P3D Re: Canon Rebel X Twin rig

[JNorman805@xxxxxxx]

PD writes:

<<Did you look for any kind of commercial "Y" cable 
 before making your own?>> 

Yes, but I couldn't find one.  I also searched in electronics stores for 
plugs to match the sockets on the Rebel X bodies, but gave up after being 
told in too many places that the sockets were proprietary and unique to 
Canon.  I don't know if that's still true.  Anyway, I finally gave up on 
trying to reinvent the wheel and bought the two Canon cables.  The Canon 
cables, if memory serves, have three conductors, one of which is the braided 
metallic sheathing just under the insulation covering.  Soldering is a little 
tricky, but I promise you, I'm not an electronics whiz, and if I can do it 
anyone can.
 
 <<Is this remote shutter the same one they sell for the newer Canon Rebel 
 cameras?>>  

I think so, but I haven't had occasion to go shopping for a new cable in the 
4 1/2 years since I did this, so I can't say for sure.
 
 <<Just one other question ... I've seen the Rebel 2000, but never actually 
 seen a Rebel X.  The Rebel 2000 struck me as very lightweight, which is 
 good.  However, I question how rugged the camera is for heavy use.  Any 
 comments on the Rebel X as far as weight and/or ruggedness? >>

The Rebel X is a lightweight, plastic bodied camera.  I have my cameras 
mounted vertically, to a wooden and aluminum frame between them, fastened by 
1/4 inch bolts into their tripod sockets.  I've never actually dropped my 
rig, and hope I never do, so I can't say how it will stand up to super abuse. 
 But I have gone canoing, kayaking, and sailing with it.  I try to keep it 
dry, but occasionally it gets hit with spray.  I've always felt rather 
strongly that cameras are meant for recording the activities of the lives 
that we live, and if a camera meets a premature end, there's always a way to 
deal with it!  The main reason I like the Rebel X instead of its newer 
progeny is that it has no built in flash.  I just don't trust those popup 
flashes; even in the down position they don't strike me as a strong enough 
platform to mount anything in the hotshoe.  Also, I have no idea if they 
would synch as well as what I stumbled onto.

Good luck!

Jim Norman