How to Control Your Sony a7 III with a Remote Control
In an article published in January 2019, I discussed my love affair with Samsung's NX series cameras. However, after completing countless photo projects with the NX 1 and NX 500, I realized that two points bothered me the most: ISO performance and autofocus capabilities.
Why I Made the Switch
Indeed, beyond 5000 ISO, the photos produced by these two Samsung cameras were difficult to use even when reducing noise in Lightroom. As for autofocus, it didn't always detect subjects' faces and struggled significantly in burst mode under low light conditions. That's when the Sony a7 III began to pique my interest...
It was while reading numerous tests on the web that I came across the a7 III. The glowing reviews about it, particularly regarding its autofocus (Eye AF and low-light capabilities), finally convinced me to try it in the store and buy it.
Paired with the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens, this camera body is a little marvel! I can now focus on composition without having to worry about the position of the AF points. One of my favorite features is the ability to take photos silently (Silent Shooting)... ideal for capturing emotions while remaining discreet 🙂
Which Remote Control Should You Buy?
There are two ways to control your a7 III remotely: either with your phone through Sony's Imaging Edge Mobile app, or with a physical remote control. Personally, I prefer using a real remote control as it's more practical and less likely to run out of battery when it's time to take photos.
However, these two Sony models are relatively expensive in my opinion (around $30 for the RMTDSLR2 and $70 for the RMT-P1BT). It was on Amazon that I found THE remote control with unbeatable value for money: the TOOGOO(R).
This costs only $2 (shipping included) and includes a CR-2025 battery. This infrared remote is wonderfully simple with its two unique buttons allowing you to trigger the shutter immediately or after 2 seconds.
Remote Control Options for Sony a7 III
RMTDSLR2 (Infrared)
Price: ~$30 | Type: Infrared | Range: ~5 meters
Sony's official infrared remote with basic shutter control functions.
RMT-P1BT (Bluetooth)
Price: ~$70 | Type: Bluetooth | Range: ~10 meters
Sony's premium Bluetooth remote with advanced controls and longer range.
TOOGOO(R) (Infrared) - My Choice
Price: ~$2 (including shipping) | Type: Infrared | Range: ~5 meters
Includes: CR-2025 battery | Functions: Immediate trigger + 2-second delay
This perfectly meets my needs, whether for my group photos (range of about 5 meters maximum) or during my long exposures on a tripod in the mountains. The only criticism I could make concerns the quality of the infrared signal; you need to properly orient the remote toward the camera's infrared receiver (just above the lens mount) to take the photo.
Setting Up Remote Control on Sony a7 III
Triggering the a7 III remotely with a physical remote is not very complicated. To make your task easier, I've prepared a small illustrated step-by-step guide below 😉
Important Setup Note
Make sure your camera firmware is up to date for optimal remote control compatibility. The infrared receiver is located just above the lens mount on the front of the camera body.
Controlling the Sony a7 III with a Remote Control
- Turn on the camera and the remote control (if it has an ON/OFF button);
- Press the MENU button on the camera body;
- Go to page 3/7 of the "Setup" section;
- Scroll down to the "IR Remote Control" line and set it to ON.
There you have it! You can now use your a7 III with a remote control! A small icon symbolizing a remote control appears on the main screen, confirming that infrared remote communication is working.
Practical Applications
The remote control functionality opens up numerous creative possibilities:
- Self-portraits and group photos: Perfect for including yourself in landscape shots or family portraits
- Long exposure photography: Eliminates camera shake when shooting waterfalls, night skies, or light trails
- Wildlife photography: Trigger the camera from a distance without disturbing subjects
- Time-lapse sequences: Consistent triggering for interval shooting
- Macro photography: Avoid vibrations when shooting extreme close-ups
Pro Tips for Remote Photography
- Line of sight: Ensure clear line of sight between remote and camera's IR receiver
- Battery backup: Always carry spare CR-2025 batteries for long shooting sessions
- Focus first: Set your focus before activating remote mode, as the remote only controls the shutter
- Exposure settings: Use manual or aperture priority mode to maintain consistent exposure
"The Sony a7 III's combination of excellent low-light performance, reliable autofocus, and simple remote control setup makes it an ideal camera for serious landscape and portrait photography work."
This budget-friendly remote solution has been invaluable for my photography work. Whether I'm capturing the golden hour in the Swiss Alps or shooting corporate portraits in challenging lighting conditions, the ability to trigger the camera remotely while maintaining full control over composition has enhanced both the technical quality and creative possibilities of my work.
The transition from Samsung NX to Sony a7 III, combined with the right accessories like this simple remote control, represents a significant upgrade in terms of shooting flexibility. For any photographer considering the a7 III, investing in a reliable remote control—even a budget option like the TOOGOO(R)—is essential for maximizing the camera's potential.
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