ISO to 400 from 200 and change the F-stop so that the total time is faster. I used to take 6 exposures, but had to change the settings after three and keep repeating. Takes to long and you always wonder did I take the other set or not, especially when doing 360VRTS. The Promote control makes it much easier. The simple shutter release for one shots is also a bonus when I am taking gigapan shots where only one shot is needed but the pano head needs to be moved after every shot.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast
- Lightweight
Cons
- Cost
Best Uses
- HDR
- Interval
- Long exposure
- Time Lapse
- Timer
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
This device is top of the line for any sequential shooting and delayed or long exposures. I would recommend getting the shutter cable for your camera in addition to the supplied USB cable.
In terms of functionality, it might be nice to add a sound trigger, or a beam trigger. Overall it does not leave much to be desired, and it works with most popular cameras out of the box.
It seems to be on par with a flash in terms of durability. It does not take up much room, and it will not weigh you down.
Promote Systems makes firmware updates easy, and they are fairly proactive in expanding the functionality of this platform.
I would like to see focus bracketing on the Nikon side, which may be on the way.
The only thing that could compete with this is Nikon Camera control, or some laptop based tethering software. In my opinion this dedicated lightweight tool wins hands down, unless you are reviewing images on the computer anyway.
I would buy this again.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
I am using HDR since a few years. I moved from D80 to the D3 family because it was a lot easier to use. It's not as fast as when I use a remote cable with the camera in Cl or Ch but it definitely has a place in my bag.
I have been able to setup this thing in a few minutes.
Great product
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Traveling
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
I've never heard before the OnOne Webinar about this useful gadget. My first thought was too much money for just an other "remote control". But now I know it is worth every Dollar. I use it to extend the poor EV range from my Canon 5D Mark II. With the Promote Controll I bought as recommended two additional shutter cables for Canon and Nikon. Since I have it it is always in my bag and I use it daily and there is no difference in using it with my Canon 5D mark II or my Nikon D700. I should haves bought it earlier!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- No mirror lockup
Best Uses
- All HDR shoots
- Time Lapse
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
If you've gotten into shooting HDR, then you've already discovered the limitations of the maximum EV range afforded by most Digital SLR cameras when it comes to Automatic Exposure Bracketing: EV-2, EV0, EV2.The Promote controller is essential in properly getting the scene's entire EV range in any EV step interval you like.Be sure to get the proper shutter release cable for your camera as using the USB cable alone will make communications slow. Also, get a fast compact flash card to see further speed benefits.The downsides to the unit - at least at present (7.6.2011) before another firmware update - the Promote doesn't allow the mirror lockup feature; i.e., like during LiveView on the Canon 40D when doing a burst of multiple exposures. The mirror flaps with each exposure, something that using only the camera's own AEB and LiveView (without the Promote) can be side stepped.The other issue, not particularly a downside, is what do you do with the thing tethered to your camera. For that, I made my own field bracket - here's my post on that: [@]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- A bit pricey
Best Uses
- HDR photography
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
Has been a great time saver for shooting HDR real estate photography. Expands the very limited AEB range on my Canon DSLR.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Traveling
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
I just got the Promote Control by Promote Systems but I can already tell it will be an indispensable tool for me. I like to shoot HDR and this tool makes it easy to shoot a bracketed series. I know my camera has the capability to bracket photos but the Promote seems to do a more accurate job of it. It also has the ability to take one single shot and to do time lapse exposures. Learning to use the Promote is easy. It comes with a very clear instruction manual. I went out on a 4 day photography trip to the Palouse right after my Promote arrived and it was in constant use over the weekend. My only regret was that I didn't purchase the optional holder that will attach to a tripod. That would have come in handy for my trip. I would also recommend purchasing the optional AC adapter if you plan on doing time lapse.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
Mostly landscape pictures.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Needs Promote cable
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Traveling
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
If you do HDR and are a Canon user this is the product to have. I use this device to take multiple exposures for HDR photos. Because Canon limits me to 3 exposures in AEB I love this product. I will take 9 to 11 exposures thought you can certainly go higher if you wish. It is easy to use and just requires a tripod. I would definitely recommend the shutter cable made my Promote Systems. It is inexpensive and makes the whole process much easier. I wish I had known about this cable when I ordered the Promote Control as after it arrived I realized I needed the shutter cable and had to go back and order it. Now I have it and I am delighted.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Traveling
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
Great remote..makes HDR and exposures over 30 seconds piece of cake...using on 7d
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast to program in HDR
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- HDR
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
I have not tested all the function of the device, but for HDR control you could not ask for more. One word of caution. The kit does not contain the shutter release cable. You need to buy one the get the full power of the release.
The Nikon release does not do 1/3 of this release.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
This remote is easy to use and very versatile. The setting are intuitive and easy to adjust in the field.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- HDR photography
- Landscape Photography
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
I saw a video about this product on YouTube and I fell in love. I've been shooting HDRs with Canon cameras for several years but their 3-stop auto-bracketing limitation forces you to shoot HDRs manually. This product does exactly what it says it will do and it does it great! My only complaints are with the case and the neck strap. The case will hold the Promote control perfectly but when you add the two cables you end up with a bulged up mess. I actually bought a slightly larger case to accommodate the unit and the cables. As for the strap, it connects to the unit via a very thin cord that seems very fragile. I don't trust it!!! I feel like it's going to break and my $300+ investment will go crashing against the floor.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Productivity time saver
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- HDR photography
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
This product is something I've needed for some time. I found out about it on a webinar for OnOne software. I take stained glass photography in churches which is exclusively done in HDR. Many cameras do not allow AEB for more than three stops and with this product I can set it for as many as I want without having to manually figure figure it out. Saves time and productivity is improved immensely. I don't have to TOUCH or change the camera settings and I can lock up the mirror automatically. Mine is a UNIQUE situation and this product is worth gold to me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Traveling
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
Picked this up to overcome the three-exposure AEB limit on Canon DSLRs. I do a lot of HDR and wanted to streamline the process. This works very well right out of the box. Lots of other options as well, but I haven't had a chance to explore those very much.
Minor nits: it comes with a very nice little zipper case, but there's no room for the cables. They should have made it a bit larger. Also, if you use an L bracket, the USB connector is not a right-angle design, pretty much preventing you from clamping the bracket in the portrait orientation. I'm on the hunt for a better alternative.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
HDR Photography
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- HDR photography
Comments about Promote Systems Promote Control:
This unit is invaluable if you own a Canon DSLR and you want to or are currently shooting HDR images...easy to learn and use...the amount of information I now get from the bracket sequence reflects in the final tonemapped image...if your serious about shooting HDR images..it's the best [$] you'll ever spend...my 50D is a whole new camera..
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
-
- Original: $13.99
- Save: $1.40
- Price: $12.59
Addittional Cables
- Price: $18.95
Cable & Cable Management
-
- Original: $44.95
- Save: $4.49
- Price: $40.46
What's in the Box
- Camera Connection USB Cable
- Firmware Update USB Cable
- User Manual
- Carrying Case
- Neck Strap
- 2 x AA Alkaline Batteries
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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