Remote Control Video Operation for the Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Updated: Jun 28, 2021
By G Bruce Grayson | EIVisuals.com
May 15th, 2021
@ei_visuals_com
Has any of these situations ever happened to you?
Scenario #1:
You are at a video shoot where you’ve at least two cameras for recording,(Your main and B-roll cameras). Unless you have another person assisting, you can only turn them on and off one at a time. Depending on how far apart the cameras are, this could cause a significant time delay between both cameras and possible syncing issues while editing.
Scenario #2:
You’ve got a camera on a rig, positioned for a particular shot and/or angle which makes it difficult for you to reach or have access to the camera’s controls. If you are able to get to the controls, you run the risk of disturbing the shot/angle that you’ve created and then having to start all over again.
Scenario #3:
You are using your gimbal for some action shots and trying to turn the camera on/off while trying to film, due to the movement of the camera on the gimbal, it is very difficult to push the (tap the screen) button to turn the camera (phone) on/off.
These have happened to me at one time or another and it’s frustrating. After doing all the prep, only to realize that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, had a remote on/off feature built into the camera.
So after doing some serious, intense online YouTube research, I came across just a handful of “How-to” videos, on how to use Canon’s remote on/off operation for the EOS 6D MkII. Some of them did work but when I would start over from scratch, just to make sure that it would work consistently, they often failed the test and could not rely on them for shoots.
I even checked Canon’s own “Basic Instruction Manual” for information and instructions on how to operate the unit in remote control mode. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the manual for remote operations. But under the manual’s Wireless Communications section, it does detail how to connect the camera to several wireless devices. So, with the ability to use Canon’s Wi-fi features, I was able to figure out a stable sequence to use their “Remote On/Off” feature.
Below, are the steps used to enable remote operations for toggling the video feature, for the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, on and off. Once you’ve turned on the camera, hit the “Menu” button to start the process. You will also need a remote to activate the feature. Canon has the RC-6 remote controller but for this demo, the Aodelan BR-E1A remote was used.
* Before you begin, please make sure the camera is in video mode.
1. Go to “Wireless Communication Settings”, under the Yellow Wrench symbol in the 3rd menu. Hit the <SET> button on the wheel.
2. Scroll down and select “Clear Settings” and hit “Ok” to “Reset all wireless settings to defaults.”
3. After all the settings have been reset, go to the “Bluetooth Function” and select it.
4. Highlight the “Bluetooth Function – Disable” and hit <SET> and scroll down to "Remote" and hit <SET>.
5. The next screen will let you know how to enter a unique “Nickname” for the camera or use the default name given.
6. Then hit <OK> to start. Enter a new name or use the default.
7. Once the New or Default “Nickname” is done, hit the <MENU OK> button on the screen.
8. On the next screen, you’ll be asked to save the new or default Nickname. Hit <OK>
9. Then n the “Bluetooth Function” menu, scroll down and select the “Pairing” option.
10. The system will now prompt you to engage in the pairing process using your remote wireless device fob.
11. If everything went okay, you will get a new screen that says “Paired with” the successfully paired numerical confirmation number. Then hit <OK>.
12. To test, set your camera up as though you will manually start recording, using the <START/STOP> button but instead of hitting the <START/STOP> button, use your remote. If all goes well, the <RED> record light will show in the upper right corner of the view screen. Instructions for pairing the remote to the camera should come with the remote you've chosen.
* Below is the step-by-step slideshow of the images to show each step of the way.