Arduino Nikon Trigger

I’m not 100% on the use of this yet…. but in the simplest possible way, I can fire the D60 via Ethernet. Whilst playing about with the Arduino, Ethernet Shield and an IR LED, I’ve managed to slap together some code that fires the D60 ( and anything else that the ML-L3 remote can trigger ) in response to a network ping…

Additionally, this could be changed to… fire when a beam is broken, loud enough noise is detected, or in response to bright light… a cheap mans lightening trigger, or it could be set up for timelapse photography, i.e. a intervalometer, without having to tether it to a laptop.

Although the full Freeduino and Ethernet shield really is quite bulky, long with the 9v battery to be of any portable use, the arduino mini is smaller than the ML-L3 remote, and with some smaller batteries, i’m sure something more the size of a ‘clip on’ device could be achieved (without the RJ45 )  that could realistically be left attached to the camera grip whilst it was on a tripod etc.

I’ve not made any measurements as to the range of the diode, as it was only a quick mess around.. just thought i’d share it with anyone who cares !!

In the menu of the D60 ( should be similar on the D40[x] , it also works on the higher end cameras, but the process will be different),  go to ‘Custom Setting Menu’ and select item 12 “AE-L/AF-L” and set it to ‘AF-ON’.

From the same menu, choose option 3 “AF-Area Mode” and set it “Single Area”

Now for the confusing part. stand a few feet away from something ( just to demonstrate this ), and press the AE-L/AF-L button on the back of the camera, the camera will spring into life and lock focus ( hopefully ).

Now, back away from the object you focused on, ensuring nothing is the ‘focus zone’ and whack the shutter release all the way, what do you mean nothing happened ?

If everything is OK, nothing should have happened, now, with the shutter still held down, walk towards whatever you focused on, once that object comes into focus, the shutter fires !

A few things to note, at least on the D40/D40x/D60, this needs an AF-S lens in “A”, or “M/A”, but not “M” manual focus, i’ve also not tested how this works with the nikon remote, or Camera Control Pro 2 ( I doubt CCP2 will work, but i’ll try)

Let me know how this works out for you and if you use it to get any good snaps !